5 Things / Code Switching
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We have a new consulting client that’s a law school. Our kickoff meeting was recently, and in advance, I was asked to swap out any language that sounded too “corporate.” Consultants became partners. Employees became faculty and staff. They wanted to de-emphasize our corporate work so we would have more credibility with the academics in the room.
The kickoff went great! As we were walking out, our contact thanked me for being able to speak to the audience in that way. I replied “My pleasure! I know how to code-switch.”
It’s a silly story, but these are the skills we build when we’re members of underrepresented groups. And they can come in very handy in leadership roles…great leadership qualities are born from oppression. I actually have a keynote on just that topic called Born This Way. Reply if you’d like to learn more about it!
This Week’s Good Vibes:
Racial Diversity Leaders to Higher Box Office ROI
The latest Hollywood Diversity Report from UCLA reveals that movies with casts reflecting real-world racial diversity saw the highest return on investment (ROI) in 2023. Films with 41-50% BIPOC casts led to the highest median ROI, while less diverse movies yielded lower returns. Proportionately representative films also made bank with Barbie leading at $1.4 billion. Despite audience diversity, film industry employment lacks parity, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity behind the camera to mirror the diverse audience in front of it.
Tyson to Hire 42,000 Migrants
Amidst a surge in asylum seekers, Tyson Foods Inc. partners with Tent Partnership for Refugees to hire migrants. With plans to employ an additional 42,000 immigrants, Tyson's move not only fills jobs but also offers opportunities for these folks who traveled thousands of miles to get here for a better life. But what I particularly love here is Tyson's investment in retention, including legal aid and citizenship assistance, and that reflects a commitment to inclusion and workforce stability.
It's OK to Say Gay
In Florida, a settlement over the "Don't Say Gay" law means LGBTQ topics can still be discussed in classrooms. A resolution has been added clarifying that the law doesn't prohibit LGBTQ references or anti-bullying measures. This is a big win for students' rights and inclusion and essentially nullifies the law. The settlement sets a precedent for similar cases nationwide, impacting students and teachers beyond Florida.
Inclusive Bridal Dresses
Designers like Brides by Nona and Alonuko are leading a shift towards inclusive wedding attire, offering diverse skin tone options without extra charges. Thankfully, because in the bridal industry, women of color often encounter challenges finding wedding attire that accommodates their skin tones. There are systemic issues where the default "nude" often caters to lighter skin tones, leaving darker-skinned brides feeling marginalized and overlooked.
Walmart Teaches Compassion
Walmart’s Manager Academy instills compassionate leadership among store managers, emphasizing worker well-being and community engagement. With Walmart’s status as the largest US private employer, the ways it trains its managers impact millions of workers. With a focus on fostering a supportive culture, the training emphasizes the importance of compassion in driving employee satisfaction and overall business success. This sets a precedent for the retail industry, emphasizing the significance of empathy and understanding in creating a positive work environment.
This Week’s Call to Action:
It’s Women’s History Month! Learn about some amazing women by exploring the inductees of the National Women’s Hall of Fame. The 2024 class has its first trans woman, Sandy Stone.