In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli reconnects with his longtime friend Howard Ross, renowned thought leader and author of the acclaimed books Our Search for Belonging: How Our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart and Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives. With over 25 years of collaborating to help organizations foster inclusion, they have a powerful discussion on Ross' motivations for driving positive change, his wisdom on belonging versus polarization, and practical ways leaders can sustain diversity progress. Some Actionable Takeaways:- Hear Howard Ross' guidance to leaders in balancing employee belonging with complex stakeholder needs.- Discover how storytelling and sharing narratives can strengthen connections and understanding.- Find out Howard Ross' perspective on political polarization, social media impacts, and having courageous conversations across divides.- Get Howard Ross' advice on sustaining organizational diversity progress rather than short-lived reactions.Recommended Resources: - Our Search for Belonging: How Our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart by Howard Ross- Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives by Howard Ross - Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald -Partnering Leadership conversation with Howard Ross on his leadership journey Connect with Howard Ross:Howard Ross Website Howard Ross on LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website