eLeadership Academy’s Post

Hear from advisors Amy Smart and Jon Cohen as well LGBTQ+ related news from around the financial services industry in this issue of Pride Perspectives. And in case you missed it, we'll cover the highlights from the recent Business of Pride Symposium. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gHw97UY2 #RJPFAN #RJPride

"When you're accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression." I love Pride Month. Our company has tried hard to be a place where everyone feels welcome and respected - it's in our core values and it turns out there are no qualifiers around the word "everyone". However, I'm always a little disappointed with some of the reactions I see on social media and otherwise around the time Pride Month. They are usually variations on the same theme - that because one does not understand it or see its value, it's dismissed as a waste of time, dollars, mind space, and ultimately seen as a sign that "we" (individuals, companies, the entire country, everybody) is becoming too woke (whatever that word even means anymore). It always smacks of fear and/or a fundamental misunderstanding to me when I see these kinds of reactions. My unsolicited advice to folks who feel this way is to step back, listen, and observe. Be curious. Sure Pride can be fun for a lot of people, but it also is a time to recognize that there's a large portion of our fellow humans who are marginalized for not being cis-het. If that wasn't the case, then there'd be no need for Pride as a "thing". We would just have people living their lives the way they want and loving who they want. But, as the data and the stories will show, there is still marginalization, bias, and prejudice evident for the LGBTQ+ community. So, if you're genuinely struggling with understanding the point or purpose of Pride, practice that active listening and let those who are actually impacted do the talking.

Our partners at BECU explain why intentional spending matters, and here at GreenPath, we’d like to suggest five ways you can spend mindfully this month–making sure your dollars go the distance when it comes to aligning with and empowering LGBTQ+ individuals! https://bit.ly/4c2U55N

🌈 Celebrating Diversity in the Workplace 🌟 In today's ever-evolving business landscape, diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords – they're essential components of success. As a commercial professional, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that a company's commitment to recognizing and giving visibility to the LGBT community can have on its culture, productivity, and bottom line. From my personal experience S&P Global understands that embracing diversity isn't just the right thing to do – it's the smart thing to do. By fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, we unleash the full potential of our team and drive innovation like never before. When employees feel supported and included, they are more engaged, motivated, and loyal. By championing diversity in all its forms, we attract top talent from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, enriching our company culture and fueling our competitive advantage. The commitment to diversity goes beyond mere rhetoric – it's ingrained in everything we do. From the inclusive hiring practices to employee resource groups and allyship initiatives, S&P Global is dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. As we celebrate Pride Month, let's not just pay lip service to diversity and inclusion – let's take tangible action to build a more equitable and inclusive world for all. Together, we can create workplaces where everyone belongs and where diversity is not just accepted, but celebrated. Join us in making a difference – because when we embrace diversity, we all win. 🏳️🌈 #PrideAtWork #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusiveCulture #PrideMonth #spglobal #spdji #spmexico

When do you think to celebrate Pride? June? August? How about every day? Pride isn't just a month-long celebration. It's a daily commitment to visibility, equality, and respect for the LGBTQ+ community and everyone. Every. Single. Day. It's crucial to stay vigilant against discrimination and ensure that everyone feels safe and valued all year round. Let's make inclusivity and support a permanent part of our lives. Where are you focusing your efforts to create a more inclusive world? #Pride365 #EqualityForAll #InclusionMatters ❗ Repost this to spread the message

🌈 Poll Result: Understanding Allyship Challenges 🌈 We asked you about the biggest challenges allies face when supporting LGBTQ+ people, and here’s what you shared: ✍️ The biggest challenge allies face when supporting LGBTQ+ people is a lack of understanding (38%), followed closely by a fear of making mistakes (32%) and resistance from others (27%). We value your insights, and we invite you to join myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community at the upcoming panel, where we'll delve more deeply into this topic: https://lnkd.in/eNp3XAgd #LGBTQAllyship #Inclusivity #Poll

As a manager or business owner, supporting your LGBTQ+ employees is essential, but knowing where to begin can be challenging. We created a comprehensive guide to help you take the first steps towards creating amazing and inclusive workplaces for everyone. 🌈 Download our guide here: https://lnkd.in/ehhBWfks #LGBTQSupport #InclusiveWorkplaces #EqualityAtWork #EmployeeEmpowerment #DiversityandInclusion #BusinessLeadership

Are brands pulling back on support for Pride this year? It has been a few weeks since I chatted about this with Allison Carter at Ragan Communications and PR Daily and I still believe that they are not. Rather, I think we are seeing fewer brands veering into the rainbow-washing space given the heightened risk of criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates (and vocal anti-LGBT activists) on inauthentic or superficial and performative allyship. However, those brands that understand that action earns trust are continuing to support Pride by uplifting their work to embrace inclusive policies, creating impact-focused purpose-driven campaigns, and promoting a culture of belonging by celebrating and uplifting their employees, consumers, and partners. These brands are not backing away from those values and there is plenty of data to show that this will continue to drive growth, as noted by this year's #ReturnOnLeadership (ROL) Index, comprised of companies with strategic clarity, alignment, focus, and a sense of meaning, showing that the ROL Index (+49%) has outpaced both the S&P 500 (+26%) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (+11%) over the past three years.

Have you seen our new featured LGBTQ+ Keynote Speakers page? What better time to highlight this, than during Pride Month! We've recently added some new pages to our website, focusing on topics that are a bit more niche, but incredibly valuable! Check out the new page: https://lnkd.in/eky7SDBC #Pride2024 #PrideAwareness #EqualityMatters #InspirationalSpeaker #MotivationalSpeakerBusiness

As we celebrate Pride Month, let us also urge employers to foster workplaces that are inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ+ employees. By implementing inclusive policies, providing resources for LGBTQ+ support, and cultivating a culture of acceptance, businesses can create environments where everyone can thrive authentically. Follow the link below to read the full article. https://lnkd.in/gXrHHnMP