By Roy Hussien, President – SRA

If there is one other thing I’ve learned in my journey, it’s that diversity isn’t just a statistic—it’s the pulse of innovation, the thread that weaves together different perspectives, and the foundation of a thriving workplace. At SRA, we don’t believe in simply filling chairs to check a DEI box. Instead, we open doors—doors to fresh ideas, untapped potential, and an inclusive culture that empowers people for who they are, not just what they represent.

Because let’s be real—what makes a company truly thrive isn’t hitting a target number of diverse hires. It’s when employees feel valued, challenged, and heard that an organization reaches its full potential. And when a workplace thrives, so do its people.

Breaking the “Culture Fit” Myth

One of the biggest hiring mistakes companies make is searching for candidates who are a “perfect fit.” It sounds logical—hire people who blend seamlessly into the existing environment. But here’s the issue: when everyone thinks alike, creativity suffers, innovation stalls, and progress becomes a slow-moving train.

As Brad McClark puts it, “If you’re hiring for ‘culture fit,’ you’re doing it wrong. We should be hiring for ‘culture add.’”This simple yet powerful shift in mindset is crucial. Instead of hiring people who fit neatly into an existing mold, we should be seeking those who will expand, challenge, and improve it.

Beyond the Checkbox: The Quest for True Inclusion

For many, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) has been reduced to achieving a certain percentage of representation. While metrics have their place, true inclusivity is about more than numbers—it’s about fostering an environment where individuals feel respected, heard, and empowered to bring their best ideas forward.

Inclusivity That Drives Innovation

Diverse teams aren’t just good for culture—they drive innovation and success. Studies show that:

  • Inclusive teams are 87% better at making decisions (Hacking diversity with Inclusive Decision Making, Cloverpop): This statistic is detailed in Cloverpop’s white paper titled “Hacking Diversity with Inclusive Decision-Making.” The study analyzed approximately 600 business decisions made by 200 different business teams over two years, revealing that diverse teams make better business decisions up to 87% of the time.
    cloverpop.com
  • Companies with diverse leadership have a 36% higher profitability rate (Diversity wins, McKinsey 2020): McKinsey & Company’s report “Diversity wins: How inclusion matters” discusses this finding. The research indicates that companies with more ethnically and culturally diverse leadership teams are 36% more likely to achieve above-average profitability compared to their less diverse counterparts.
    mckinsey.com
  • Workplaces where employees feel included see a 56% increase in performance (Diversity wins, McKinsey 2020): This statistic is from Deloitte’s article “The diversity and inclusion revolution.” The research highlights that inclusive cultures are twice as likely to meet or exceed financial targets, three times as likely to be high-performing, six times more likely to be innovative and agile, and eight times more likely to achieve better business outcomes.
    mckinsey.com

We see this every day at SRA. Some of our most groundbreaking projects have been driven by individuals who bring in fresh perspectives from different backgrounds, industries, and experiences. Their creativity fuels our growth and, in turn, the success of the businesses we partner with.

Happiness = A Thriving Organization

It all comes down to this: Happy employees create thriving organizations.

When people feel respected, challenged, and part of something bigger, they don’t just show up to work—they bring their best selves. They innovate. They collaborate. They push boundaries. And that’s when real progress happens.

At SRA, inclusivity is about more than just hiring a diverse workforce. It’s about ensuring that when someone joins our team, they don’t feel like they have to conform—they feel like they belong.

Looking Ahead: The Future of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) at SRA

Our commitment to inclusivity isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement. In 2025 and beyond, we will continue to:

  • Expand our outreach to untapped talent pools.
  • Enhance mentorship programs that uplift and support career growth.
  • Prioritize mental well-being—because inclusion isn’t just about hiring; it’s about sustaining.

At SRA, we don’t just fill chairs; we open doors—doors to opportunity, growth, and a workplace where every individual can thrive. Because when our people thrive, so does our organization.

Let’s build a future where inclusivity isn’t a metric, but a norm.