The Philosophy of
INVERSITY ™
INVERSITY is a New Approach to Diversity & Belonging Work.
IN
tentional
INVERSITY™ creates and supports brave environments to hold courageous conversations based on INtentional language, positive psychology and neuroscience.
IN
clusive
INVERSITY™ creates and supports brave environments to hold courageous conversations based on INtentional language, positive psychology and neuroscience.
IN
tentional
INVERSITY™ creates and supports brave environments to hold courageous conversations based on INtentional language, positive psychology and neuroscience.
IN
viting
INVERSITY™ training and workshops allow organizations to have conversations about DEI in a less threatening, more INviting, deeper and authentic manner.
IN
Common
INVERSITY™ shifts the focus from what separates and divides us to what we have
IN common, how we can be inclusive of each other—understanding our value, our worth and our connection to humanity.
IN
novative
INVERSITY™ expands the idea of diversity to include diversity of thought and ideas, where diverse voices engage in inclusive discourse, leading to
INnovative solutions and meaningful
INsights.
INVERSITY™ uniquely works by focusing on what unites
people rather than what divides them.
The 7 Pillars of INVERSITY™
The 7 Pillars oF INVERSITY™
The best way to change behavior is by working from the INside out.
Ignite a seismic shift that starts from within. This is not surface work, but transformational behavioral change that happens when the message reaches the core of one’s being, planting seeds of choice and desire to believe (and behave) differently.
Pillar 1: Actualization
Actualization means attaining and achieving with effort, skill or courage. Actualization is an essential component of success. When we work toward achieving self-actualization, we operate from a place of wholeness and confidence. Personal responsibility reigns supreme and replaces blame, judgment and emotional paralysis. Actualization paves the way for an empowering environment of learning, creativity and ideas.
Pillar 2: Awareness
Awareness reveals the unseen. We don’t know what we don’t know until we are aware. Awareness casts light on the shadows of negative thoughts, concepts and actions. It illuminates the pathway for understanding, connection, collaboration and unity and dissolves ignorance, ambiguity and confusion. From a state of awareness comes discernment, truth and new perspectives which prompts our reality to change for the better.
Pillar 3: Reception
Reception is an openness to growth and learning. When we are open to receive new information—whether it's in the form of education, praise or constructive criticism— we gain knowledge and skill. For example, when a broadcast tower has good reception, the signal is clear. When we have reception and clarity, we can effectively broadcast the signals of a healthy corporate culture.
Pillar 4: Courage
The root of the word courage is cor, which means heart. Operating from heart and courage is what transforms workplaces rooted in fear into cultures that promote acceptance, benevolence and harmony. Having courage means boldly showing up as your true self and listening and operating confidently—not just from the head, but also from the heart.
Pillar 5: Grace
Grace is closely related to “kindness”, elegance and gentility. Grace allows for uncomfortable conversations and moments to pass without permanence. It is a gift that when given to others, it improves relationships and creates the space for the first 4 pillars to continue working together: Actualization, Awareness, Reception and Courage.
Pillar 6: Energy
Energy is all around us. It permeates and is imprinted people, life forms, objects, physical spaces and locations. Just like in the laws of physics, we have the ability to proactively charge energy from negative to positive. With practice and application, we can channel this energy and create successful workspaces.
Pillar 7: Conscious Communication
When people can speak openly, articulate ideas and listen actively, each person in a conversation, classroom, community and organization is seen and heard. Most importantly, Conscious Communication allows for an intentional exchange of dialogue and ideas that aren't dismissed, but are inclusive of all who are part of the conversation. Conscious Communication demands and commands a brave space, which must be rooted in Actualization, Awareness, Reception, Courage, Grace and Positive Energy.
INVERSITY™ is a new way to Think. Feel. Learn.Create.line
THINK.
INVERSITY™ is a new way to think— a new way to analyze best practices and conceptualize innovative solutions to effectively address issues and conduct dialogue around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). INVERSITY™ generates maximum positive outcomes for everyone participating in the conversation.
INVERSITY™ challenges the outdated narrative of labels, pigeonholing and stereotyping to invite critical thought and a return to the principles of great minds like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Wayne Dyer and the father of positive psychology Dr. Martin Seligman.
FEEL.
Checking in with our emotions around DEI is of the utmost importance. Like it or not, this is a highly charged and deeply emotional topic. All the facts and figures, stats and metrics do not supersede the emotions that are inextricably intertwined with someone’s personal experience.
