Unconscious bias is a natural byproduct of how our brains process the world. But just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it should go unexamined. Bias influences how we make decisions, who we listen to, and how we engage with our colleagues and clients. Left unchecked, it can shape workplaces and business relationships in ways that limit inclusion, creativity, and outcomes. In the life sciences industry – where innovation and collaboration are vital – an open and inclusive mindset is not only important, it is essential. As our firm continues to grow and diversify, it’s more important than ever to have open, honest conversations about unconscious bias – not just to raise awareness, but to ensure we continue fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for both our team and our clients.
Over the past quarter, our firm engaged in a learning journey around unconscious bias, digging into where bias comes from, how it shows up in daily interactions, and, most importantly, what we can do about it. Through readings, discussions, and interactive sessions, we confronted not only the biases we already knew existed but also those that had been quietly shaping our perceptions and decisions. The process was eye-opening, sometimes uncomfortable, but always necessary.
A few key themes emerged:
- The power of humility: Meaningful change begins with the willingness to listen, assume good intent, and recognize that no one is exempt from bias. The most impactful conversations come from a place of openness rather than defensiveness.
- Testing assumptions: A simple shift in perspective can expose bias. Techniques like “Flip it, to test it”, from Kristen Pressner’s Ted Talk, “Are you biased? I am”, can help challenge ingrained beliefs by swapping roles or identities in a scenario to see if a decision, reaction, or expectation would remain the same. For example, would a leadership trait be described differently if a man exhibited it versus a woman? Would a candidate’s qualifications be perceived the same way if their name sounded different? These small thought experiments help surface biases we might not even realize we hold.
- Bias awareness requires ongoing practice: This isn’t about a one-time training or checking a box. It’s about developing a mindset of continuous reflection – actively questioning biases, engaging in honest conversations, and fostering an environment where different perspectives are genuinely valued.
Our firm’s commitment to this work doesn’t end with this initiative. True inclusion requires sustained effort, and the biggest takeaway from this journey was clear: awareness is just the first step – what matters is what comes next.