Community Business

In this episode of Up for Discussion, we are joined by Mary-Frances Winters, founder and CEO of The Winters Group Inc., a global diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice consulting firm. An acclaimed author and recognised DE&I trailblazer, Mary-Frances brings decades of experience advocating for justice and equity. She shares her unique perspective shaped by coming of age during the civil rights movement and her extensive work advancing inclusive leadership worldwide. Throughout the episode, we explore several key areas: Mary-Frances discusses the current backlash against DE&I efforts in the U.S., unpacking the misconceptions about affirmative action and “reverse discrimination,” and why inclusion benefits everyone. We hear about the ongoing challenges organisations face in creating truly equitable workplaces, including unconscious bias and the importance of recognising diverse experiences — from race and gender to neurodiversity. Mary-Frances emphasises the critical role of empathy and dialogue in b