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Let’s walk the talk on diversity and inclusion for real. I had the great pleasure to discuss important questions with the Volvo Group V-EAGLE network for LGBTQAI+ members and allies earlier this week. In a nutshell: 👉 Why should LGBTQAI+ diversity matter in the workplace? - Because everyone should feel safe to come to work as who they are, feel safe at work, respected, and be included. 👉 In 2024, do you think our society has reached full inclusion in the workplace already? - No, unfortunately, in my view more work on this is needed. 👉 What tips can you give to people to become more inclusive colleagues and leaders? - Let’s respect everyone for who they are and include them. It is as simple as that. 👉 LGBTQAI+ people who don’t feel comfortable with being “out” in the workplace, what do you want to say to them? - Sometimes I am sure this can be easier said than done. With full respect for everyone who is not ready, or who does not want to, coming out is a personal choice. But if you want to come out and feel more ready, look for other members and allies – there are many to connect with. And join the LGBTQAI+ community in your workplace, to feel supported but also to support others. I would say that this could be a good starting point. 👉 You have consistently attended the Pride parade in Gothenburg every year since 2017. What was it that made you join the first West Pride parade, and what made you come back every year? - For me as a person, and as a leader, diversity and inclusion really matter. So, when I joined the Volvo Group in 2017, it was very natural for me to also join the West Pride parade in Gothenburg. Since then, many of my colleagues in the Volvo Group Executive Board have joined me. And we can see the number of LGBTQAI+ members and allies in the Group growing every year. In fact, the Pride parade has very much become a family party celebrating everyone’s uniqueness and right to be respected and included as who they are.   Together in picture below with Özgün Yılmazok and Yoann Landraudie, both engaged in our important LGBTQAI+ V-EAGLE network globally. #weareVolvoGroup #VolvoGroupPurchasing #Diversity #Inclusion  

Pride Month is a great time for celebration, advocacy, and allyship for our LGBTQIA+ communities, and an opportunity to create inclusive spaces in the work environment. Yet, many companies still don't participate or do the bare minimum. While it's great to see a surge of Pride flags this time of year, true inclusivity goes beyond performative gestures. So, why should companies celebrate Pride Month and their LGBTQIA+ employees year-round? It's not just about social responsibility (although that's important, and should be reason enough!). There are ways businesses can benefit from fostering a truly inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ employees that make good business sense: 🌈 Boost Employee Engagement and Morale: Feeling valued and respected is key to a happy and productive workforce. Celebrating Pride Month demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, fostering a more engaged and motivated team environment. 🌈 Attract and Retain Top Talent: The LGBTQIA+ community is a vast and diverse pool of talent. By actively promoting inclusivity, you signal that your company values diverse perspectives and creates a welcoming space. This can be a major draw for top performers. 🌈 Enhance Brand Reputation: Consumers are increasingly conscious of social responsibility and diversity initiatives. Demonstrating a genuine commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion through Pride Month activities can enhance your company's brand reputation and attract a more positive public image. 🌈 Unlock Innovation and Creativity: Diverse teams bring a wider range of experiences and perspectives to the table. By embracing LGBTQIA+ identities, companies can unlock greater innovation and creativity. 🌈 Align with Evolving Social Values: Society's understanding of diversity and inclusion is constantly evolving. By actively engaging with Pride Month and promoting LGBTQIA+ rights, employers demonstrate their commitment to keeping pace with these evolving values and being responsible members of the community. Pride Month is a great time to start the conversation, but let's make inclusivity a year-round practice. What are your thoughts on LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace? Share your experiences and insights in the comments! #PrideMonth #Diversityandinclusion #LGBTQIA+

Lessons in Team Culture from the Power of Inclusivity Today is Pride Day in Seattle, and the energy is electric! As we celebrate, it's a great time to reflect on the powerful lessons in team culture that we can learn from Pride. This picture is from our journey to Iceland earlier this year. The rainbow crosswalk serves as a vivid reminder of the strength and beauty that comes from inclusivity. Embracing Inclusivity Inclusivity isn't just a buzzword; it's the foundation of a thriving team culture. When every team member feels valued and accepted, they are more engaged, motivated, and innovative. _________ Here's how we can take these lessons to heart: 1. Create a Safe Space for Everyone:   - Just as Pride creates a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, we should strive to create an environment where everyone feels safe to express their true selves. This means actively listening, showing empathy, and standing against discrimination. .................. 2. Celebrate Diversity:   - Diversity brings a wealth of perspectives and ideas. By celebrating our differences, we can foster creativity and innovation. Encourage team members to share their unique experiences and viewpoints. .................. 3. Promote Open Communication:   - Open and honest communication is key to building trust within a team. Encourage team members to speak up, share their ideas, and voice their concerns. A culture of transparency leads to stronger, more cohesive teams. .................. 4. Support Each Other:   - Just as the rainbow crosswalks show visible support for the LGBTQ+ community, we should visibly support each other in our daily interactions. Recognize achievements, offer help when needed, and stand up for one another. .................. 5. Commit to Continuous Learning:   - Inclusivity requires ongoing effort and education. Commit to learning more about different cultures, identities, and experiences. This knowledge helps us better understand and support our teammates. .................. The Power of Inclusivity Inclusivity isn't just the right thing to do; it's a powerful driver of success. Teams that embrace inclusivity are more resilient, adaptable, and capable of overcoming challenges. They harness the collective strength of their diverse members to achieve greater heights. As we celebrate Pride Day in Seattle, let's commit to fostering a team culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Together, we can create an environment where every individual can soar. Let's go! #cultureFIRSTleadership #PrideDay #Inclusivity

