MLK DAY 2019: LEADING WITH COURAGE AND PASSION

Today we acknowledge a man who exemplified leading with courage and passion. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for civil rights and equality for Americans. This day holds great significance for me personally, and for Boeing.

Boeing has made a commitment to diversity and inclusion that I am proud of. During our diversity conference last year, I made a promise to be deliberate about how we listen to one another and foster an environment of empathy. That empathy is key to allowing us to truly feel for the experience of others. One of my favorite MLK quotes says “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

I attended Morehouse College 43 years after Dr. King. There was a legacy of service, diversity, and excellence seeded in students there before and even more so after Dr. King’s presence. Over the course of my career, I have worked hard to apply lessons from Dr. King on empathy, leadership, courage, and passion.

Last year we announced a $6 million investment in the future technical workforce through a partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) –intended to be spread across eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities including our alma mater Morehouse College.

At Boeing we understand the opportunity for our business that lies in incorporating diverse perspectives be they cultural, generational, gender-based, work experience, and more – and we are moving forward to fully recognize that opportunity. We are investing resources in the enduring value of diversity and inclusion and that is something we can all be proud of.

Join us.

What are your thoughts? How are you reflecting on #MLKDay2019?

Ted