Hiring for Diversity

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM LEADERS ON ADVANCING DIVERSITY

“Weave your DEIB (belonging) strategy into your mission and values so it's integrated into who you are and what you do AND start early, looking at diversifying your team from day one.”

—Mark Levy, EX Advisor and Pioneer of the Employee Experience, Airbnb

“Ensure your organization has the level of support that is aligned with your goals and objectives. DEI is owned by all company employees, but anytime you give ownership of something, you must explain to people how it works and their role in maintaining and caring for what you are sharing.”

—Rocki Howard, Chief Diversity Officer, SmartRecruiters

“Make it really easy for people to voice their opinions and proactively invite contrary feedback. Even for your diversity initiatives, ask your people questions like ‘What are two reasons why this isn't a good idea?’ This will empower people to speak up and any effort you lead will become that much stronger for it.”

—Angela Lee, Professor at Columbia Business School and Founder of 37 Angels

“Start early, be intentional, and do not compromise. Don't fall into the trap of thinking this will get easier later on. It will not. Ask yourself, what does this team not have? What perspective are we not seeing? What voice are we not hearing?”

—Dave Walsh, CEO, Mathison

“Diversity is not the nice thing to do. It is the essential thing to do. Data show that diverse organizations outperform others. Diversity will boost your bottom line. ...