📷 Cobalt’s ‘Out’ and About event last Friday organised by Kate Peers-McQueen and Ciarán Nicholl - but why do we celebrate pride events? Celebrating Pride events in corporate spaces is crucial to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment, and ensure our LGBTQIA+ employees feel valued and respected. We also aim to bring awareness and understanding among all staff, and foster allyship. At our event, we tried to give back to the community by supporting queer-owned small breweries and brands, purchasing products from Luv Jus and PROUD Beer. Trying to give back to the community can be hard if you don’t know where to go, but there is a company trying to fix this. ‘Everywhere is Queer’ is an app that has documented over 500 queer-run businesses across the globe. Fostering inclusivity and support doesn’t stop on the 30th of June, and within Cobalt we champion inclusivity everyday, not just internally but within our clients also. We speak to decision-makers across the real estate industry daily, and with the support of our Head of Inclusion, Megan Bond, our team are well-prepared to consult with our clients on inclusive hiring practices to ensure everyone entering a business can feel comfortable. #Pride #Pride2024 #CobaltCares

LGBTQIA+ Inclusion: Recognizing and validating diversity within the community, ensures that all identities are acknowledged and respected. Visibility: Naming different identities, helps to increase awareness and understanding of various sexual orientations and gender identities. Support: Foster a sense of belonging and solidarity among individuals who might feel marginalized or excluded because of their identity. Advocacy: Serve for advocacy, help to promote equal rights, combat discrimination, and address issues specific to each group within the community.

As a woman in the workplace, I have experienced both the challenges and the triumphs that come with navigating a professional landscape. Empowerment of all marginalised groups is extremely important in order to progress as not only a professional, but as a person. The importance of acknowledging your biases and language, and how it affects those around you is imperative 🙌 🏃♀️ During this Pride Month, I wanted to take the time to celebrate the incredible strength and resilience, of all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. 🌟🏳️🌈 In honour of this marvellous month, here are some ways we can support and uplift each other: 💜 1. Advocate for Each Other: Champion your colleagues' ideas and contributions in meetings. Acknowledging and endorsing their work helps everyone succeed. 💛 2. Embrace Diversity: Value the diverse perspectives and experiences that each team member brings. Diversity fuels innovation and problem-solving. 💚 3. Foster Inclusivity: Create a workspace where everyone feels safe, respected, and heard. This means using inclusive language and respecting all gender identities. 💙 4. Provide Mentorship: Offer guidance and support to colleagues who ask. Mentorship can be transformative, providing the confidence and skills needed to thrive. ❤️ 5. Lead with Empathy: Show kindness, empathy, and respect in all interactions. By embodying these values, we create a positive and inclusive workplace culture. During Pride Month and beyond, let’s recognize and honour the contributions of our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. To all the amazing men, women, non-binary and beyond individuals I have the privilege to work with, your determination and passion inspire me every day. Let’s continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a workplace where everyone can flourish. 🌟 Here's to celebrating diversity, fostering inclusivity, and uplifting one another! 🌈💪 #WomenInWorkplace #PrideMonth #DiversityAndInclusion #SupportEachOther #CelebrateDiversity #UpliftOthers #InclusiveWorkplace

