In the world of diversity and inclusion, there are leaders who make a big difference. Dr. Sheila Robinson is one of those leaders. She is well-known for her work in publishing, writing best-selling books about leadership, giving inspiring talks, and helping companies find new talent.
As the driving force behind Diversity Woman Media, Dr. Robinson has emerged as a trailblazer in advancing all dimensions of diversity and inclusion (D&I). Her company is nationally recognized as a leading multi-platform enterprise, offering innovative programs that propel organizations toward gender parity, equity, and belonging.
With a comprehensive blend of academic prowess and practical expertise, Dr. Robinson assists leading companies in catalyzing cultural transformation. Drawing upon her own ascent from the factory floor to the executive suite during her 14-year tenure at a Fortune 100 company, she combines personal experience with evidence-based workplace insights to guide organizations toward success.
Dr. Robinson’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Overcoming formidable obstacles as an African-American businesswoman in the South, she defied the odds to ascend to the pinnacle of corporate leadership. Her experiences fueled a profound desire to empower other aspiring leaders, spurring the creation of Diversity Woman Media as a platform for driving meaningful change.
For over two decades, Dr. Robinson’s visionary leadership has propelled Diversity Woman Media into a multifaceted enterprise, delivering tangible business results through diversity, inclusion, and talent development initiatives. Her unwavering dedication to championing underrepresented voices and fostering inclusive environments has left an indelible mark on the corporate world, inspiring leaders to embrace diversity as a driver of innovation and success.
Breaking Barriers
After spending 15 years in corporate America and encountering obstacles for women, especially women of color and Black women, Dr. Robinson felt compelled to initiate a program aimed at offering ideas, solutions, and resources to help women from diverse backgrounds overcome these barriers. She observed a lack of business magazines catering specifically to women, while there were numerous publications targeting men. Dr. Robinson’s background in marketing communications and her passion for media motivated her to address these disparities through publications and events, aiming to empower women of all races, cultures, and backgrounds in their professional endeavors.
Certified Expertise
Dr. Robinson has authored three books: “Lead by Example: An Insider’s Look at How to Successfully Lead in Corporate America and Entrepreneurship” (2014), “Your Tool Kit for Success: The Professional Woman’s Guide for Advancing to the C-Suite” (2017), and “Redefining Your Life D.I.E.T.: Transform How You Look, Feel and Perform” (2021).
She is actively involved with influential organizations dedicated to fostering equity, equality, and inclusive workplaces. These include Paradigm for Parity (Advisory Board Member), Catalyst (Strategic Business Partner), Executive Leadership Council (Media Partner), Women’s Business Collaborative (WBC – Diversity Council), Twitter (Member, Inclusion Diversity Council), and Simmons College Institute for Inclusive Leadership (Board of Advisors).
Dr. Robinson holds certificates from Stanford University’s Professional Publishing Program (2007), Wharton’s School of Business Chief Learning Officer Program (2013), and Cornell University’s Diversity and Inclusion Program (2019). In 2017, she became a Certified Executive Coach and member of the International Coach Federation, advising CEOs, CDOs, and CHROs. Her insights have been featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes, Fortune, Entrepreneur, and Publishing Executive magazines.
Dr. Robinson earned both a Masters of Education and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
Diversity Woman Magazine
Dr. Robinson explains that Diversity Woman Magazine is a publication dedicated to offering ideas, solutions, and resources to women from various racial, cultural, and background perspectives. The magazine includes articles by experts in women’s leadership development and workplace equity, as well as insights from thought leaders who provide readers with new perspectives and practical advice. Additionally, the magazine features inspirational stories of women leaders, offering valuable insights on how readers can progress in their careers.
Empowering Women in Business
As the publisher of Diversity Woman Magazine, Dr. Robinson concentrates on business development, strategy, and sales. She collaborates directly with partnering companies that enlist the magazine as an external partner to aid them in achieving business outcomes through various programs.
Dr. Robinson expresses that it has been an honor and privilege to assist numerous women throughout her work. She feels fortunate that her role involves purposeful leadership. The most gratifying aspect for her is when they have been able to provide women with information, resources, job referrals, coaching, salary negotiation assistance, and more, ultimately aiding them in advancing to the highest level of success possible.
Advancing Women in Leadership
Dr. Robinson acknowledges that traditionally, companies have been male-dominated, particularly at the highest executive levels. However, there has been noticeable progress in recent decades in promoting more women to senior leadership roles within these organizations.
Despite this progress, studies continue to reveal an underrepresentation of women, particularly women of color, in leadership positions compared to their proportion in the overall workforce. Dr. Robinson attributes these challenges to factors such as unconscious biases, limited mentorship opportunities, and issues related to achieving work-life balance. She recognizes the need for ongoing efforts to address these barriers and create more equitable opportunities for female leaders to grow and thrive within the industry.
Role of the Founder & CEO in Business
Dr. Robinson shares the critical role of a Founder & CEO in shaping and executing business strategy, particularly in the early stages of a company. Here are some key reasons why this role is pivotal:
- Vision and Goals: The Founder & CEO typically establishes the company’s overall vision, mission, and long-term goals. Their strategic insights drive the direction and priorities of the company.
- Decision-Making Authority: As the top executive, the Founder & CEO holds ultimate decision-making authority on major strategic matters, such as market expansion, product development, and acquisitions.
- Resource Allocation: The Founder & CEO plays a vital role in allocating resources, including capital, personnel, and technology, to support the company’s strategic plans.
- Culture and Values: The Founder & CEO sets the tone for the company’s culture, values, and operating principles, which significantly influence strategic approaches and decision-making processes.
- External Representation: The Founder & CEO serves as the public face of the company, communicating its strategy to external stakeholders like investors, partners, and the media.
- Strategic Oversight: While specific strategic initiatives may be delegated to other executives or teams, the Founder & CEO maintains oversight to ensure alignment with the company’s overall strategic direction.
A Strategic Imperative
Dr. Robinson puts emphasis on the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion in the workforce to align with customers and communities. Here are several reasons why companies should prioritize diverse and inclusive environments:
- Talent Attraction and Retention: Cultivating strong diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) cultures helps companies attract and retain top talent.
- Regulatory Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Robust DEI initiatives assist organizations in complying with laws and regulations concerning equal opportunity, reducing legal risks.
- Social Responsibility and Ethics: Many companies view DEI as an ethical and socially responsible commitment to their employees, customers, and communities.
- Improved Innovation and Decision Making: Diversity fosters inclusive perspectives that enhance problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation within organizations.
- Business Performance: Companies with strong DEI cultures often outperform competitors in areas such as profitability and innovation, highlighting the tangible benefits of prioritizing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Demonstrating Value and Making a Positive Impact
Dr. Robinson’s favorite advice to aspiring visionaries centers around demonstrating value and making a positive impact within the organization. She emphasizes that the primary goal is to prove to the organization that they made the right choice in hiring you. This involves various aspects, starting from your attitude and behavior at work, including your emotional intelligence, engagement, ambition, and initiative.
Additionally, Dr. Robinson guides individuals to focus on making their boss’s job easier. This implies being proactive, reliable, and supportive, and actively contributing to the success of the team and the organization as a whole. By embodying these qualities and approaches, individuals can effectively demonstrate their worth and contribute to the overall success of the organization.
