Black History Month Feature | Michael Baker

Thank you for joining us in celebration of Black History Month. In this week's interview, we sat down with Michael Baker, Vice President and Associate General Counsel at SGH. Michael shares what it was like growing up as one of eight siblings on a Florida tobacco farm and how his father's legacy impacts him today. Read the full article to learn about Michael's story and his advice on the importance of mentorship. ?

SGH: What made you want to join the DEI committee??

Michael Baker [MB]: Before accepting my job offer with SGH, one of the conditions I proposed was that I would be able to have a line item in my budget to work on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues. So, I was very delighted that SGH responded that they not only wanted me to be involved around the company's Diversity and Inclusion efforts but that they were going to significantly increase?my budget.?

I'm passionate about DEI because I think it's important that we have diverse thinkers, and this is often correlated with different walks of life and different experiences. Our DEI committee is one of the strongest ways to approach increasing our competitiveness as a company. ?We can never go wrong by putting people first.?

SGH: What does being an ally to the black community mean to you??

MB: Being an ally to any community is work that requires tremendous knowledge and time. It’s an honor to be an ally to the Black community, my community since I get to directly impact issues and work toward long-term solutions. ?The Black community is multi-faceted where engaging with other allies is really where the best work is accomplished.?

I have seven siblings and we all grew up on a tobacco farm in Florida, so we didn't have much. When we weren't doing well with our tobacco crop and there wasn't much money coming in, my father would have us form a circle around him and remind us that we had to be better than him and build a future for ourselves. Along with that, he would remind us that "To whom much is given, much will be required." ?

That said, my talent is around math and science so I run a tutorial program at my church focused on working with high school-aged students on algebra, calculus, and physics. This program allows me to make a difference and give back to the people in my community the very best way I can.?

As someone who has operated in senior management for a large portion of my career, it's a little lonely sometimes not seeing many people of color in senior positions. I recognize that it's not because there aren't people who are exceedingly qualified, talented, and who would do a fantastic job. ?My work to impact what usually amounts to a lack of opportunity is where I see the most benefit to the next generation of leaders. ??

SGH: What advice do you have for people looking to advance their careers or become a leader??

MB: I think it's important to have good mentors. Life can be so complicated and if there are opportunities to not have to reinvent the wheel then it's so much more efficient to live a life where you benefit from the coaching and learnings of others. ?

Assemble a “village” of mentors that include at least one person who is at a place in their career where you aspire to be. Often, one who has accomplished a goal you seek to achieve is best positioned to advise on how to reach the goal and avoid pitfalls. ?

Have a team of people around you that can provide encouragement. It can be challenging for anyone in the corporate sector and I think as an African American male, the “type” of encouragement has mattered. Encouraging voices really need to be those who are willing to understand and appreciate the subtle pressures and cumulative mental fatigue associated with being a torchbearer. Accordingly, surrounding yourself with people who are encouraging and willing to just listen, not always answer questions you may raise, can really get you through some tough and lonely moments.?

SGH: What's your favorite mantra or quote??

MB: "To whom much is given, much will be required" - Luke 12:48?

Click here to read our previous feature on Ramaine Cain.??

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