#TheMorningInclusive Celebrating Pansexual and Panromantic Visibility Day Today, we observe Pansexual and Panromantic Visibility Day, a day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of the pansexual and panromantic community. It’s a day to recognize the spectrum of identities that enrich our society and to affirm that love knows no boundaries. Creating spaces where individuals feel safe and empowered to express their true selves is not just a matter of policy—it’s a matter of human dignity. It’s about fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or romantic preferences, can be their bold, authentic self without fear of judgment or discrimination. As we observe this day, let’s reflect on the importance of inclusivity in all aspects of life. Whether in the workplace, educational institutions, or our families, everyone deserves to feel that they belong. Sustaining a culture of belonging requires continuous effort and commitment from all of us. It’s about listening to experiences different from our own, educating ourselves and others, and standing up against bigotry in all its forms. Inclusivity isn’t just about acceptance; it’s about celebration. It’s about recognizing the unique contributions that each person brings to the table and valuing the diverse perspectives that drive innovation and progress. When we embrace inclusivity, we’re not just making space for others; we’re enhancing our own lives and broadening our horizons. Let's be inspired by this diversity and let it motivate us to create a more inclusive world. On Pansexual and Panromantic Visibility Day, let’s pledge to be allies who actively promote a culture of belonging. Let’s recommit to creating spaces where everyone can thrive and celebrate the beautiful diversity of human experience. Together, we can build a world where everyone knows they belong, not just today but every day. #PanVisibilityDay #Belonging #Inclusivity #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #LGBTIQ #Pride NOTE: This image was created by Copilot to summarize this text

June, celebrated worldwide as Pride Month, is more than just parades and festivities. It’s a time to honor the LGBTQIA+ community's journey, resilience, and invaluable contributions. Central to these contributions are the principles of living authentically and fostering belonging. The journey of self-acceptance and coming out is a powerful testament to the strength found in living authentically. LGBTQIA+ individuals model the way in their communities and workplaces by exemplifying the courage to be true to oneself. This authenticity inspires others to embrace their identity, promoting a culture of acceptance and respect. In professional settings, this can lead to increased morale, stronger team dynamics, and a more positive workplace culture. Authentic living encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect. The LGBTQIA+ community’s focus on inclusivity creates strong, supportive networks. These networks are vital in building a sense of belonging within organizations and communities. LGBTQIA+ individuals often lead initiatives that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all voices are represented and valued, regardless of their background. At LEVATA Human Performance we are consciously creating a culture that builds trust and unleashes creativity. Our value of fostering belonging describes how together we are creating safe spaces and building healthy inclusive environments where people have the freedom to use their unique perspectives and experiences to do the unexpected, solve problems, create possibilities, seize opportunities, and pursue their work as a way to make a positive difference in the world. #PrideMonth #LGBTQIACommunity #FosteringBelonging #AuthenticLiving #DiversityAndInclusion #InnovativeSpirit #AcceptanceMatters #WorkplaceEquality #PrideInclusion #ProgressiveCulture

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (#DEI) aren’t just 'trendy' terms. 📢 Take it from our Managing Director Jon-Paul Vicari — DEI are the building blocks of successful, thriving workplaces. 🌱 We work with over 180 corporate partners across the globe, so we know how critical DEI is for boosting innovation, improving employee morale, and driving business growth. But we also understand how challenging it can be for companies to implement these strategies effectively. 💭 That’s why we’re here to help! Follow us for educational content about DEI and giving a sneak peek into how we create more inclusive workplaces all over the world with the help of our global collective of 300+ Queer change-makers. From actionable insights to real-world success stories, our goal is to help YOU make inclusivity a priority in every corner of your organisation. 🫱🏻🫲🏿 Discover our full range of corporate solutions: https://lnkd.in/d8zk5sf 💌 Email [email protected] to book a free consultation. #InclusiveWorkplaces #BusinessGrowth #DiversityMatters

As a proud Jellyfish panellist in the "Work Like a Girl" discussion, I reflected on the essence of intersectionality and its pivotal role in our journey towards equality. 💜 Kudos to my dear colleagues who shared the stage with me - Juhyun Eom, Christine Davitt, Chenai Madziwa and our outstanding moderator - Carla Fernandes. And a special thank you to Luisa Monteiro Furlan, our Culture & Engagement expert, without whom the panel would not have been possible. 🚀 Defining Intersectionality: To me, as a working mom, intersectionality signifies recognizing that our experiences are multifaceted. Balancing being a woman and a mother unveils unique challenges and perspectives that shape our professional journey distinctively. 🌈 Cruciality of Intersectionality: Equality isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. Understanding how identities intersect is key to addressing additional hurdles faced by working parents, caregivers, and individuals of diverse backgrounds. By embracing these intersections, we pave the way for a more inclusive workplace and strive for genuine equality for all. 🔑 Empowering Diversity & Inclusion: Let's set the tone together, building awareness, and understanding unconscious biases, we create safe spaces where every voice is valued and heard. 🌟 Call to Action: Join me in championing diversity, fostering inclusion, and creating a workplace where every individual thrives! 👂 How do you - Katharina Hauke, Theresa Hüning, Inga Bohn, Miroslava (Mirka) Biresova, Johannes Kliesch, Katja (Neubauer) Kiesey - address intersectional issues and promote Diversity & Inclusion within your company? #DiversityandInclusion #Intersectionality #Equality #Empowerment