DEI Isn’t Dead – It Got Stronger.
From the Desk of Katriina Tahka, Founder & CEO
This month we are making safety and inclusion part of the same conversation. When people do not feel psychologically safe, physical safety is not enough. Real culture change happens when inclusion, trust and wellbeing are built into the way we lead, not added on top.
Evolving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Rethinking Representation. Rebuilding Workplaces.
Safe Work Month reminds us to reduce risk, protect wellbeing and create environments where people can do their best work without harm.
But safety is not just PPE and risk assessments. It is also the ability to speak up without fear, to belong without code-switching and to lead without bias.
That is where diversity, equity and inclusion become more than good intentions; they become a safety strategy. Psychological safety is the foundation of every strong team. When people trust they will be heard, respected and supported, they are more likely to report issues early, collaborate well and bring their full perspective to work.
Featured White Paper
Evolving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Rethinking Representation. Rebuilding Workplaces.
DEI fatigue is real, but it is also misleading.
Our latest white paper shows that inclusion has not disappeared; it has evolved.
It is becoming sharper, braver and more connected to risk, performance and leadership accountability.
Inside, we unpack:
- Why DEI is shifting from HR program to core safety and trust strategy
- How inclusive leadership behaviours reduce risk and improve reporting culture
- The future of belonging in hybrid, high-pressure workplaces
The State of DEI in 2025 – Insights from AICD and Watermark
The newly released 2025 Board Diversity Index, produced by Watermark Search International with support from the AICD and Deloitte, shows why inclusion still matters.
- 73 per cent of ASX 300 boards now have more than 30 per cent women directors (up four points).
- 91.9 per cent of directors are Anglo-Celtic (up from 91.2 per cent) – a step backwards on cultural inclusion.
- Only five Indigenous directors hold seven seats across the ASX 300.
- No directors publicly identify with a disability, and only four directors on ASX 300 boards openly identify as LGBTQ+.
- Closing gender and cultural gaps could add $128 billion per year to Australia’s economy.
As the report notes:
“Diversity is essential – not just for representation but for better decision-making.”
– John Mullen AM, Chair of Qantas
These findings reinforce our message: DEI is not a trend to defend but a discipline to deepen.
Leaders who connect inclusion with safety and performance are building the future-ready workplaces Australia needs.
Why It Matters for Safety
Workplaces thrive when people can raise issues early and know they will be taken seriously.
The data shows that representation without inclusion is not enough; true safety depends on participation, belonging and accountability.
At A-HA, we help organisations connect these dots.
From interrupting bias to holding inclusive conversations, we show how inclusion improves safety, performance and retention, especially in high-pressure or high-risk industries.
Because the safest workplaces are not just hazard-free; they are human-first.
Organisational Training and Coaching
Inclusive Leadership: Turning DEI Into Daily Practice
A half-day workshop that helps leaders interrupt bias, build trust and hold teams accountable for inclusion without adding workload or confusion.
- Leader Workbook
- 60-Day Progress Self-Assessment
- Optional Team Coaching
Quick Reads: Articles You’ll Want to Share
- Inclusive Leadership: Why It Is Every Leader’s Job
- Three Bias Traps to Avoid in Hiring and Promotions
- Safe Work Month: Psychological Safety Is Just as Important as PPE
What Have A-HA Been Up To?
Holding Space for Connection: The Shirley Circle
Earlier this month, we hosted a morning tea for The Shirley Circle, a community A-HA first brought together on International Women’s Day. The idea was simple but powerful: to create a space where extraordinary women could connect, share experiences and support one another in work and in life.
The group brings together women at every stage of leadership, from former and current C-suite leaders to founders, entrepreneurs and emerging change makers. Each brings their own experience and wisdom, and together they create a space that is equal parts professional insight and personal connection.
What started as a one-off gathering has grown into something truly special. The Shirley Circle has become a place of real conversation, generosity and strength, where women show up honestly, lift each other up and remind us all that leadership and wellbeing begin with human connection.
Holding space for these incredible women is one of the most rewarding things we do. Every time we meet, we are reminded that progress does not just happen in boardrooms. It happens in circles like this, where courage and care come together.
If you would like to know more about The Shirley Circle or be part of future gatherings, we would love to hear from you.
Bridging Gaps in the Hair and Beauty Industry: Partnering with Cait Muir from Iconic Coaching
We also recently connected with Cait Muir, founder of Iconic Coaching, who works with a community of passionate business owners in the hair and beauty industry. Through our conversations, it became clear there’s a real gap in the sector. Many salon owners are creating incredible client experiences but often without the HR support that helps teams feel safe, supported and set up to succeed.
To start changing that, A-HA partnered with Cait to host a live HR Q&A webinar for her community. It was an open, practical session where business owners could ask the HR questions they struggle with most – from managing performance and setting clear expectations to building culture and keeping compliance simple.
The discussion confirmed what we already believe: HR shouldn’t be complicated or corporate. It should be human. Every business, no matter its size or industry, deserves access to advice that helps people and performance grow together.
Next Steps
At A-HA, we create human-friendly workplaces where people and businesses thrive.