"Studies over the past decade have confirmed,our brains operate with a vast unconscious mind that even Freud never suspected."

Neuroscience research over the last decade reveals that our day-to-day behaviour is dictated - contrary to popular belief - by how we feel rather than what we think. Emotions, invisible and controlling, are rooted in the unconscious mind and frequently impact our actions without our awareness. Developing greater emotional intelligence - self-awareness, empathy and relationship-building - is widely recognized as the most important personal competency for leaders to possess. The terrain of emotions raises important and profound question for issues of diversity in the workplace:

• What is the role of emotions in our interactions with people from backgrounds different than our own?
• How do we uncover our personal "blind-spots" that reside in our unconscious mind in order to create truly inclusive, welcoming environments?
• What is the role of unconscious bias and emotional triggers in how well we handle conflict that involves issues of difference (i.e. race, gender, class or sexual orientation)?