When connection becomes your competitive advantage, organizational performance is accelerated.

Your people are your greatest asset.

Build a culture where teams collaborate effectively, top talent stays, and performance improves predictably.

What We Mean by DEI

Though it’s now used universally, the term “diversity” was coined by our co-founders, Merlin G. Pope, Jr. and Patricia C. Pope, back in 1977 to refer to the changing demographics of the U.S. workforce. Today, when we think about DEI at Pope, we understand it as the need for organizations to create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

How DEI Affects Your Bottom Line

After nearly 50 years of creating inclusive workplace cultures, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to first understand where you’re starting (your Current State), engage your leaders in developing the vision of who they want to be in terms of DEI, and develop the Strategic Plan for how to get there with specific milestones and metrics.

Advantages by the Numbers*

70%

more likely to capture
new markets

19%

higher innovation
revenue

75%

more likely to develop ideas into products and services

87%

more likely to make
better decisions

*All stats according to a report by the World Business Counsel for Sustainable Development and Korn Ferry

Our Approach

We believe that positive change starts with dialogue.

Guided by our DEI Roadmap, we create customized solutions for organizations of all sizes. Through in-depth consulting and highly effective facilitation we help build inclusive, high-performing teams that are empowered to make positive change.

Recognizing that organizations are at different points along the DEI journey, we tailor the DEI Roadmap to your organization’s particular needs.

1
Assess DEI in Your Organization
2
Prepare Leadership
3
Educate the Workforce
4
Build Supporting Infrastructure
5
Create a System of Accountability

"Following the tragic events of May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, many organizations claim to be experts in fostering inclusive environments. However, Pope Consulting has been a leader in this field for decades, bringing a depth of wisdom, knowledge, data, and experience to address any corporate needs related to building inclusive cultures, regardless of the size and sophistication of the organization. Our organization has greatly benefited from partnering with Pope to conduct (1) organizational assessments, (2) senior leadership preparation, and (3) inclusive leadership training. The Pope team is first-rate and truly exceptional. I would highly recommend them to any organization committed to nurturing an inclusive culture."

Justin Aida

Monster Energy

"Small Girls PR sought a partner to provide effective training at an affordable cost, and Pope Consulting delivered impeccably! The team, including Merlin, Brandi, Amber, and Grant, provided attentive support and deeply understood our goals. We engaged in training for our employees and also Inclusive Leadership for managers, topped with a transformative roundtable session led by Grant. This session proved to be the most engaging and impactful, providing our leaders with practical insights into navigating complex workplace scenarios. Our experience with Pope Consulting was thoroughly rewarding."

Small Girls PR

"Pope Consulting has consistently delivered top-tier training to key leaders within our organization, from new managers to seasoned executives, including those new to conducting business in the U.S. These workshops have been pivotal in creating a common understanding of inclusion among our staff. The Inclusive Leadership workshop, in particular, has been highlighted as one of the most influential. As a growing retailer, Pope's varied programs effectively address the different needs of our team, from frontline employees to remote leaders."

Jessica Desormo

Talent Management at Lidl US.

"Our collaboration with Pope Consulting has been extremely fulfilling. Merlin Pope and his team bring professionalism, expertise, and added value to every session they facilitate, focusing on leadership development. Our staff is always excited to learn that Kendall will be leading or participating in a session. There have been numerous requests for Pope's return to further enhance our team's skills in fostering a welcoming workplace."

Gabi Bradley

Solenis

"Pat, your session effectively raised awareness about the importance of inclusion among these budding executives. The 'Illusion of Inclusion' data provided profound insights. We are grateful for the valuable lessons on the subtle cues of inclusion and the common misconceptions regarding status and power. Thank you once again on behalf of the U.S. WIN NEXT Oversight Committee."

Jhansi Kandasamy

Chair of U.S. WIN (Women in Nuclear)

"As Holman embarked on our journey of understanding and support, Pope has been an essential partner. Their expertise and research have elevated our educational efforts across the company, delivering tailored solutions that resonate with our dynamic business and employee needs. The Pope team's profound expertise makes them a vital extension of our HR department as we continue this important path."

Kristina Nicoles

Holman

"Each year at ConsumerTrack, we aim to equip our team with the skills needed to foster meaningful discussions about creating a welcoming workplace. Pope Consulting has been instrumental in achieving this goal by providing engaging and practical training. The 7/11 exercise, in particular, left a significant impact on our team, enhancing self-awareness and improving interpersonal relationships and collaboration."

Executive Team

ConsumerTrack

"In the environmental engineering sector, Kleinschmidt recognizes the significance of creating an inclusive work environment. The collaboration of our team is crucial in serving our clients and communities effectively. Pope Consulting has played a key role in guiding our firm in enhancing individual and collective capabilities, improving our overall organizational culture."

GinaRenee Autrey

Kleinschmidt Associates

"Our professional services firm began our partnership with Pope Consulting at the onset of our journey to understand and implement foundational concepts related to creating an inclusive workplace. Their extensive experience has been a vital asset to our organization and leadership. Through comprehensive assessments and interactive training, Pope has significantly influenced our team members' sense of belonging. We eagerly anticipate continuing our successful partnership with Pope."

Julie Brown

Boulay Group

"Since 2020, Pope Consulting has been a crucial partner to JWI in integrating an effective people strategy into our company's ethos and planning. Their profound impact and guidance have enabled us to commit to and advance these principles within our industry. I hold immense appreciation and trust for Pope Consulting's expertise, which has been invaluable throughout our ongoing journey."

Amy Weaver

J.A. Watts, Inc.
Sr. Vice President of Aviation & Executive Sponsor of the JWI Diversity &
Inclusion Action Council