Not just another DE&I blog

You are probably wondering, "Another blog on DE&I?" Yes, and here's why! Recently, I had the privilege to participate in a panel discussion on DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion), which reinforced the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in our industry. I was kindly introduced with the following words: "You are a true ally to diversity and inclusion, which is a topic close to your heart." Close to my heart, I confirm! But am I a true ally to diversity and inclusion? The easy answer is yes, but the better answer is not always. Time after time, I have learned that I can do better because, like all of us, I am on a journey. If you want to stop reading now, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own journey in embracing diversity, cultivating equity and fostering inclusivity. Drawing from my personal experience, I would like to share some areas where I still see room for improvement for myself.

Diversity First

I never stop being amazed by the transformative power of embracing diversity in our company. Many things make me passionate at MSD, three are paramount: the people I work with, the things I learn every day and how we try to improve the well-being of the societies we live in. None of that would be possible without embracing the Power of Diversity first.

When individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives come together, it sparks creativity and enables fresh ideas to emerge. Embracing diversity throughout our company allows us to tap into a wealth of unique insights that ultimately lead to better outcomes.

Accept the Challenge

Over my career, I have built and led very diverse organizations. Embracing diversity is a constant in my journey; it is part of who I am and how I grew up. I was recently challenged and rightly so: someone asked about the impact I have had so far on the employment of people with disabilities. "Touché," I thought to myself. I don't think I was intentional enough in my previous roles. As leaders, we are often biased without seeing the full picture.

Cultivation equity and inclusion is often harder

Diversity is usually the easier part of DE&I. Cultivating equity and inclusion is often harder. Equity ensures that all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or identities, have equal access to opportunities, resources and career growth. Inclusion involves fostering a sense of belonging and psychological safety, where every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute their ideas and perspectives. By cultivating equity and inclusion, we can harness the full potential of our diverse workforce and create a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Words matter!

Another area where I and maybe you too can do better: adopting inclusive language and practices. The words we use can either bridge gaps or perpetuate biases. Practicing inclusive language, respecting individual experiences and being mindful of potential microaggressions are integral to fostering an inclusive environment. This requires constant learning because codes and beliefs evolve in our societies, as does language. In my generation, at least, I was educated under the principle that I should address someone in the way I would like to be addressed.

A key principle of inclusive language is to address a person in the way they want to be addressed. I encourage you to read about Person-first and identity-first languages and learn how and when to practice each. A fun fact and personal learning: I had the hardest time practicing inclusive language in my own mother tongue, French, when I started working in France after more than twenty years abroad. No more excuses! In hindsight, I realized I probably had the chance of being excused in the many countries I lived in on the basis that I was a foreigner and spoke in a foreign language!

Addressing Resistance and Encouraging Dialogue

Inevitably, some colleagues may question the value and necessity of a diverse and inclusive culture. To address this, we must create a culture where everyone feels comfortable voicing their concerns and engaging in constructive conversations. Encouraging open dialogue and actively listening to their perspectives allows us to address misconceptions, dispel biases and help them recognize the significant role diversity plays in driving organizational success. As we move forward, let us embrace diversity, equity and inclusion as foundational principles.

By recognizing the power of diversity, practicing inclusive behaviors and language and fostering open dialogue, we can create an environment where innovation thrives, collaboration flourishes and the organization achieves new heights of excellence. Together, let us champion the transformative potential of diversity to build stronger and more successful teams.