At IADT, our students are now at the halfway mark of the content delivery of the EDIFY EDU Specialisation course—an engaging blend of online learning, in-class practical work, assessments, and activity-based learning. This course has provided a deep dive into key topics such as emotional competence, inclusive leadership, and conflict resolution. Through interactive discussions and case studies, students are not only absorbing these concepts but actively connecting them to real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and dynamic conversations.
Beyond classroom discussions, our students have been diligently progressing through online course modules and assessments, demonstrating a genuine interest in and understanding of EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion). Prior to doing this course, some students may have not been aware of some EDI issues in society and the workplace, however, by relating their personal experiences in part-time employment, it is offering valuable insights into how these principles play out in everyday workplace settings.
Addressing Ageism in the Workplace
One thought-provoking discussions centred on Ageism in the Workplace. While age-related discrimination is often associated with older employees, our group discussions revealed that younger workers, too, can face bias in professional settings. One of our case studies focussed on a young female tech worker who tried to ‘fit-in’ with her team, to the point of dressing ‘older and more lady-like’ and trying to act older too by changing her mannerisms. This in turn led onto further discussions around sexism in the workplace. The students explored how businesses can leverage a diverse age range for the benefit of both company culture and productivity. This case study also sparked conversations about challenging stereotypes, fostering intergenerational collaboration, and creating a more inclusive work environment where experience and fresh perspectives coexist harmoniously.
Learning from Industry Leaders
Furkan Karayel. Founder of DiverseIn.com Furkan Karayel | LinkedIn
On the 30th January, Furkan Karayel joined as our first guest speaker. Furkan is multi award winning diversity and inclusion speaker and author of the best-selling book “Inclusive Intelligence: How to be a Role Model for Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace”. Her passion is leveraging women-in-tech leadership, diversity and empowering female founders globally. Furkan founded Diversein.com after 10 years of software engineering experience in multinational tech companies in Ireland. Furkan’s session was linked to the theme of Self Compassion and Self Awareness.
Furkan shared her professional journey, from navigating challenges as a woman in tech to establishing a company that provides EDI training and workshops to businesses worldwide.
What truly captivated the students was Furkan’s interactive Inclusive Intelligence card game, designed to provoke conversations on self-compassion and self-awareness, two essential qualities for inclusive leadership. The game encouraged students to reflect on their own behaviours, biases, and emotional intelligence, making for a highly engaging session.
Scaling Up, Not Scaling Back
This course comes at a time when global headlines are reporting multinational companies scaling back their EDI commitments. However, the energy, passion, and solution-driven discussions within our classroom tell a different story. Our students are not only eager to learn about diversity and inclusion but are actively thinking about how they can implement these principles in their future careers.
Rather than stepping away from EDI, our students see the opportunity to drive change—to create workplaces that embrace diversity, foster inclusion, and champion equity. Their thought-provoking discussions, reflective assignments, and engagement with industry leaders highlight a generation determined to make a difference.
