When Rocket Science Meets DEI: Measuring Inclusion with Paolo Gaudiano

In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian interviews Paolo Gaudiano, a dynamic voice in the DEI space whose journey to this work is anything but traditional. With advanced degrees in aerospace engineering and neuroscience, Paolo brings a deeply analytical lens to a field often led by personal stories and emotion. As the founder and Chief Scientist of Aleria and author of Measuring Inclusion: Higher Profits, Happier People Without Guesswork or Bias, Paolo is on a mission to make inclusion measurable, actionable, and undeniable.

Throughout the conversation, Paolo shares his personal backstory from growing up in Italy and confronting cultural misunderstandings, to discovering how his lived experiences and scientific training could converge to reshape how organizations approach equity. He talks about the importance of understanding exclusion not just inclusion and how centering those experiences can reveal the hidden gaps in our workplaces and systems.

This episode explores how data and narrative can work hand-in-hand to foster more inclusive environments, and why those in positions of privilege have a unique opportunity and responsibility to drive real change.

Listeners will take away:

• A deeper understanding of why inclusion needs to be visible to be measured

• How Paolo’s interdisciplinary background shapes his data-first DEI approach

• Practical strategies that connect inclusion to business outcomes

• Why it’s time to move from good intentions to evidence-based action

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