5 Things / Accountability
Listen to this episode:
This week on 5 Things in 15 Minutes, I’ll be joined by Rubén Alejandro Ramírez who leads Global DEI at the Syngenta Group, one of our clients. We’re going to talk about accountability, which is the “A” in my PSA formula for meaningful DEI success.
Ruben has been building out a leader accountability framework model that is segmented by region and has a point-based ranking. The framework will look at employee engagement survey results, pay gaps, the number of leaders trained, participation in webinars, and more.
I realize that for some of you, this is very aspirational. Still, leaders should be held accountable for DEI goals, which, by the way, are not going away (even if they are being rebranded…) Without accountability, it’s impossible to effectively scale your DEI strategies, and if you’re not scaling them, then you’re spinning your wheels.
I hope you’ll check out my conversation with Rubén on LinkedIn Live, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.
Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:
JPMorgan fully committed to DEI
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, despite declaring himself unwoke, affirmed the bank's commitment to DEI. The bank’s strategy is heavily data-driven, focusing on specific metrics such as promotions by position and retention rates for underrepresented groups. This matters because JPM remains focused on addressing disparities among different demographics, especially emphasizing the importance of a "platform" for career advancement.
Billionaire couple gifts $100 million to Spelman College
In a historic move, billionaire couple Ronda Stryker and William Johnston are donating $100 million to Atlanta's Spelman College, marking the largest-ever single donation to a historically Black college or university. Spelman will use $75 million for scholarships and allocate the rest for academic initiatives and student housing improvements. The transformative gift underscores the importance of investing in HBCUs, addressing historical underinvestment, amplifying their financial stability and ultimately changing lives.
DEI jobs alive and well
Despite a decline in chief diversity officers during tech layoffs in early 2023, LinkedIn's data reveals that DEI roles remain among the fastest growing in the US. The report places "VP of diversity and inclusion" at #7 in the list of fastest growing jobs. The evolving nature of the work should be noted, with a shift towards qualifications of strategic planning expertise, legal and compliance knowledge, and accountability in navigating current and future challenges. Keep the faith, and keep learning!
More employers offering psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy
A growing number of U.S. employers are incorporating psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy into their health benefits to mental health challenges, especially treatment-resistant conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Traditional treatments may not work for everyone, making alternatives like psychedelic therapy valuable to enhance employee well-being, improve decision-making, and contribute to a healthier workforce. The CDC estimates that depression costs employers $17 to $44 billion annually in lost workdays.
More accessible Apple podcasts
Apple is enhancing podcast accessibility by introducing transcripts on Apple Podcasts. They will be automatically generated, allowing users to read the full text, search for specific content, and tap to play from a chosen point. These transcripts aims to make podcasts more inclusive, providing a valuable resource for audiences with varying needs. Available in English, French, German, and Spanish, this update reinforces Apple's commitment to universal design. Podcast creators can also customize transcript settings for episodes, offering flexibility in delivering accessible content to a global audience.
This Week’s Call to Action:
Ready to do the work? Check out the book Reconstructing DEI: A Practitioner's Workbook by Lily Zheng to get yourself into action!