A sense of belonging and valued contribution, is the bedrock of any thriving environment, whether it's a team, a company, or a community. But lately, we’ve seen a shift. Governments and corporations, for various reasons, are pulling back on these initiatives. Some argue they’ve become divisive; others struggle to see their tangible impact. Prof. Barker shares that the fundamental need for inclusive and respectful environments hasn't vanished. In fact, in our increasingly interconnected and complex world, it’s more critical than ever. She proposes that It’s time to move beyond the acronym and embrace a more holistic and universally applicable framework called: Cultural Competence. Dr. Kimberley Barker is a global thinker, educator, and author with a passion for helping people and organizations thrive through cultural competence. She holds a Ph.D. in Organization Development, an M.B.A., and is a certified cultural management coach with the renowned Fons Trompenaars’ network. As a faculty member at Eastern Michigan University, she teaches a wide array of business and leadership courses while continuing to speak internationally on change, communication, and diversity. Kimberley’s work centers on equipping professionals to lead with authenticity and navigate complex cultural landscapes with care and clarity. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx