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wbjournal.com | September 16, 2024 | Worcester Business Journal 29 The power of authenticity: Building truly empowering workplaces BY MARLINA DUNCAN Special to WBJ M any organizations aim to recruit and retain individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds. However, simply increasing the numbers of underrepresented and marginalized individuals within a workforce does not guarantee success. A superficial approach to diversity, focused only on numerical representation, will not lead to positive outcomes unless organizations are genuinely committed to harnessing that diversity and reconfiguring their internal power dynamics. True success requires embracing a model prioritizing learning, inno- vation, creativity, equity, and human dignity. It's not about checking box- es; it's about cultivating an environ- ment where every individual is truly recognized, heard, and celebrated for their authentic selves. Bringing your authentic self to work means embracing your unique perspectives, cultural background, gender identity, sexual orienta- tion, and life experiences. It involves contributing to the workplace in a way reflecting your true identity, rather than conforming to norms. When individuals are given this freedom, organizations tap a powerful source of creativity and collaboration. Creating such an environment requires more than just good intentions. It demands a commitment to honest dialogue and a willingness to embrace vulnerability, in oneself and others. Being genuinely valued and respect- ed means having the ability to influence decisions, shape work processes, and see your contributions rewarded. In such an environment, creativity becomes a dynamic force driving collective progress. When individuals can express their identities without fear of judgment or pres- sure to conform, they are empowered to contribute their unique strengths and insights. is freedom enhances the group's overall creativity. Collaboration becomes a living practice of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. is is particularly ev- ident in fields like health care and biomedical research, where transformative advancements oen result from blending of ideas and expertise. Diverse and inclu- sive teams are essential for solving complex problems, improving patient care, and reducing health disparities, ensuring care is compassionate and culturally relevant. When collaboration and creativity are embraced as collective strengths within an inclusive environment, the quality of work improves, team cohesion strengthens, and a culture of mutual respect flourishes. e true benefits of DEIB efforts come from empowering each individual to bring their full, authentic self to work, unlocking the potential for collective progress. Diversity isn't just about numbers; it's about the rich rewards coming from creat- ing a genuinely inclusive and empowering workplace. Marlina Duncan is chief diversity officer and vice chan- cellor for diversity & inclusion at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester. Keep life sciences as a cornerstone of economic development T he life sciences industry is in the middle of a rough patch. Following a frenzied expansion in the wake of the COVID pandemic, the industry centered around the Cambridge-Boston global hub is experiencing a right sizing, leading to layoffs and vacant lab spaces, particularly in Eastern Massachu- setts. Norfolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk counties saw a combined loss of 556 biomanufacturing jobs in the sector between 2022 and 2023, according to the 2024 Industry Snapshot released by the Cam- bridge-based Massachusetts Biotechnology Council in late August. Suffolk County, in particular, saw a 30% reduction in workforce. At the same time, the vacancy rate in lab space is 16% statewide, which is an all-time high, according to MassBio. at figure does not include partially completed lab buildings built on spec, which the market has little appetite for absorbing anytime soon. One of the report's few bright spots showed Worcester County adding 279 biomanufacturing jobs. Despite those gains, the overall life sciences slowdown must be disheartening to Central Mas- sachusetts developers and economic officials, who foresee the industry as a growing cornerstone of the region's future economy. Large development projects centered around the life sciences industry remain in various stages of completion in Worcester, Devens, and Marlborough, and incubators like Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives in Worcester and ABI-LAB in Natick are working to develop the industry's entrepreneurial ecosystem. e $300-million WuXi Biologics project, yet to open in Worcester, remains clouded by federal legislation putting constraints on the firm's ability to do business in the U.S. Despite the headwinds, those championing future life sciences growth in Central Massachusetts are on the right path and should continue working to pro- mote development opportunities in the region. e industry would be an outgrowth of the two corner- stones of the region's economy: manufacturing and health care. Even with the current market correction, the Cambridge-Boston will maintain its position as the global hub of bioscience innovation, and all the research-and-development work in Eastern Mas- sachusetts easily translates into biomanufacturing facilities and jobs in Central Massachusetts, where real estate is cheaper and manufacturing is an histor- ic strength. More than two-thirds of respondents to a WBJ Sept. 9 online poll see long-term life sciences growth here, even if it takes longer than hoped. All industries go through cycles, and the life sciences sector is in the midst of a down cycle. Yet over time, life sciences remains on an historic growth trajectory, and Central Massachusetts business and development officials need not waver from their commitment to seeing that growth continue here. W The above Editorial is the opinion of the WBJ Editorial Board. The Viewpoint column, the A Thousand Words cartoon, and the Word from the Web commentary represent the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of WBJ or its staff. WBJ welcomes letters to the editor and commentary submissions. Send them to bkane@wbjournal.com. W Marlina Duncan