CHAPTER 5Why Diversity? Why Now?
Diversity is a “must‐have,” not a “nice‐to‐have.” It is a requirement for businesses to continue to thrive. Inevitably, your mind wanders to the companies who are doing well, the companies that the public believes don't need to worry about tackling diversity because there is high demand for their products and people just love them.
Let's identify those companies: Google, Starbucks, Apple, Pixar, Amazon, Netflix – you get the idea. Whether you enjoy the products they sell, like the values they stand for, or agree with their business practices, the facts are that these companies are thriving. Despite their profitability and high reputation in the marketplace, these companies are still concerned with diversity.
Google (Alphabet, Inc.) is a Fortune Best Company to Work For and has landed the top spot as the number one Best Company to Work For many years in a row. Analysts recommend their stock as one to buy, and according to Glassdoor.com, 90% of employees would recommend working there to a friend, while 94% of employees approve of the CEO. Despite their high industry and employee rating, high profitability, and innovation, in an interview Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai is quoted as saying, “Diversity is a foundational value for us.”1
Starbucks is the only other company I mentioned that consistently makes it to the Fortune Best Company to Work For list. Despite this, Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, said, “I think the most diverse group will produce the best ...
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