Ajay Mistry ACMA’s Post

Black Leaders Awareness Day: How can organisations empower black leaders? As we look ahead to Black Leaders Awareness Day tomorrow, we celebrate the achievements of black leaders while also acknowledging the ongoing work needed to empower them in the workplace. In this blog, Isa Wurie, DEI Specialist for Employer Branding and founder of The Black Network services, discusses the barriers black leaders face at work and offers practical solutions and strategies for supporting them in the workplace. Creating a more inclusive environment is essential for strengthening workplace culture, driving innovation, and promoting equity. In this blog Isa explains more about how organisations can actively dismantle barriers such as the "Representation Gap", create an inclusive environment, and recognise the value of diverse perspectives. Read the full blog here 👉 https://lnkd.in/esRjfvRU #BlackLeadersAwarenessDay #WorkplaceInclusion #WorkplaceCulture

Today is Black Leaders Awareness Day! A day to celebrate the incredible contribution of Black leaders in business and to commit to dismantling barriers to progress for emerging Black leaders in business. Last week at the Empower launch event we were lucky enough to hear from three of this year’s Black Empower Role Models Tom Shropshire, Afua Kyei and Jo Ogunleye. They shared their personal stories with a room full of business leaders and advocates and their practical tips for driving inclusion for people of colour in business. I’m so grateful for leaders like Tom, Afua and Jo and want to use this day to give them a shoutout for being amazing business leaders and paving the way forward for others too! Some wisdom that they shared last week include: Tom: “Leadership is a choice.” Which is so important, as is choosing the way you lead. Are you inclusive in your leadership? Afua discussed the importance of self-belief in sustaining success and how believing strongly in her own capabilities and passion was crucial to her career progress. Jo expressed her commitment to visibility for members of her own community. Leveraging the platform and influence she has earned in her career to send the elevator back down for others. Black employees in business still face systemic barriers when it comes to attaining success in business. Allies, it’s vital that you use your platform and influence to enable Black employees to succeed. Some things that you can do: Sponsorship. Sponsorship is an effective intervention for advancing Black talent, but according to research by McKinsey, only 5% of up-and-coming Black employees succeed in winning sponsorship. Allies – promote equity in business my sponsoring your organisation’s emerging Black future leaders. Eradicate biases Do you know what your biases are and are you actively correcting these so that they don’t hold Black employees back? Whether it’s affinity bias or harmful stereotyping leaders must be questioning, unlearning and eradicating biases that hold Black leaders back. Education Are you clued up on the barriers that Black employees can face? Educate your organisation’s allies through trainings and workshops so that they build a base knowledge on the histories, local contexts and challenges Black communities can face to strength allyship within your workplace. What would you add? Leave your tips in the comments! If you’re not sure where to start, our teams at The Black British Business Awards, TNON - The Network of Networks, INvolve - The Inclusion People and Audeliss can enable your organisation to become a place where with Black leaders can thrive. 🖤 #BlackLeadersAwarenessDay #Black #race #ethnicity #inclusion

On this first day of Black History Month 2024, I reflect on my journey as a CHRO and the unique humans who have left an indelible impact on my trajectory. The CHRO role transcends overseeing HR and writing policies; it cultivates workplace culture, fosters an employer brand that attracts quality talent, establishes an employee value proposition that appeals to the diverse needs and desires of an ever-evolving workforce, and serves as the epicenter where executives seek trusted counsel on all things people and all employees rely on a safe space to navigate workplace dynamics. These factors inform brand reputation and how customers and partners view companies in the marketplace. Drawing inspiration from high achievers, Gladys West and Ekpedeme “Pamay” Bassey—two pillars of intellect and innovation—I find a compass guiding the way in the works of trailblazers in whom I see myself, a Black woman when I see them. Gladys West is the visionary mathematician who went from valedictorian to programming complex calculations that laid the foundation for the GPS we rely on today. When I think of her contributions, it certainly motivates and keeps me on course at Oncourse. She is also the only Black woman to be inducted into the Air Force Missile and Space Pioneers Hall of Fame. Ekpedeme "Pamay" M. Bassey, Chief Learning and Diversity Officer at Kraft Heinz, champions learning as a superpower. Her transformative "365 Days of Learning" project inspired her book, "Let’s Learn Our Way Through It, Shall We?" – a testament to her commitment to personal and professional growth. She is one of the smartest, most in touch, and most thoughtful colleagues I know. As we celebrate Black History Month, let's honor Gladys, Ekpedeme “Pamay,” and others, shaping our present and paving the way for a future where intellect, inclusion, and high-performance reign supreme. #BlackHistory365 #RepresentationMatters #InnovationIcons #CHROLeadership #LegacyofLeadership

