Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here.
This week’s Roundtable featured a powerful and timely conversation with Christopher Ridenhour, President & CEO of Inspired2Results!,
Christopher challenged us to rethink what it really means to build inclusive communities. Rather than focusing on checklists or corporate initiatives, he encouraged attendees to start with the basics: human connection, daily intention, and a genuine commitment to valuing the voices and experiences of everyone in a community—residents, team members, and leadership alike.
INCLUSION STARTS WITH SMALL, DAILY ACTIONS
You don’t need a formal initiative to build an inclusive culture. Simple moments, like showing interest in someone’s story, lay the groundwork for trust and connection across teams.
VALUE AND APPRECIATION ARE UNIVERSAL CURRENCIES
Diversity goes beyond race or background, it’s about honoring experiences and perspectives. When people feel valued, they’re more likely to contribute meaningfully.
IF YOU’RE NOT FILLED, YOU CAN’T FUEL OTHERS
Like a battery without charge, people can’t energize their teams if they’re drained themselves. Authenticity and care must be practiced—not just preached—to create culture that lasts.
DON’T DIY DEI—IT TAKES REAL COURAGE AND SUPPORT
Doing the work of inclusion alone often leads to burnout or stalled progress. Creating real psychological safety takes shared effort, consistent leadership, and a willingness to lean into discomfort.
RELATIONSHIPS BUILD THE BRIDGE TO BELONGING
When there’s equity and trust in a relationship, there’s space for honesty, growth and even grace when mistakes happen. Connection makes inclusion real.
START WITH ONE BITE-SIZED GOAL
Instead of trying to fix everything at once, focus on a small, meaningful step. Whether it’s changing how you run a meeting or reaching out to a colleague, action builds momentum.
