Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

How to Embed Inclusivity Into Work Culture Through Mentorship Janice Omadeke's The Mentor Method helps companies attract and retain diverse workforces through mentor matchmaking.

By Alice

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

By now, the business case for diversity and inclusion in the workplace is well documented. Over a third of minority professionals leave companies that are not diverse and inclusive. When new hire costs can rise to $500,000 and more, high attrition rates become a major drain on the bottom line. On the positive side, companies that are culturally inclusive outperform their competitors by 80 perform, so there are strong financial incentives to foster a more inclusive culture.

Janice Omadeke founded the Washington, D.C.-based The Mentor Method to help corporations achieve their diversity and inclusivity objectives through mentorship, something she says is critical to baking into a company's culture at every level, not just as a HR initiative. Omadeke describes The Mentor Method as the eHarmony of corporate mentoring, meaning the software uses algorithms to match emerging talent with more experienced employees to increase diversity and employee retention.

When it comes to running her own company, Omadeke's best advice: "You don't ask, you don't get."

For more, check out Alice's resource recommendations for hiring a diverse team and for pitching venture capital firms.

Alice is a free digital platform that makes smart, instant connections between business owners and the resources they need to accelerate sustainable growth and global impact. Alice is open to all founders and prioritizes access for women and other underrepresented business owners.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Apple iPhone 7 Users May Be Owed a Slice of a $35 Million Settlement — Here's How to Claim Your Share

Previous (and current, no judgment) iPhone 7 users may be entitled to up to $349. The deadline to file a claim is June 3.

Business News

Did OpenAI steal Scarlett Johansson's voice? 5 Critical Lessons for Entrepreneurs in The AI Era

Did OpenAI steal Scarlett Johansson's voice? OpenAI has since paused the "Sky" voice feature, but Johansson argues that this is no coincidence. In response, Johansson delivers a masterclass for entrepreneurs on navigating the AI era successfully.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Innovation

How Corporate Investment Helps Startups Deploy Technology Faster Than Ever

Financial resources, strategic alignment, access to expertise, market validation and operational support make this deployment possible.