I came out as a gay man within the first couple of months of starting my first corporate job in the spring of 1982. At that time, I had no idea that I would be a pioneer for what is now known as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion space in Human Resources. Long before these terms came into everyday conversations, I advocated as an ally for other LGBTQ community members and underrepresented colleagues.
I sat at tables and meetings throughout my career that did not have the diversity that we have come to experience nowadays. All too often, the meeting leaders looked like me, and I knew that my seat at the table could serve as a voice for those who were not sitting side by side with me.
I started my first leadership role in late 1982 with the vision of making an impact for those who were not in the room making decisions. I advocated for those who too many leaders overlooked.
Throughout my career, I had the opportunity to make decisions that positively impacted the careers of my colleagues and direct reports who were women, black, Hispanic, Asian, and LGBTQ.
As organizations began to see the value and business case for integrating strategies focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, I had modeled and demonstrated some of the best practices in moving things forward.
Early on in the 1990s, I was a founding member of an Employee Resource Group that focused on raising the awareness of the LGBTQ community. The work that we did in bringing the first-ever LGBTQ ERG to Prudential has stood the test of time over the past several decades.
Today ERGs are an integral part of any strategy focused on implementing a strategic plan moving forward with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In many ways, the expansion of the ERGs to include veterans, women, blacks, Asians, Hispanics, and people with disabilities has significantly supported the organization’s cultural changes needed to move forward.
My experiences as a global leader allowed me to model inclusive leadership, taking very seriously how I show up as a white man and challenging many people’s first impressions. I actively sought the opportunities to work with minorities in a supportive role that promoted them to achieve their career goals.
I often looked around and saw individuals who had the perspective, potential, and power to succeed in their careers but did not have access to the decision-makers. As one of the leaders with decision-making responsibilities, I made sure that these talented individuals had access to the leaders who could, like me, make a positive difference in the trajectory of their careers.
I recognized early on in my career what it was to encounter someone who had a bias about me being openly gay in the workplace. These experiences gave me a unique insight that would serve others as well as myself.
I have seen the negative impact of biases on talented individuals throughout my career and remained resolute in focusing on the right things versus allowing the wrong things to prevail.
My career as a leader, both during my corporate career and as an entrepreneur, remains focused on two primary principles; serving and supporting.
More than ever, there is a need for the voices that support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to be heard. Those voices must come from a wide variety of people who have differences united in bringing about the more relevant change than ever.
I invite you to find ways to share your voice in making contributions to the work that will eliminate the labels and strategies for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Imagine the day when DE&I is a part of doing business in the same ways as marketing, sales, and operations. When doing the right thing will come, the be with leaders who are willing to advocate for the change will sustain a new ‘normal’.
With much gratitude.
—
This post is republished on Medium.
***
The Good Men Project gives people the insights, tools, and skills to survive, prosper and thrive in today’s changing world. A world that is changing faster than most people can keep up with that change. A world where jobs are changing, gender roles are changing, and stereotypes are being upended. A world that is growing more diverse and inclusive. A world where working towards equality will become a core competence. We’ve built a community of millions of people from around the globe who believe in this path forward. Thanks for joining The Good Men Project.
Support us on Patreon and we will support you and your writing! Tools to improve your writing and platform-building skills, a community to get you connected, and access to our editors and publisher. Your support will help us build a better, more inclusive world for all.
***
Photo credit: Shutterstock