5 things / must see tv
This week I watched a couple of inspiring videos from well-known brands. First I saw the NFL's National Coming Out Day video which includes a bunch of current and former players (some of whom are gay) offering a message to future players: we got your back. You will be safe to be out with us. There has never been an active, out NFL player.
I also watched Barbie get a lesson on racism from her Black friend Nikki. In the video, Nikki shares some of her own experiences with discrimination to Barbie and helps her understand her own unearned advantages.
These videos matter. Coming out as a professional athlete is incredibly intimidating but when some of the league's most popular players speak up in support, it's probably a little easier. And Barbie, wow, well that viral three minute video illustrated racism, microaggressions, white privilege, and allyship and likely sparked important conversations.
Here are some other things that inspired me this week:
Starbucks will now connect executive pay to diversity and inclusion initiatives. This approach Is unusual but ideal. DEI initiatives will always be more successful when there is real accountability.
ViacomCBS expanded its "no diversity, no commission" policy to its entire organization, spanning 180 countries. The policy requires tv production companies to adhere to diversity guidelines before budgets are signed off and productions are approved to begin. This matters because it's a systemic approach to equity that can give under-represented groups greater access to employment. It also guarantees more diverse media representation.
Lyft and Mastercard partnered together earlier this year to deliver groceries (paid for by Mastercard) via paid Lyft drivers to low income seniors and families. The partnership helped deliver over 1 million meals in cities around the U.S. This matters because those people need extra support and don't always get it from the government. The business community can help bridge that gap.