🌟 Celebrating Black History Month Pioneers   This Black History Month, we proudly shine a spotlight on Challis Lowe, our esteemed Board Chair and a true trailblazer in business strategy and corporate governance.   Challis brings a wealth of experience as a Board member and Business Strategist, boasting operational and P&L expertise. Her impactful leadership extends across a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, consumer retail, transportation, logistics, and financial services. Past board experience includes CHI (Audit Committee) and Dignity Community Care Ltd, and currently serving on the board of Allina Health (Audit Committee).   Challis's boardroom acumen is unparalleled. As an experienced Public Board Director, she has served on boards ranging from a $14B Public Bank to a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). Her committee memberships, including Audit, Risk, Governance, and Compensation Committees, showcase her commitment to governance excellence.   As a corporate executive, Challis has played instrumental roles in orchestrating turnarounds and transitions. Notably, she contributed to the successful global turnaround of Ryder System’s underperforming business units and led the enterprise strategy for consolidating and integrating health plans across Ascension Health.   Challis is not just a leader in the boardroom but also a fervent advocate for diversity and inclusion. Her involvement in organizations like the Executive Leadership Council and speaking engagements at events like the Executive Women of Color Summit exemplify her commitment to fostering diversity in leadership.   Featured in "EARNING IT": Challis's remarkable journey has been featured in Wall Street Journal Reporter Joanne Lublin’s book, "EARNING IT Hard-Won Lessons from Trailblazing Women at the Top of the Business World."   Her impact extends beyond boardrooms, as Challis has shared her insights as a speaker at prestigious conferences such as the Private Directors Association National Conference and the CHRO Board Academy Meeting.   Today, as we celebrate Challis Lowe's indelible contributions, we recognize her as a trailblazer who has paved the way for future generations of Black leaders.   Learn more about The Leverage Network: https://lnkd.in/d__hW4c   #BlackHistoryMonth #LeadershipExcellence #BoardLeadership #DiversityandInclusion #Trailblazer #BusinessStrategy #CorporateGovernance #TheLeverageNetwork #HealthEquity

One of the biggest industry gaps identified by our research was linked to inclusive #talentacquisition and #employeeretention. Most of the leaders and operators surveyed in our joint study with Restaurants Canada in 2021 believed that DEI was a priority, but few had programs or policies to actively recruit, retain, and promote Black talent (or anyone else). So we asked if we could connect the dots. Could we leverage our network to further our mission of increasing Black representation across the industry? The answer we came up with kicks off at 2pm on April 9th at the #RCShow. Sponsored by long-time supporter High Liner Foods and proudly featuring reps from Kraft Heinz, Sysco Canada Inc., and SkipTheDishes, the Black Talent Networking Session strives to create two access points: one for brands to find qualified Black talent for intermediate/senior roles and the other for Black talent to connect with brands committed to DEI and anti-racism. We believe that intentionally placing Black Canadians in positions destined for advancement is how organizations can create strategically-prepared pipelines (thanks to Cindy Novak for introducing us to that term in 2020!) that lead to more Black leaders, more diverse c-suites, and more resilient companies. Want to join us? Sign up at https://lnkd.in/g2K5Tczs by March 30th. #buildbetterteams #hrtips #diversityandinclusion

Since working in the DEI, Employer Branding & Talent Space. Here are a few things I struggle to understand: 1️⃣ Who has final say on diversity?Head of TA or Head of DEI 2️⃣ Employees banned from interacting with company socials 3️⃣ A fully stacked DEI team struggling to hire diverse talent 4️⃣ Black History Month being different in every country 5️⃣ Performative events being an effective DEI strategy 6️⃣ Why the term *black excellence* is actually a thing 7️⃣ DEI professionals being villainized all of a sudden 8️⃣ Pizza being a viable means of compensation 9️⃣ Employers paying to enter and win awards 🔟 Employers afraid of using social media Can anyone please explain??? Because I don't get it 🤷🏾♂️ PS: On point 🔟, I am hosting an employer webinar on how we attract diverse talent using social media at Beyond Education (BE). Access more details here: https://lnkd.in/gzTB6gH8

As we bring Black History Month to a close, our BOLD Employee Business Resource Group hosted a panel discussion moderated by our Chief People & Diversity Officer, Marlo Gaal (She/Her) on "Building a Legacy: Navigating Challenges and Triumphs in the Home Services and Adjacent Industries." The candor in the stories shared by our stellar panelists Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, Stephanie Hickman Anthony McCain around resilience, innovation, and an inherent drive to succeed in the face of challenges was truly inspiring.    Key takeaways for me:   - Never leave the room the way you found it – all of us play a part in representation.   - Communication is key – do yourself a favor and learn the art of communication to create meaningful connections to people.   - Work hard and work smart. Success comes from dedication and strategy. - Never forget the importance of strategic, sustainable relationships. - Double down on building your own board of directors of mentors and advisors who will tell you the truth even when it’s hard to hear.  - Remember to smell the roses and have fun. Taking time for yourself must be a priority.   As CEO of @Oncourse, I couldn't be prouder of our BOLD Employee Business Resource Group for putting on such a remarkable event that demonstrates our ongoing commitment to inclusion and belonging to our employees, customers, partners, and the communities we serve.     Darryl A. Kilpatrick II, LaShonda Bradley , Antoinette Evans, Falak Mirza, Phil Edens Eric Palm, Colleen Garrity, Josh Cohen, Lou Weiss, Vineet Bansal    #GameOn #BlackHistoryMonth #LegacyBuilders #Leadership 

