Badlaav (Making workplaces inclusive through AI)

Inclusive Output Powerpoint
AI Extension Working
Introduction
Input Powerpoint
Problem

While working for a Middle Eastern bank, I noticed an unconscious bias toward using male-heavy terminology among the senior team members from the region. To illustrate, while setting up a transformation office at the bank - the top role was being addressed as chairman instead of chairperson, or while assessing the employee staffing, the term man-days was being used instead of the term person-days. While everyone was respectful to the other genders, the unconscious bias created a sense of exclusion among the team.

Even though I was new to the region and team, I pointed out this behavior and suggested that we as a team use gender-neutral language to address any unconscious biases that we have.

The senior leaders were surprised to learn about their unconscious bias and acknowledged it. They were glad that I brought it up and started to use gender-neutral language going forward, understanding the importance of creating an inclusive environment for everyone.

Seeing this change, I discussed it with friends at other teams and realized that many firms face this bias. To address it at scale, I created an AI-powered PowerPoint extension called “Badlaav” (meaning change) that can make workplaces more welcoming and inclusive of diversity by automatically identifying gender-heavy terms in a document and highlighting or replacing them with gender-neutral terms.

In future, I plan to take my solution to every firm in the world and make them more welcoming of diversity.