Benefiting at work from Brain Based Insights

Have you noticed that when leaders link across more mental capabilities, they tap remarkable new voices across cultures? …voices that bring extravagant ideas into lively circles. It’s the opposite of what we sometimes see in “affirmative action” demands or “quota requirements”. In fact, I’m not sure where we lost innovative leadership development but I’m quite sure we can take it back… What do you think?
     It’s more and more apparent, for example, how the mind links leaders together in winning ways when they value “culture as currency.”
     I learned this approach from leaders like  Dr. Akosua Addo, who exchange this currency in many corners of our globe. Do Addo stands out especially because she challenges leaders’ curiosity across many countries, often through deep questions that beg new answers from diverse backgrounds. Step out to one of her international dance sessions and you almost forget from which part of the globe you hail! Ok, that last statement could be due partly to my tripping over my own two left feet – but seriously – let’s start conversation here with people who successfully stir up differences in ways that serve up dividends across cultures.
     Does any leader you know hold a key to innovative leadership for today’s shifting needs? If diversity training shuts down your circles because it imposes a deficit model – help us to propel your notion of an enhancement model…. What plan could bring diverse business leaders onto the same side of struggles, so that others who differ find leadership access in noble places too?
     I was reminded of the value of “culture as currency” again recently.  When Dr. Addo showed leaders who spotlighted her at the University of Minnesota, that global connections prove,"… there is a transformative learning piece, a developmental piece … and (a piece) for people in the community," a light came on. For Dr. Addo, "That's how we come together and learn from each other." 
     What's your experience at work?  If current practices to access and to promote leadership positions really shut out some of the nation’s brightest voices, how could exchange "culture as currency" up front bring a few innovative geniuses to your circle?
     How would you advise leaders to shine a new offering from their brightest stars?