Out Leadership: Return on Equality with Todd Sears | #𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗡𝗬

TL;DR

Business plays a crucial role in driving LGBTQ+ equality, with economic power and platforms used to advocate for change.

Transcript

foreign and when I say that to people they sort of look at me a little bit funny as if like how do you know that and why is that relevant to your life but it actually is a pretty formative thing and I found that most people know their sexual orientation or gender identity between the ages of four and eight so I grew up in North Carolina I uh intere... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ Business has a significant impact on LGBTQ+ equality, with companies using their economic power and platforms to advocate for change.
• ❓ LGBTQ+ inclusive companies outperform the stock market, demonstrating the economic benefits of diversity and inclusion.
• 👨‍💼 LGBTQ+ inclusion should be embedded in company ESG strategies, as it drives innovation, talent retention, and overall business success.
• 👮 Local engagement and collaboration with government officials are important for driving LGBTQ+ equality, particularly in states and countries with discriminatory laws.
• 👨‍🔬 Research and data are crucial tools in measuring progress, identifying gaps, and influencing policies for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
• 😚 LGBTQ+ discrimination has economic consequences, with individuals and talent being lost due to hostile environments.
• 🫷 The shift towards LGBTQ+ equality is a global convergence, with companies pushing for change across borders.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker's personal experiences influence their involvement in LGBTQ+ advocacy in the business world?

The speaker faced discrimination from a homophobic boss, which led them to start looking for a new job. This experience motivated them to connect their orientation to business and advocate for LGBTQ+ equality.

Q: How did the speaker leverage their position in the finance industry to drive change for LGBTQ+ rights?

The speaker used their role in a British investment bank to win business from LGBTQ+ clients, showing that being out and inclusive can lead to success in the business world. They also pushed for their company to sponsor LGBTQ+ organizations and support the community.

Q: How did the speaker expand their advocacy work beyond their job in the finance industry?

After getting laid off, the speaker used their severance check to start an organization called Out Leadership. They focused on leveraging economic power and collaborating with other companies to advocate for LGBTQ+ equality globally.

Q: What initiatives has Out Leadership launched to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality?

Out Leadership has launched initiatives such as Out Next, which develops young LGBTQ+ leaders, Out Women, which provides networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ women, and Quorum, which aims to include LGBTQ+ individuals in corporate boardrooms.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker grew up in North Carolina and faced discrimination in the workplace as a gay person before finding a supportive environment.

• They started an investment bank and successfully won business from LGBTQ+ clients by being out and connecting their orientation to business.

• They launched an organization called Out Leadership, which focuses on using economic power to drive LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion in various industries and countries.