In today’s corporate landscape, DEI typically stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, principles that are crucial for fostering a fair and inclusive workplace. However, can we take a moment to reimagine DEI with a different set of values: Discipline, Excellence, and Intelligence.

How would these principles shape our professional and personal lives?

Discipline, as my Dad would remind me, is the backbone of any successful endeavor. It involves setting goals, creating a plan, and sticking to it despite challenges. In the context of business, discipline means maintaining focus, adhering to ethical standards, and consistently working towards long-term objectives. It’s about showing up every day, ready to tackle the tasks at hand, and not letting distractions derail your progress. For tech founders and entrepreneurs, discipline is particularly vital. The journey of building a startup is fraught with uncertainties and obstacles. A disciplined approach helps in navigating these challenges, ensuring that you stay on course and make steady progress.

Excellence is the pursuit of the highest standards in everything we do. It’s about striving for quality, pushing boundaries, and never settling for mediocrity. In a professional setting, excellence translates to delivering outstanding products or services, continuously improving processes, and exceeding customer expectations. For instance, in my experience with companies like Operative Media, Aptaris, and Mojiva, the pursuit of excellence was a driving force, though there we 30 other failures where that was true as well. It wasn’t just about meeting industry standards but setting new ones. Excellence requires a commitment to learning, innovation, and a relentless drive to be the best in your field.

Intelligence, in this context, goes beyond IQ. It encompasses emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing your emotions and those of others, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment. Strategic thinking is about making informed decisions, anticipating future trends, and positioning your business for success. It’s the intelligence that allows leaders to navigate complex situations, identify opportunities, and mitigate risks. In the fast-paced world of digital media and technology, intelligence is a key differentiator that sets successful companies apart from the rest.

Integrating Discipline, Excellence, and Intelligence; Imagine a workplace where discipline, excellence, and intelligence are the core values. Such an environment would be characterized by a strong work ethic, a commitment to quality, and a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Employees would be motivated to perform at their best, collaborate effectively, and innovate constantly. For entrepreneurs and leaders, integrating these values can lead to sustainable growth and long-term success. It’s about creating a vision, building a team that shares your commitment to these principles, and leading by example.

When discipline, excellence, and intelligence are at the forefront, I think we’d be better off.