Teaming Together to Mitigate the Impact of Implicit Bias

Approximately 50 leaders from higher education, philanthropy, and the private sector recently met at Duke University for an intimate conversation about implicit bias. Organized by the TIAA Institute, Duke University, and the Council on Foundations, “Managing Effectively Across Differences: The Impact of Implicit Bias on Leadership,” examined the impact of implicit bias upon operational effectiveness.

The dialogue reflected the diversity of the attendees, which included CEOs, CIOs, CDOs, and other leaders from a number of universities, foundations, consulting firms and the media.

Highlights of the event included:

• A welcome from Duke University leaders
• A keynote address from Howard Ross, Founding Partner of Cook Ross and an expert on implicit bias
• A full-day program of panels and breakout groups featuring thought leaders passionate about creating cultures of equity, diversity and inclusion.

We were honored to serve as co-chairs for the event and thank those who were present for their insights and contributions. We are confident that the conversation will lead to increased awareness and better management of bias in the workplace.

One outcome of the convening will be a white paper, which will be released in early 2018. We invite you to stay engaged for the white paper and plans for more events on this timely and critical topic.

Stephanie Bell-Rose is a Senior Managing Director of TIAA and Head of the TIAA Institute. She is also a member of the Council on Foundations Board of Directors.
Sally Kornbluth is the Duke University Provost.
Vikki Spruill is the President and CEO of the Council on Foundations.