I hope too...
Susan Schmidlkofer, SPHR
Global Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at UPS
I haven’t been as active in posting and sharing as I normally do. It doesn’t mean I haven’t wanted to. It doesn’t mean I haven’t been pouring through and absorbing everything everyone else has been so thoughtfully sharing. What it does mean is that it wasn’t my time.
This morning while on a video call with 100+ of my UPS Human Resources colleagues, I most unexpectedly shared – through an enormous free flow of tears that just would not stop. My voice cracked and I could barely get any words out (which is definitely not normal for me!)
‘I’m not ok’ is what came out. And at that moment I realized that it’s ok to not be ok. My heart hurts. I struggle with whether I’m reaching out enough to others to check on them…am I doing enough as a diversity and inclusion professional… am I enough of an ally...am I enough of an advocate...is enough ever enough??
I can do more. I will do more. For me, it started with hearing, with caring, with empathy.
And after my experience this morning, hearing from so many of my unique, amazing, diverse UPS partners afterwards thanking me for my vulnerability and transparency – I have hope. Showing what I always thought was my weakness (my emotions) has brought me renewed strength.
Now, I hope for more tears…but I hope they are tears of joy.
For justice, equity, inclusion, peace and lasting change.
Award-winning Marketing & Communications Leader
4 年Sue, since Day 1 at UPS you have always welcomed me and my thoughts on how we as an organization could do better. You have been one of the first people I bounce off D&I ideas/speeches/articles to because I know that you care, you will listen, and you will provide constructive feedback. Years ago, I came to you and shared my concern about some people not being pleased with my D&I keynote speakers’ introductory remarks — you immediately assured me that it was not “too much” and that it was “okay to make people feel uncomfortable because that ignites them to start thinking differently leading to their growth”. You didn’t stop there at our conversation. You went the extra mile to reach out to other external corporate D&I practitioners to get their thoughts on my concerns, and then you shared their feedback with me too. That moment reinforced to me how much of an “ally” you were. So yes, there is much more work to be done, but please know that you have made some significant steps in the right direction for diversity and inclusion. Thank you for your transparency and leadership. Sending you a big virtual hug.
Director, Communications at Ga. Dept. of Community Health
4 年Well said, Susan. Thank you for your vulnerability and transparency. We have a long way to go, and I am heartened by so many people like yourself and companies stepping forward in a common voice. I have hope. Thank you.
Sr. Professional, Global Regulatory Affairs | Regulatory Compliance, Quality Assurance
4 年Thank you so much for your authenticity and your courage! You are inspiring the same in others.
● Board and Committee Member ● Chair ● Ex Global Head of HR and Chief of People & Culture (CHRO) ● Managing Director ● Former Special Forces Officer ● MBA ● GAICD ● Avid cyclist, runner, camper ???
4 年Thanks for Sharing your feelings on the call yesterday and it certainly showed that it is absolutely ok to not be ok. Take care and stay in touch.
Audit Manager at UPS - Retired
4 年Susan, your transparency is so important and impactful as the leader of I&D at UPS. Thanks for being real.