In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, fostering a workplace culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) is no longer an option-it is a necessity. Vivek Jothi, a seasoned leader in talent intelligence and diversity initiatives, delivered an insightful and reflective speech on the importance of these principles, drawing from his extensive experience in the field. As the Head of Talent Intelligence for APAC and EMEA at Kimberly-Clark, Vivek's work centers on building high-performing teams, nurturing talent, and ensuring that every individual feels valued and included.
In his talk, Vivek began by emphasizing how deeply DEIB resonates with him personally. He set the stage by quoting Verna Myers, a renowned diversity practitioner, who encapsulates the essence of diversity and inclusion with the words: "Diversity is being invited to the party, and inclusion is being asked to dance." Vivek extended this metaphor by adding two crucial dimensions-equity and belonging-explaining that "equity is being asked to sing, and belonging is being asked to judge." This, he said, is a powerful reflection of the interconnectedness of these four elements and how they work in unison to create a truly inclusive and effective workplace.
The Challenge of Retaining Diverse Talent
Vivek's experience working for one of the largest consumer goods companies in the world offered valuable lessons in the complexities of DEIB. He shared a compelling example from one of his previous roles, where the organization initiated a bold move to increase female representation in tech roles. The company launched a robust recruitment campaign, attracting a diverse pool of female talent through competitive salaries, relocation benefits, and comprehensive support systems.
While the initial results were promising, with many talented women joining the company, a year later, nearly 50% of these new hires had left. This significant loss of talent raised an important question: “What was missing?”
This realization became a turning point for Vivek and the leadership team. They recognized that while their efforts to attract diverse talent were successful, they had overlooked the crucial element of inclusion. Without an inclusive environment, diverse talent could not thrive. This underscored a vital lesson for any organization-recruiting diverse talent is just the first step; retaining that talent requires fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and heard.
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