'Ben Thinking' for the week of 01.27

 DEI has been on my mind for the past few months.

I have had a difficult time summing up why. Was it because of all the time and energy that so many have put into establishing strong programs these past five years? Maybe it’s because we’ve seen companies move on from their programs. But then I came across this article in HBR that nailed it for me: What Comes After DEI?

As I’ve openly talked about, I have a diversity mentor. In addition, I have set-up meetings with DEI leaders at multiple companies to learn more about the issues and topics I’m not qualified to know or understand. One of the biggest takeaways from all of those people I’ve talked with? It’s not about the letters. Call the programs what you want. It’s about the actions that ensure you’re doing something to make everyone feel included. Inclusion comes from a lot of areas – equal access. Normalizing different. Acceptance at work for those differences.

When Akhia introduced its diversity value in the fall of 2020, “Keep Being Different” was a summary of all I had learned to that point. Different v. acceptance was a large driver of that value. Acceptance meant someone had to make a concession or act in who they are to accept someone else for who they are. Different means we choose equality in who we both are. You keeping being you. I’ll keep being me.

Different went beyond appearance or presentation. It embodied different thinking as well. Something we could all benefit from embracing right now.

What comes after DEI? I’m not sure. One thing I am sure of? At Akhia, the thinking, the actions, and the mission of whatever it’s called will remain the same.

Anyway, onto what I’ve ‘Ben thinking’ about:

Trust me: The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer

The Edelman Trust Barometer for 2025 is out, and the headline is clear: trust is the ultimate competitive advantage. In fact, I think it’s fair to say ‘trust’ should become the newest tool leaders need to learn to use and build.

Source: Mike Lawrence/DALL-E

While societal polarization grows, business stands as the most trusted institution—but with that trust comes expectation. CEOs aren’t just expected to deliver results; they’re expected to take the lead on societal issues like sustainability, AI ethics, and workforce transparency.

For manufacturers, this means embracing purpose-driven narratives—whether it’s reshoring production, investing in green initiatives, or building employee trust through upskilling. The message? Trust isn’t just something you earn; it’s the new currency. (Maybe someone can create a crypto token for it?)

Speaking of trust…can you trust unlimited PTO?

Did you know 7% of U.S. employers do not have a vacation cap? (According to SHRM.)

So unlimited PTO must be great, right? Why aren’t more people using it? Because some workers think it’s a trap and are afraid to use it. Others who have been conditioned to take only a certain amount of time don’t really know to use it. The outcome in both cases is burnout.

The WSJ covers this and more as it digs into “Why you should you be wary of unlimited PTO”.

America is preparing for a manufacturing renaissance. Will there be enough workers?

PBS News Hour did a terrific piece on the future of manufacturing, specifically the labor shortage. Do you get the impression people talk about the labor shortage but really don’t know what to do about it?

Do you get the impression people talk about the labor shortage but really don’t know what to do about it?

There are a lot of ways to take control of your own labor shortage through strategic communications programs. But you need to know your audience and be willing to put in the work. This piece features a few of the ways companies can help themselves.

The most underrated component of your tariff strategy? Communications.

I know. Weird, right? Who knew I would be talking about just how important it is to factor communications strategy into your tariff plans? But as is typically the case, the easiest part to manage is too often the most forgotten part.

This is my PSA to bring your communications team into the fold. If you’re short-handed or don’t have a communications team, call me. A small step up front will save you a big headache down the road.

Are we the last generation of leaders to manage an ‘all human workforce’?

Yes. According to Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff.

Source: Mike Lawrence/DALL-E

But will robots and AI want unlimited PTO?

Let’s get reel. The world of mobile apps is changing.

My wife is addicted to Facebook reels. I think they’re hilarious. My kids roll their eyes.

But no amount of Gen Z eye-rolling can stop them. They’re so hot right now. Like up 17% from last year hot. That’s according to Sensor Tower, a leading provider of mobile app market intelligence, that just published its “State of Mobile” report.

I have not checked out the report itself yet but the article I linked to in the headline, from SocialMediaToday, is well worth the read.

You say mental health day. Gen Z says bed rotting.

And Kind Snacks is here for it.

A perfect example of how a company leverages relevance, generational connectivity, social media and influencers to strengthen its brand position.

(Anyone else admiring how Gen Z is flipping the positive/negative connotations of words and phrases?)

What’s up pod squad:

3 questions that determine who you really are. (The Mel Robbins Podcast)

I love the Prof G podcast. Last week I really loved it. Because he had Mel Robbins on as a guest, talking about her ‘Let Them’ theory. IYKYK.

So, realizing that I may have been missing out on more insights like this from Mel, I checked out her podcast. The impact was immediate. Her most recent episode “3 questions that determine who you really are” is worth the listen. You won’t be disappointed as I guarantee you will learn something about yourself.

One cool thing before I go: Digital cameras are back!

This may be the first boomerang item (relic, for fans of Silo) of my younger days. My youngest was so excited to buy one. Days later she’s scheduling a ‘photoshoot’ with her friends, using the digital camera.

You know, the one we used to think were cool but always had to lug around and worry about dropping. (Do you know how many people I know had ones where the lens cover would never close properly because it had been dropped?)

I think the creative community could have fun with this one.

Everything old is new again, at some point. And bonus: it’s less time on cell phones, says the old guy.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to share with anyone else you think would enjoy the articles and resources!