In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron sits down with Paolo Gaudiano, author of Measuring Inclusion and founder of Aleria.tech, to explore a data-driven, business-savvy approach to inclusion. Paolo shares how inclusion is not just a moral issue but a financial one—and how companies are “bleeding money” when exclusion goes unchecked. They unpack the real meaning of DEI, the dangers of diversity checkboxes, and how to reduce backlash while creating meaningful culture change. Whether you're a parent, employee, or CEO, this conversation will challenge assumptions and inspire actionable inclusion from the inside out.

Key Takeaways:

Inclusion Drives Outcomes: Inclusion is what companies do; diversity is what they get as a result.

Fix the Leaks: Shoving diversity into broken systems without support creates churn and resentment.

Backlash-Proof DEI: A data-driven approach focused on fairness and performance reduces resistance.

Redefining Qualifications: Without clear, measurable standards, “qualified” is often code for “familiar.”

Rational Inclusion Wins: Framing inclusion around logic and business goals earns leadership buy-in.

Paolo’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is what you do. Diversity is what you get.

Paolo’s Bio:

With advanced degrees in aerospace engineering and neuroscience, Paolo Gaudiano likes to joke that he had already done rocket science and brain surgery before turning to a really complex problem: how to convince business leaders that they can make more money by creating more inclusive organizations with happier and more diverse employees.

Paolo is founder of Aleria, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) tech company that helps organizations become more successful by measuring inclusion, and ARC, a nonprofit focused on DEI research. A former tenured professor at Boston University, Paolo is currently an Adjunct at NYU Stern School of Business, and chair of the annual D&I Research Conference.

A sought-after public speaker who has given hundreds of presentations, including two TEDx talks, Paolo is the author of the 2024 book Measuring Inclusion, and a regular Forbes contributor on DEI. He is the recipient of numerous awards including a Moonshot House Fellowship from the Kravis Center for Social Impact, a Young Investigator Award from the Office of Naval Research, and a Neuroscience Fellowship from the Sloan Foundation.

Connect with Paolo:

Website: https://www.aleria.tech/paolo-gaudiano

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgaudiano/

Buy his Book: https://www.aleria.tech/mibook

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 42

No - 57

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