Building Careers on a Foundation of Decency

In a world where companies are facing unprecedented challenges due to shifting social and economic forces, it’s imperative that decency, diversity, and drive, are infused into our goals, at every layer of the organization.

I take great pride in our emphasis on attracting and retaining a diverse workforce, where differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, culture, and physical ability all provide opportunities to build a more dynamic and successful business. All of our employees deserve to feel valued and respected, and empowered to reach their greatest potential. When you elevate inclusiveness above all else, you create an environment where the best people choose to be.  

My team has been focused on how to bring out the best in our people at all levels. All employees need access to aspirational leaders in order to grow. We also recognize that now, more than ever, women are looking for strong role models and champions for their professional development.

We already offer a variety of training, benefits, and recognition tailored to the needs of a diverse employee base. To build on this in 2018, we are introducing a new Women’s Leadership Program, specifically based on what we heard from our female employees over the last 12 months. Identifying sponsors and mentors to guide career advancement and help build confidence, is just one area of focus for the program. We also heard that judgement free discussions and safe zones were much needed, in addition to training for both men and women on the value of diverse perspectives.

We find that mentorship can be a valuable tool in broadening diversity of thinking on a daily basis. In fact, it is a practice that is expected from (and embraced by) the leaders of our company.

We often see the most value derived from connections between people who have different experiences and skill sets, rather from those in the same department, for example. The best mentor/mentee relationships are mutually beneficial, when both sides are open to new ways of thinking. I have been a mentor to many individuals over the course of my career and am always excited about new introductions. However, some of the most rewarding relationships are a result of experiencing life through very different lenses, whether that be due to gender, nationality, education, or any other factor. This year I commit to #MentorHer.

Mentorship also extends outside of the company. We have increased our volunteer day program to give people more time off to pursue a purpose that is meaningful to them. And we know that many of our colleagues are using this time to extend their own mentorship and pass on what they have learned. 

Purpose-driven work is at the heart of our company and it happens to be one of the best talent retention and recruitment tools we have at our disposal. When people feel good about the company they work for, and when their objectives are grounded in decency, they will start each day with passion and pride – and that is a powerful competitive edge.