Davos 2016 - Issue Briefing: Diversity Barriers in Emerging Markets

TL;DR

A discussion on the importance of LGBT rights and the need to create inclusive workplaces in emerging markets.

Transcript

the annual meeting 2016 I'm delighted to say that this is a hugely important issue that we're covering for our first briefing here in the media center of the uh of the Congress Center in Davos clusters of course it's the issue of LGBT rights and how to more importantly overcome barriers to enabling and allowing LGBT talent to flourish we begin to f... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 The presence of out and visible leaders in the corporate world is a competitive advantage for companies, as it shows the value of diversity and inclusion.
• 💦 Workplace discrimination against LGBT employees is still prevalent, even in developed countries. More work needs to be done to create inclusive environments.
• ✊ Companies have the power to influence governments by leveraging their economic impact and highlighting the importance of diversity in driving business success.
• 🚨 The focus on promoting LGBT inclusion should extend beyond major markets and also address employment discrimination in emerging markets.
• 🥺 Inclusive workplaces lead to higher employee engagement and retention, benefiting both individuals and companies.
• 🌐 Creating communities of influence and using collective voices can drive change and promote inclusivity on a global scale.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Beth Brookmartin's view on the importance of being out change after she came out as a senior executive?

Beth realized that she wasn't truly authentic until she came out, and that her career improved once she embraced her true self. She now advocates for senior out executives to be visible and provide a voice for the LGBT community.

Q: How do multinational companies address LGBT issues in different countries?

Companies like EY and Mastercard tailor their approach to each country, taking into consideration the local culture and dynamics. They hold forums and discussions with local leaders to create safe spaces and foster dialogue around LGBT inclusion.

Q: What are some best practices for promoting LGBT inclusion in the workplace?

Mastercard promotes diversity by bringing employees from different resource groups together to work on problem-solving. Creating safe environments and highlighting the value of diverse perspectives are key strategies in fostering inclusion.

Q: How do companies measure success in promoting LGBT inclusion?

It is challenging to measure success in terms of self-identification, but having an inclusive workplace that embraces all differences and values diverse perspectives is a good indicator of success. Companies that lead on LGBT inclusion tend to excel in all aspects of diversity.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Beth Brookmartin and Shamim Singh discuss the challenges and importance of being out in the corporate world.

• They highlight the need for senior role models to be visible and out, to show that success is possible regardless of sexual orientation.

• The speakers emphasize the importance of creating safe and inclusive workplace environments, and the role of multinational companies in driving change.