Diversity & Inclusion at the Pod

As we reach the close of Hispanic Heritage Month, I look back on the profiles of associates that were featured over the weeks and I need to say thank you to all of our associates who shared their stories. Thank you for participating in the dialogue, teaching us what your heritage means to you, and for bringing to work every day this rich pride.

It is an incredible thing to work with an organization that doesn’t just say it believes in diversity but actually demonstrates an honor for it and continuously strives to do more...to do better. We can look at - and dissect - diversity statistics from every angle but it is the people behind the numbers that give deeper meaning to the efforts we make.

How exciting to see the profiles of many of our associates who shared their pride in their heritage and the company for which they work! These insights represent just a few of our associates across the organization but there are so many other inspiring stories that we get to hear every day as we engage with our colleagues and build those safe, inclusive work spaces.

As a leader, it is meaningful to me to work with our people to create these inclusive spaces. It is rewarding to see and hear not only the stories of our associates but the responses of their colleagues. It is encouraging to see it open a conversation that inspires more sharing, connection, and respect.

When you foster an environment where people feel encouraged to be themselves, bringing their “whole” selves to work, and sharing their unique heritage and experiences, you create a culture that opens doors and minds. Whether or not we realize it, we enter a state of constant learning and it shapes the lens with which we view the world. This affects the decision we make and how each of us does our job. When we embrace diversity, we just work better together.