By dismissing the emotions this topic evokes we are kidding and depriving ourselves of the most basic human needs of self-expression. We must provide a psychologically safe environment for all to express their feelings. This is what INVERSITY™ provides in the middle of such a sensitive and loaded conversation.
LEARN.
INVERSITY™ is about learning new aspects of ourselves and new ways to communicate, interpret and engage with our fellow human beings. Learning and evolving is to be celebrated and not feared. This is why psychologists are (and will always be) conducting research and studies on the human psyche and behaviors.
We are ever-evolving beings, not monoliths as certain sectors of society would like us to believe. There is always something to learn about ourselves and others.
CREATE.
INVERSITY™ grants us the opportunity to create new and stronger connections between one another. Unlike what others may believe, there is no script, formula or protocol to forge relationships out of love, respect, noble compassion and conscious empathy.
Let’s ignite a seismic shift that starts from within. Not surface work, but transformational behavioral change that happens when the message reaches the core of one’s being, planting seeds of choice and desire to believe (and behave) differently.
This is the environment and experience that INVERSITY™ creates — to allow others
their own unique opportunity to create and transform their outer world from within.
The Voices of Society Are Loud
Be careful who you listen to. Many of today’s well-intentioned movements have been hijacked to create division and hate.
As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
What INVERSITY™ is NOT
INVERSITY™ is not about ignoring or dismissing issues of bias, conscious or unconscious.
INVERSITY™ is not about promoting a philosophy that perpetuates the “blame or shame” game.
INVERSITY™ certainly does not propagate the narrative of "victims and villains" (that is limited thinking; and one that disempowers those who need empowerment the most).
INVERSITY™ is about maximizing positive outcomes for everyone participating in the conversation.
Because MAYBE we've been doing DEI all wrong.
1
With traditional DEI training, we've been working from the outside in.
When it comes to behavioral change, the least effective approaches involve fear, guilt or regret.
4
The best way to change behavior is by working from the INside out.
Experts agree that long-lasting change is most likely when it's self-motivated and rooted in positive psychology.
4
Naturally, you’ve heard the old saying, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.”
So let’s stop shaming people because it’s not getting us anywhere—and only creates more division. This is exactly why traditional DEI doesn’t work long-term.
KEYNOTE SPEAKING & WORKSHOPS
For over a decade, Karith has given presentations and training at corporations like The Estée Lauder Companies, Berkshire Hathaway companies, and Bristol-Myer Squibb, academic institutions such as Stanford, MIT, Harvard and training associations like SHRM, CTIA and the US Chamber of Commerce.
LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLES
Uncover the immense potential of Leadership Roundtables, a collection of dynamic facilitated discussions and planning sessions, equipping leaders to evaluate their progress, advance DEIB efforts and create a C.A.R.E. Culture within their organizations.
ONLINE LEARNING
Access online learning and real tools to navigate the sensitive and ever-evolving landscape of diversity. INVERSITY™ offers seven online learning modules with engaging supplemental activities designed for introspection and reflection.
"We think DEI work is a two-way street when it’s actually a six-lane highway."
Karith Foster
Discover what INVERSITY™ can do
for your organization.
Large Call to Action Headline
Karith Foster Has Been Featured In...
"Her approach allows everyone ‘to make mistakes, say the wrong thing sometimes and be able to correct it.’
‘It’s not about being right or wrong but understanding when bias comes into play.’”
THE NEW YORK TIMES
IT'S NOT HARD WORK;
IT'S HEART WORK.
Footnotes:
* According to 129 studies and a British research group.
1- Diversity training doesn’t work. We’ve been going about DEI all wrong: https://heterodoxacademy.org/blog/diversity-training-doesnt-work-this-might/
2 - Humor is linked to reward processing: http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v4/n3/abs/nn0301_237.html
3 - Dopamine is linked to motivation and long-term memory: https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn1406
4 - According to 129 studies and a British research group.
What is INVERSITY™?
INVERSITY™ takes the "division" out of traditional DEI programming by offering a truly INclusive way to communicate, learn, and create an environment vital to an organization's success.
INVERSITY™ accomplishes this mission by creating and supporting brave environments to hold courageous conversations based on intentional language, positive psychology and neuroscience.
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INVERSITYTM is a trademark of Inversity Solutions, LLC