Writer: Joey Garrand
2 min read December 2021— With the influx of new residents into the Triangle market comes a greater need for companies to further embrace the values of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), as well as environmental, social and governance (ESG), especially if these organizations wish to tap into the local talent pool and connect with the community. Local business leaders shared their thoughts with Invest: on the importance of promoting and embracing DEI and ESG in a corporate culture.
How are companies re-evaluating their ESG goals during this time?
Depending on what generational view of the workforce you’re looking at, portions of the workforce have high expectations for their employers being engaged around the topics of the time. It can be an obstacle to retention if employers do not. It’s a very divisive time since as people start to work again in person, they are having trouble properly addressing divisive topics. Divisive topics, along with a lack of socialization in the workplace due to remote work for a long time and social media, provide employers with a lot of challenges these days.
David Cove, Managing Partner, North Carolina MassMutual North Carolina
What can the finance profession do to encourage more opportunities for underrepresented groups?
Historically this has been a white, male dominated industry. It still is to a certain extent but there has been a major shift both in attitude and action. Attracting more women into the business is a major initiative MassMutual is focusing on alongside generally being open to more diversity. The business has moved toward holistic financial planning from what was years ago more of a sales job. So many of the skills that make a great financial professional, listening skills, ongoing relationship building, organization, are characteristics that are often strengths for women. We have made a lot of progress, but I believe focusing on diversity is something that companies must be intentional about. We have focused on building flexibility into our training program and schedule to account for different roles and responsibilities at home as well as being thoughtful about our physical space.
Sophia Wajnert, Head of Credit Suisse Raleigh, Credit Suisse
How does Credit Suisse Raleigh approach diversity, equity and inclusion?
We are taking many proactive steps. One of the things that makes our campus and our community at Credit Suisse so strong is that we have a robust culture that is highly dynamic. We foster a truly inclusive and high-quality work environment for our employees here in Raleigh as well as around the world. The topic of diversity is critically important for the organization and to me personally. We are highly committed to advancing our culture of inclusion and belonging. We continue to do everything we can to strengthen our approach and enhance our strategy. One specific local initiative is an initial $1.2 million commitment to establish the Credit Suisse Scholarship Program, which is an ongoing endowment in partnership with UNCF (United Negro College Fund). The program funds scholarships for students attending historically Black colleges and universities in North Carolina. This is one way we’re investing in underrepresented talent and helping to create equitable access to opportunity.
Gary Greene, President & CEO, Greene Resources
How is the company reacting to the social injustice issues highlighted in recent years?
When George Floyd was killed over a year ago, it was clear we were not doing enough. This was a call to walk the walk and really examine what we were doing. Our involvement with the Triangle DEI Alliance ratcheted up and they introduced us to the Diversity Movement. The Diversity Movement helped us uncover our unconscious biases- specifically in the workplace and in the hiring process. We pushed ourselves to get out of our comfort zones and challenge our learned behaviors. We also formed a DEI committee, which is empowered to challenge everything we do to ensure we are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive place of work. We revisited how we invested in the community to ensure we used a DEI lens in our investments. We may say we want diversity but we also must be intentional about pursuing equity and inclusivity in all facets of the hiring process and workplace experience.
Elizabeth Doran, President & CEO, North Carolina Theatre
How does North Carolina Theatre approach DEI?
We are one of the biggest producing theater companies in the South with a real focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in our casting, show selection and highlighting of local youth. We have an interest in representing all communities in the region. We have a program at North Carolina Theater called All In, which is our vision for diversity, equity and inclusion. Our goal is that by 2030, our audiences, artists, board and students reflect the diversity of this region, which means deepening our relationships with our community and organizations.
For more information, visit:
https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us
https://northcarolina.massmutual.com/
https://www.credit-suisse.com/
