“Acknowledging that LGBT is a spectrum of individuals and interests. There is no ‘LGBT’ market. There are many markets under the LGBT umbrella, defined by age, gender identity, ethnicity, relationship status and place of residence, just like in the general market. LGBT belongs in the diversity conversation (along with other demographics), but diversity belongs in the LGBT conversation, too.” —Thomas Roth, MBA, president, Community Marketing & Insights
“Giving deliberate recognition to capability over color, skillset over skin tone, intelligence over ignorance and reality over racism.”
“Preparing myself and my team to create an environment of open-mindedness. Whether its new ideas, unfamiliar cultures or eyebrow-raising phrases, we must be prepared and accepting of diversity in all things.” —Joshua Evans, founder of the company Enthusiastic You!
“Giving deliberate recognition to capability over color, skillset over skin tone, intelligence over ignorance and reality over racism.” —Julie Coker Graham, CEO and president of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
“Seeing the workforce trends that have been building for a while. But, when we speak of diversity, let’s make sure we talk of all the ways that a company can practice diversity: ethnicity, gender, brain preference and thinking styles, and skillsets. Research shows that a heterogeneous team will outperform a homogenous team every time if they are patient and value everyone’s opinions. If they don’t (which is often the case), the homogenous team of people all alike will outperform them. The only people that have a chance at valuing diversity is those who have good self-awareness and humility.” —Shane Cragun, founding principal and CEO of SweetmanCragun
