Where Do We Start?
In the musical Caroline or Change, Caroline sings, “For change come fast and change come slow, but change come.” Change rarely happens on its own.
We are at a moment of profound potential change. A seismic dialogue about racial and social injustice is needed. Many leaders have asked me, “Where do we start?” We are all at different points on the journey, with different perspectives on how to proceed. But some actions are universal:
- Be brave: Speak to your black and minority ethnic (BAME) colleagues and friends about their experiences.
- Educate yourself, Educate your family: Explore resources such as ‘Talking about race’ from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. This education extends to your family. My husband and I spend our evenings listening, counselling, and praying with our two teenage boys to give them confidence for a better future and the strength to engage in the work needed to get there.
- Commit to action: Become a great ally to BAME and other underrepresented groups.
- Engage your organisation: Encourage your employers to make institutional changes and support local organisations.
At McKinsey, we have produced a significant amount of research to show that greater diversity leads to better decision-making and better outcomes. I believe that this holds true for society, just as it holds true for business. I am encouraged by the diversity of young people and leaders who are protesting peacefully and speaking their truth. Positive, inclusive change is the antidote to exclusion and struggle.
Diversity matters, now more than ever, if we are to create the society to which we aspire.
Let us march on ‘til victory is won.
Experienced Director on Multiple Boards | Deep Understanding of Airline, Maintenance & Aerospace Industries over 30 Years | Strategy & Operations Consulting to Airlines, Maintenance Cos, OEMs, Investors
2 年You state and widely reported from McKinsey "to show that greater diversity leads to better decision-making and better outcomes". Recent Wharton research, which I agree with, shows that "a good business case" not a good motivator. The right motivation is simply that it's the right thing to do.
Passionate about AI, authentic leadership, and accountability, great audit committees and trust | Focus on finance, health and good governance
4 年An initial comment at the start of the road towards ensuring all corporates and communities recognise that black lives matter and that inhuman treatment, whether by unconscious bias, microaggressions or outright racism should never form part of the culture of any corporate or society.
Partner, Global Director of Communications, McKinsey & Company. Managing Reputation | Communications | Marketing | Leading Global Teams | Building Brand & Reputational Value | Page Society Member
4 年Well said, Dame Vivian! Thanks for sharing the resources and encouraging everyone to engage.
CEO | Commercial Executive | Strategy | P&L | Health | Digital Health | Medtech | Change | Entrepreneurial | Coach | Sales & BD | Negotiation | Turnaround | Startup | | SaaS | Analytical
4 年Well said Dame Vivian Hunt! Thank you.
Marketing Lead ex Google, ex Meta
4 年Thank you for providing such an informative and inspiring content!