Ever been picked last for a team? Felt like the odd one out because you were different? That's how a lot of us feel in today's world, and it's not just about skin colour anymore. It's about feeling like your voice doesn't matter, like you're being left out of the conversation. And guess what? That feeling is fuelling the rise of the far left, creating even more division.
I’ve been there. Growing up as a Geordie Asian lad, I was often the only brown face in the room. I was told my accent wouldn’t get me anywhere, that I needed to change who I was to fit in. But I learned that my unique background wasn’t a weakness, it was my superpower. It allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life, to build bridges where others saw barriers.
Today, as a business leader, I see the same struggle playing out in companies around the world. We’re told that diversity is important, but often it feels like a box-ticking exercise. We hire people who look different, but we don’t always create a culture where they feel safe to speak up, to challenge the status quo, to bring their whole selves to work.
And it’s not just about race or gender. It’s about class, background, neurodiversity, and a whole host of other factors that make us who we are. It’s about recognising that everyone has something valuable to contribute, even if they don’t fit the mould.
We fail to consider the majority in our decisions or focus exclusively on the minority, marginalising our main stakeholders. I am truly concerned for white young boys and middle-aged white men, who’s capability, credibility and commitment are being questioned through the diversity and inclusion initiatives.
The truth is, we’re all sick of the tick-box approach to diversity and inclusion. It’s time for a new way of thinking, one that embraces our differences and sees them as strengths, not weaknesses. That’s why we developed the Inclusive Innovation Framework, a model that goes beyond tokenism and creates a truly inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and heard.
This isn’t just about being nice or doing the right thing. It’s about unleashing the full potential of your workforce. Companies with diverse leadership are 70% more likely to capture new markets. Inclusive workplaces are six times more likely to be innovative and agile.
But here’s the kicker: we can’t achieve true inclusion if we silence those who disagree with us. The rise of the far left has created a climate of fear, where people are afraid to speak their minds for fear of being “cancelled.” This is not the way forward.
We need to create spaces where everyone feels safe to express their views, even if we don’t agree with them. We need to listen with empathy, challenge our own biases, and find common ground. Only then can we build a truly inclusive society where everyone has a seat at the table.
So, let’s ditch the tick boxes and embrace real inclusion. Let’s celebrate our differences, learn from each other, and build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. And it’s the only way we’ll create a world where everyone feels like they belong, where we are awake rather than a woke!
Interested in joining our Inclusion by Default Campaign to help make the North East the most inclusive region in the UK by the end of 2025? Where everyone, including white young boys and white men have a voice, then please reach out.
Ammar Mirza CBE is Chair & Founder of Asian Business Connexions, Chair of the NELEP Business Growth Board, Honorary Colonel of 101 Regiment RA and holds various positions across the public and private sectors.