Breaking Barriers: A Personal Reflection on Sponsorship

As the Chief Financial Officer of Zoetis , the leading animal health company, and one of only 18 Black CFOs in the Fortune 500, I am acutely aware of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, especially during Black History Month. Forbes paints a stark picture: Black executives hold only 3.2% of C-suite positions across Fortune 500 companies. This lack of representation underscores the importance of reflecting on our journeys and advocating for change.

Being black in America is not a monolith. My story doesn't fit the typical narrative. Instead of the multi-generational American experience, mine began at 12, immigrating from Haiti. America offered the promise of a brighter future, but as a young black man, I was a foreigner to everyone I met. Yet, in the world of numbers, I found solace and purpose. Accounting became my refuge, transporting me beyond the limitations I perceived. Though I seldom encountered others who shared my passion and background in this field that I love, I was able to look to examples of black excellence.

This month, we lift our voices in celebration of trailblazers like Booker T. Washington and Dr. Frederick Douglas Patterson, who carved paths for future generations. We honor leaders like?Mary Eliza Mahoney, who championed change. We admire individuals like?Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who serve as testaments to resilience and perseverance. Their stories remind us that anything is possible with courage, determination, and unwavering belief.

At Zoetis, we actively cultivate a culture that leads with inclusion and embraces diversity in all its forms. We understand that it isn't just the right thing to do; it's a strategic advantage. Studies consistently show that diverse teams are more innovative, make better decisions, and drive better business results. We know that to be true. This ethos is deeply ingrained in our culture and directly contributes to our success as industry leaders and pioneers.

Being black in America is a vibrant tapestry woven with rich cultural threads, yet too often, we exist in isolation. While mentorship plays a vital role, sponsorship is an even more powerful tool. Sponsorship goes beyond guidance, involving active advocacy and leveraging one's influence to propel someone else’s career. Sadly, the data reveals a troubling disparity: only 5% of Black employees have sponsors.

I was fortunate to have such champions throughout my career. At Catalent, I encountered a leader who deeply invested in my development.? He challenged me to dig deeper and push boundaries. I was leading a commercial business when the former CFO departed. There were numerous deserving and seemingly more obvious candidates for the newly vacated role. However, a call from John Chiminski changed everything. He informed me that I would be the next CFO of a multi-billion-dollar company. Looking back, his actions were deliberate and aimed at grooming me for this moment.

As a black CFO in the Fortune 500, I stand at the intersection of history and progress, profoundly aware of the strides made and the work that lies ahead. I know it is rare to find mentors of John’s caliber. I am grateful every day, and this gratitude fuels my commitment to being a sponsor for others.

Culture isn't built on rhetoric; it's built on action.?Let's move beyond mere discussions and translate our commitment into concrete steps. I urge you to challenge yourself and others to become sponsors. Champion diverse talent. Open doors. Advocate for advancement. Be the catalyst for change.

Ultimately, my journey isn't defined by the challenges I faced; it's shaped by the resilience I gained and the opportunities I seized. I stand where I am not despite my circumstances, but because of them. I am grateful for the people I encountered along the way who invested in my development, but most of all, I am grateful for sponsors like John Chiminski and David Bearman, to name a few among many, who spent their hard-earned professional currency on me.? I strive to honor those who paved the way and inspire the next generation of leaders to demonstrate that being underrepresented doesn’t mean there are not leaders like you to admire and learn from.

Black History Month should be more than just celebration. Let's commit to sponsoring a truly inclusive future where everyone, regardless of background, can thrive and reach their full potential. ?

#BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityandInclusion #ZoetisProud

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