In the quest to build high-performing, high-trust teams, the secret lies in one principle: always hire for excellence. While diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and demographics can enhance innovation and decision-making, it should never outweigh the fundamental need for A-players. Diversity is a strength when it aligns with excellence, not as an end in itself. As a six-time CEO with experience leading startups and growth companies, I’ve seen firsthand how hiring for Intelligence, Initiative, Integrity, and Intensity—or as some call it, Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence (MEI)—creates thriving teams and cultures. Embrace a welcoming, inclusive environment that nurtures talent from all backgrounds, but never sacrifice excellence in the name of diversity initiatives that dilute your team’s capabilities. Excellence isn’t just a hiring principle—it’s the foundation of success.

I am excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my journey from military leadership to consulting and coaching. My focus is on helping leaders and teams grow through resilience, emotional intelligence, and trust-based strategies, all of which guide my work today. Here is my biography.

Dr. Dan Milner, a renowned expert in infectious disease pathology and global health, has built a distinguished career combining his deep medical expertise with a passion for transformative healthcare leadership. With over two decades of experience and more than 150 publications, Dr. Milner has driven impactful initiatives worldwide, including the establishment of telepathology services in 16 countries and cancer diagnostic advancements across Africa. As a consultant and academic, his strategic vision and commitment to inclusive leadership have positioned him as a thought leader in medical advancements and global health outreach.

Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in technology projects is not just about ticking boxes—it’s a strategic necessity that fosters innovation, enhances team collaboration, and meets the evolving demands of a diverse customer base. In his thought leadership article, “Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Technology Projects: Addressing Generational Challenges,” Moeed Israr explores how senior executives can navigate the complexities of a multigenerational workforce to drive DEI initiatives effectively. By focusing on building inclusive cultures, understanding generational differences, and implementing strategies that promote equity and collaboration, executives can unlock the full potential of their teams and position their organizations for long-term success. This insightful piece also highlights best practices and case studies, offering a comprehensive roadmap for leaders looking to champion DEI in their technology projects.

I’m thrilled to share a bit about my professional journey as a transformation leader with a passion for driving impactful change across global organizations. Over the years, I've had the privilege of leading diverse teams across various industries, consistently turning vision into reality through strategic leadership, rigorous execution, and a deep commitment to innovation. Beyond my executive roles, I’m also an author and advocate for social causes, dedicated to fostering inclusive environments and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. My mission is to inspire and mobilize teams to achieve excellence and drive positive impact in everything we do.

Amy Hull is excited to share her journey and passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in her professional biography. From leading DE&I initiatives at Paycor, Inc. to founding Equity LDI, she has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive environments and driving meaningful change. Explore her story and join the conversation on creating equitable workplaces! #DEI #Leadership #Inclusion #EquityLDI #Diversity #CorporateLeadership

Building truly inclusive tech teams goes beyond traditional notions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) like gender, ethnic, racial, or religious diversity. The ultimate goal is to achieve diversity of thought, which drives innovation and problem-solving. This diversity of thought is often achieved by bringing together individuals with varied experiences, educational backgrounds, and perspectives. For instance, candidates from different schools, states, and academic rankings are more likely to offer a broader spectrum of ideas than those with similar backgrounds. Embracing non-traditional hiring practices, such as recruiting talent from diverse industries or training individuals from non-technical backgrounds, not only enhances team performance but also provides valuable opportunities to underrepresented communities. This approach creates a ripple effect, empowering individuals to earn livable wages, gain experience, and positively impact their socioeconomic future. The focus should be on the creative potential that diverse backgrounds bring, not just the categories they represent.