Corporate America is paying more attention to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Beyond the social good that comes with successful implementation of DEI policies, businesses can also realize a positive impact on growth and performance. This is due to improved problem solving and idea generation: “Diverse teams have been shown to be more likely to radically innovate and anticipate shifts in consumer needs and consumption patterns—helping their companies to gain a competitive edge.”
These benefits carry over to the cybersecurity realm. A diverse workforce can contribute to a better understanding of user behavior and the ever-evolving threat landscape. Additionally, diverse representation can help organizations identify and address implicit biases that may be impacting their ability to hire and retain talent, develop new products and services, and understand market demand across a broader demographic base.
Is this relevant for start-ups? Definitely! Start-ups have opportunity to incorporate DEI considerations into their culture and processes from the get-go. This can help them be more creative and innovative than competitors possessing more homogenous workforces. They can also access a larger pool of potential candidates—a critical advantage because there is tremendous shortage of cyber-savvy talent. Diverse start-ups will perform better and be more attractive to a wider range of potential employees. Finally, a rapidly growing start-up will have a much easier time scaling its culture and processes rather than trying to bolt-on DEI considerations after the fact.
The benefits of DEI are significant, and they are rightly being touted by government and corporate leaders far and wide. Receiving less attention are the challenges associated with creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization. There is even less advice for entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of creating a new company. Here are a few challenges that starts-ups will face in trying to follow DEI best practices:
Creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive company requires takes time and energy, both of which are scarce resources, especially for start-ups. Leaders need to pay attention to the issue. They need to focus on creating the right kind of culture, communicating their goals, monitoring progress, and establishing processes that support their vision. While this work will pay off in the long run, it may be difficult to prioritize such efforts when one is scrambling to build an initial product, find that first customer, secure enough funding to stay viable, etc.
Trying to source diverse talent may be a challenge for early-stage start-ups. Founders of such companies tend to hire people they know and/or leverage connections from school or previous jobs. Founders may not have ready access to a diverse pool of talent and/or limited time and energy to seek out people they do not know.
While having a diverse team is beneficial for ideation and decision-making, it can also lead to disagreement and conflict. Entrepreneurs and founders must be willing to accept this aspect of diversity and be willing to spend the time and energy needed to manage conflicts effectively.
Here are three suggestions and resources that can help start-ups realize the tremendous benefits of DEI while minimizing these challenges:
Seek out those who can provide insights. There are many organizations focused on funding and/or growing companies from under-represented communities. Reach out to them. Get advice. Seek partners.
Leverage free tools and resources. For example, MITRE’s Social Justice Platform offers a free set of ideation and decision-making tools that incorporate DEI considerations. Others are out there.
Recruit from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). They have talent and many of these schools have funded initiatives that seek to place their students within the high-tech industry. A good example is Florida International University’s Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program.
It isn’t easy growing a new business. The cybersecurity industry is highly competitive and dynamic. Start-ups in that space need every advantage they can get. DEI can provide that advantage while supporting larger societal goals that help our country become a better place. It will take work, but that work will be worth it.
Dr. Irving Lachow has spent over 25 years working at the intersection of technology and policy issues, with the last 20 years being primarily focused on cybersecurity. Irv is currently a Senior Principal at the MITRE Corporation. During his ten years at MITRE, Irv has helped create the company’s cyber strategy, led the creation of a new cyber platform, and guided multiple research projects for the Departments of Defense and State. In addition to working at MITRE, Dr. Lachow is a Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, an Affiliate at Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation, and an advisor to the Mach37 Cyber Accelerator. Dr. Lachow has authored or coauthored more than 30 publications, including books, articles, and reports. Notable media appearances include the PBS NewsHour, CNN, CSPAN, the Los Angeles Times, the Christian Science Monitor, ForeignPolicy.com and Time.com. Dr. Lachow received his Ph.D. in engineering and public policy from Carnegie Mellon University. He earned an A.B. in political science and a B.S. in physics from Stanford University.
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