Tag: inclusion

QUOTES

“Inclusion is a feeling. If you ask someone, ‘Do you feel included?’ there usually isn’t a set of metrics, it comes from a feeling that can be nurtured and fostered.” (Marvell)

“Diversity really is a choice. Unless those decisions are made courageously, diversity may not show up.” (Marvell)

“You can Google a lot of things. You can ChatGPT a lot of things. But this is purposely a space for people to be posed with questions that allow them to look inwardly.” (Marvell)

“If staff can’t feel safe coming into the organization in a whole host of ways, then we really have lost the battle already for retaining the best talent.” (Marvell)

“You can’t pour anything from an empty cup. If there’s nothing to pour out, there’s nothing to give.” (Marvell)

“Each time a caregiver engages with a loved one, they’re giving of themselves. We also recognize you can’t give from an empty cup.” (Marvell)

“Longevity is inextricably tied to inclusion. The longer we live, the more influence there will be on our paths—and that is tied to the diversity of experience.” (Marvell)

“Inclusion is about planning the welcome party. You’ve got to know who’s coming and make sure they feel like they belong once they arrive.” (Marvell)

“If 90% of your age- and income-qualified prospects are staying home and you aren’t considering some sort of at-home offshoot of your community, you’re missing an opportunity.” (Marvell)

“Leadership succession is not just about finding the next CEO, it’s about preparing your organization for the day you’re not there.” (Marvell)

“If the board asks, ‘What’s the succession plan?’ and all you have is a name on a paper for FMLA, then you don’t have a real plan.” (Marvell)

“Recognizing your strengths are throughout your organization and tapping into them—that’s how you grow your team and your impact.” (Marvell)

 

NOTES

Marvell Adams, Jr. is a nationally respected leader in aging services with over 20 years of experience ranging from nursing home administrator to CEO. He’s known for advancing equity and inclusion across senior living and long-term care sectors through visionary leadership and collaborative action.

Marvell is the founder of W. Lawson, a consulting firm focused on creating inclusive, equitable environments in aging services. He also serves as CEO of Caregiver Action Network, a national nonprofit providing free resources to family caregivers across the U.S.

At W. Lawson, Marvell co-leads the Longevity and Inclusion Alliance Fellows Program, a virtual leadership initiative designed to help aging services professionals embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) into their communities. The program is intentionally immersive, centering self-reflection, safe dialogue, and peer-to-peer learning. Under Marvell’s leadership, 

Caregiver Action Network supports more than 105 million unpaid family caregivers through resources, advocacy, and partnerships—especially as caregiving needs accelerate across generations and cultures.

Inclusion is more than a metric, it’s a feeling. Creating inclusive communities starts by fostering spaces where people can bring their whole selves.

Diversity is a conscious decision. Leaders must make bold, intentional choices to hire, serve, and represent diverse voices.

Many older adults are rejecting traditional senior living; providers must adapt by integrating at-home and intergenerational models of engagement.

Leadership succession should begin before retirement is near. “Preparing the organization for when you’re not there” is key to long-term resilience.

Most caregivers don’t plan to become caregivers—they’re thrust into it. Support must be immediate, empathetic, and culturally competent.

“You can’t pour anything from an empty cup.” Caregivers must prioritize their own well-being to sustainably care for others.

Caregiver Action Network is innovating through partnerships like its new Innovation Council, connecting startups and tech solutions to real caregiver needs.

Inclusion in action means planning a true welcome—tailored support, cultural sensitivity, and community integration—not just marketing promises.

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.