No Code-Switching Required: Senior Black Women Leaders Speak For Black women climbing the leadership ladder, navigating the intricate web of office politics is a crucial skill. The world of work that shapes our careers is often likened to a chess game, and mastering its intricacies is crucial. For Black women, this means not just playing the game, but often rewriting its rules. As Black women continue to excel in leadership roles, their strategic approach to office politics is creating ripple effects throughout organizations. By skillfully maneuvering through workplace dynamics while staying true to their values, they're not just advancing their own careers—they're proving to be Grandmasters in this new era of workplace dynamics. We’ve got the receipts to prove it! The next Roundtable "Unapologetically Excellent: Black Women at the Pinnacle of Power is happening on Monday, September 23rd, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm EST. Our panel is dynamic: Alpha M. Brady, Executive Director, American Bar Association; Sylvia R. Epps, Ph.D., President of Decision Information Resources, Inc; and Nanette Logan, DNP, Chief Operating Officer, Regional Medical Center at San Jose. If you are a Black woman in a senior leadership position and have not received your personal invitation to this exclusive event, message me in LinkedIn and I’ll send you the link to learn more and register. This is more than a conversation. It's a movement. Be part of it.  Dr. Kym

🌈 Did you know that inclusive organizations are not just better places to work but are also on the forefront of innovation and market growth? As we honor Black History Month, let's delve into the tangible benefits diversity and inclusion bring to leadership and innovation. 🚀 Recent studies are eye-opening. Organizations that champion diversity and inclusion are up to 73% more likely to see innovation revenue and 36% more likely to outperform in profitability. Diverse leadership teams aren't just a moral imperative; they're a strategic advantage, driving a 19% higher revenue from innovation. The evidence is clear - when we embrace varied perspectives, we unlock unparalleled growth and creativity. 💡 But how do we turn these insights into action? Start by fostering an environment where every voice is valued and heard. Encourage diverse teams to lead projects and make critical decisions. Challenge the status quo by asking, "Whose perspective are we missing?" This simple question can lead to breakthrough innovations and more inclusive outcomes. This Black History Month, let's commit to not just celebrating diversity but actively promoting it within our leadership and innovation strategies. Your challenge this week: identify one area in your team or organization where a diversity of thought, background, or experience could be better represented and take one step towards making that change. Let's build a future where diversity and inclusion are not just goals but the foundations of our success. #DiversityInLeadership #InclusiveInnovation #BlackHistoryMonth #LeadershipDevelopment

Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring Trailblazers in HR, DEI, and Social Activism As we commemorate Black History Month, I'm inspired to shine a spotlight on some incredible trailblazers who have made lasting contributions to the fields of HR, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and social activism. Their impact resonates far beyond their respective industries, shaping the way we approach workplace culture, leadership, and societal change. Dr. Shirley Davis: A true pioneer in HR and DEI, Dr. Davis has dedicated her career to advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Her global perspective and strategic insights continue to drive meaningful progress in organizations around the world. Johnny C. Taylor Jr.: As the CEO of SHRM, Johnny Taylor Jr. is a leading advocate for workplace equity and inclusion. His leadership and advocacy work are instrumental in driving positive change within the HR community and beyond. Dr. Janice Gassam Asare: Dr. Asare's expertise in DEI strategy and her commitment to challenging bias and inequality have made her a respected voice in the field. Her thought leadership continues to spark important conversations and drive meaningful action. Dr. Robert Livingston: A scholar and researcher, Dr. Livingston's work on diversity, leadership, and social justice has had a profound impact on our understanding of bias and inclusion in organizations. His insights continue to inform best practices in leadership and HR. Rosalind Brewer: As the CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Rosalind Brewer is a trailblazer in corporate leadership. Her dedication to diversity and inclusion sets an example for others to follow, inspiring positive change within her organization and the broader business community. This Black History Month, let's honor these remarkable individuals and the countless others who have paved the way for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. Their legacy reminds us of the importance of representation, advocacy, and allyship in driving meaningful progress for all. #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityandInclusion #HRLeadership #SocialActivism #blackhistory