Embracing True Diversity
Steve Parker, Jr.
CEO, Co-founder at LEVELWING & MAIDEN, EY Entrepreneur of the Year
I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The last few years have shone a light on numerous aspects of DEI. I believe this has provided a positive impact to our society in immeasurable ways. At the same time, I’m also concerned that the same discussions in some ways have become so splintered that many do not have a reasonable consciousness of how their beliefs, or current actions, are dramatically affecting others in a negative manner.
This narrow view of the definition of DEI unfortunately overlooks the abundance of diversity...
More specifically, I have experienced that the current focus on diversity often centers too narrowly on race and gender. This narrow view of the definition of DEI unfortunately overlooks the abundance of diversity, which includes age, socioeconomic background, abilities, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, and cultural and religious backgrounds among others. For example, I am exceptionally proud of the number of women and mothers that we employ. I won't apologize for that to anyone, and I’m not here to tell anyone else what to believe either, that’s not my role in life. But I do believe we have a responsibility to listen and treat others with respect regardless of who they are, their personal beliefs, their backgrounds, or how they identify – even if different from our own.
I am proud that our company, Levelwing, has worked hard in all the defined areas of DEI. Not singularly, but broadly speaking to be as diverse, equitable and inclusive as possible.
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Today, as of June 2024 our team is quite diverse. Are we perfect in every aspect? No, but there is also no perfect. What we are is…
70% of Management across Levelwing is part of a diverse group
77% of the team at Levelwing belongs to a diverse group
By broadening our self-awareness of DEI, we can embrace a wider range of perspectives that drive innovation, enhance employee satisfaction, and improve overall performance. It's time to move beyond the checkbox and foster broader vision for what diversity really means. That's a discussion I want to be part of influencing.
A big THANK YOU to our entire Levelwing team for keeping an open mind and being committed to creating the best environment and team possible. It’s always a work in progress. Let's create more emotional and remarkable responses! And if you are interested or know someone who would be interested in joining Levelwing please contact us.
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National/International Speaker/Consultant/Award Winning Author
8 个月Every company should follow this example. Great Leadership Steve.