DOUG HARRIS

CEO & Thought Leader

“I leave people better than I found them; and I do it with love.”
– Doug Harris (CEO, The Kaleidoscope Group)

For almost 30 years, Doug Harris has impacted the American workplace with his work in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DE&I). In fact, his work extends back far enough that he was a part of the movements and conversations that birthed and developed the industry that has grown from what was once called “Affirmative Action: Next Phase”. Combining compassion and a keen business sense, he has shepherded organizations, teams and executives forward as the diversity dialogue has evolved from compliance, to fostering inclusion and, ultimately, achieving exceptional business outcomes. Powerfully balancing the practical and the philosophical, Doug has partnered with countless clients to create customized strategies that address the specific diversity needs of each business and their unique company culture, working closely with leaders and executives to champion DE&I, to develop commitment and enthusiasm across all employee groups. His energy and passion for the work have been described as “contagious” and few have walked away with anything less than an unforgettable experience.

“The new definition of power is empowering others.”
– Doug Harris

The waves and ripples of his work have empowered organizations across this country and across sectors, from household names to small businesses, from financial institutions to academia, to make the absolute most of each of their people. As different as each of these organizations are, what they share is they have enriched their culture and advanced their mission by embracing Doug’s mission: To free the human potential ™.

“If you engage in self-development, you’ll be surprised how much better other people become.”
– Doug Harris

To free the human potential. That, succinctly put, is what Doug has done for thousands upon thousands of people. He has helped them to free their own human potential and that of those around them. The impact of his work, his legacy, extends around the globe.

Through the development and implementation of strategic consulting solutions he has challenged global corporations (Caterpillar, Dana Corporation, Duracell, Hewlett-Packard, Northrop Grumman, and Owens Corning) to free the human potential. Through being a resource to media he has encouraged listeners and readers to free the human potential. Through his singular combination of humor and “realness” he has moved rapt audiences to free the human potential one person at a time, one organization at a time.

“I push you… but I love you more than I push you.”
-Doug Harris (in a KG staff meeting)

That sentiment has been echoed over the years and across the globe by individuals in almost every type of organization. It is felt no more profoundly anywhere, though, than in the company he leads, The Kaleidoscope Group. In a world where it can seem that integrity is in short supply, Doug practices what he preaches, achieving a staggering level of diversity (e.g. cultural diversity, generational diversity, workstyle diversity) and an inclusive culture, that allows every member of the KG family to free their potential as they learn from him how to help others do the same. Perhaps what is most inspiring as Doug approaches 30 years of service to the cause of D&I is not what he has done… or even what he is doing. What is most inspiring is the thought of what he will do next, what concept he will articulate, what framework he will crystallize, what insight he will share.

“Not best practice. The next practice.”
– Doug Harris

Who knows what that “next practice” will be? We can all be sure, though, that Doug will continue to make waves… that ripples will reach around the globe… and that everyone touched will feel the love.