DEIB Statement for Live Your Dash Coaching & Consulting

Welcome to Live Your Dash Coaching & Consulting! I’m Zona Lord, and I want to share the values driving my daily work with you. My mission is to empower young professionals to lead with confidence and clarity, and a big part of that is fostering an environment rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Growing up in South Africa during the end of Apartheid and the beginning of democracy, I saw first-hand the impact of systemic inequality. My journey is unique: while classified as a Black female, I present as White and attended a biracial private school. This dual perspective and my move from Cape Town to Amsterdam have given me a deep appreciation for the richness of diverse backgrounds and cultures. At Live Your Dash, we celebrate and respect this diversity. We design our programs to ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are.

Our Pursuit of Equity

Equity goes beyond providing equal opportunities—it’s about recognizing and addressing individual needs and barriers. Watching my parents and grandparents struggle under an oppressive system made me passionate about breaking down those barriers. At Live Your Dash, we tailor our support to meet each person where they are. We work hard to identify and eliminate practices within our organization that could perpetuate inequity, ensuring everyone has what they need to succeed.

Our Dedication to Inclusion

Inclusion means creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and respected. My experiences in a biracial school taught me how powerful inclusive environments can be. At Live Your Dash, we strive to make everyone feel like they are part of the community. We value diverse voices and promote respectful, collaborative interactions. Our goal is to make our services accessible to all, no matter their background or circumstances.

Our Focus on Belonging

Belonging is the feeling of being an essential part of a community. We aim to create this sense of belonging for all our clients and team members. By fostering an environment of empathy, non-judgment, and genuine connection, we help individuals unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Addressing My Gaps and Biases

I am on a continuous journey of learning and growing in my understanding of and approach to DEIB. I need to focus on ensuring I’m aware of my biases, especially those formed by my unique upbringing. While my experiences have provided a broad perspective, I must remain vigilant against unconscious biases that could influence my coaching. Additionally, I need to deepen my understanding of the intersectionality that affects individuals differently, such as gender, sexuality, and disability. This ongoing self-reflection and education are crucial for me to be an effective and inclusive coach.

At Live Your Dash Coaching & Consulting, our commitment to DEIB is at the heart of everything we do. This commitment is a continuous journey of learning, reflection, and improvement. We are dedicated to creating a world where everyone feels they belong and has the opportunity to live their dash to its fullest potential. Thank you for joining me on this journey toward a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse community.