Imagine a world where a whopping 80%-100% of the global workforce feels empowered to bring their best ideas to the table, a world where brilliant ideas come from anyone, regardless of their background. That's the power of being able to bring your identity into work. Yet, workplaces have lost out on millions of inventors due to limited access to opportunities stifling innovation.
This isn't just about fairness, it's about unleashing innovation and fueling success. It is about solutions that work for all of us, that enable better collective outcomes for ALL of society.
The Power of Visibility and Identity
Think about a time you felt unseen or unheard. Now, contrast that with the feeling of seeing someone like you achieve great things. How did you feel about your own potential to advance? When individuals see others with shared backgrounds and shared experiences thriving, it validates their own potential.
Yet, when women’s share of executive jobs falls for the first time in nearly 2 decades from 12.2% to 11.8%, it sends a discouraging message to underrepresented groups. These trends translate into the lived experiences and send a message about their identity. We need to fix the system - while diversity at top-level positions is a good indicator, S&P Global research found that women hold fewer than 30% of revenue-generating management positions that can be a stepping stone to the C-suite. If we are not enabling equitable access to opportunities through the pipeline, we will always have an issue translating it to equitable access to opportunities at the C-Suite.
This should ring alarm bells for all of us! We need to fight the disappointment and bring more fuel to inspire underrepresented groups, making them feel they are celebrated and championed - because when we see successful leaders who share our background owning their identity, it ignites a fire within us, it gives us a spark that we can bring our identity into work, our ideas to the discussions, and have a chance for continued advancement in our career.
Our sense of identity is shaped by our experiences, both personal and professional. When our work aligns with our identity, it can lead to increased job satisfaction and a sense of meaning.
Your role in positively shaping the identities of people around you
Break the Bias Barrier: We all have biases. Become aware of yours and challenge them. When you hear a biased statement, speak up!
Own your Identity: Storytelling is a powerful tool for positive impact. As you progress as someone from an underrepresented group in your profession, share your story! You don’t even have to be in the C-Suite - you can always inspire someone with your story! (Want to get started in a safe space? Share Your Story with us - disclose your identity only if you want to!)
Be a Sponsor, Not Just a Mentor: Whether you are from an underrepresented group or not, honestly ask yourself - How many people have you sponsored? How many people trust you to advocate for them? What are their identities? Wherever you are in your career journey, you always have the sphere of influence to advocate for someone else.
Building a truly inclusive workplace is a continuous journey. At Unveiled, our mission is all about forging ahead to put in the work and effort needed to fundamentally remove systemic inequities so that everyone experiences inclusion in their lived experiences. Let's keep the conversation going! Ask your questions, and share your ideas and experiences with us.
Together, we can unlock the potential of our workplaces, our communities, and the world. In a world where every voice is heard and every identity celebrated, the possibilities are limitless!
Writing Team @Unveiled
Disclaimer: Opinions here are like a diverse buffet – everyone's got their own flavor. Unveiled is the rebel chef in this kitchen, proudly independent and not tied to any entities or corporations. We're not serving up official stances, just a potluck of personal perspectives. Chew on that and feel free to spice it up with your own insights. We're all about transparency and improvement, so dish out that constructive feedback!
Sahana Mukherjee, Founder & President of Unveiled - Bridging the Gap Corp, is a distinguished HR executive and sought-after speaker, recognized as Crain’s New York 2022 Notable HR Leader. As a pioneering thought leader, she utilizes data to craft strategic approaches, steering organizations through the transformative impact of transitional technologies on the workforce. Her leadership extends beyond conventional technological integration, ‘Mapping Tomorrow’s Workforce Today’ positioning organizations as trailblazers for sustained growth and relevance.
Wanda Shoer is a senior executive, strategist, and thought leader in the healthcare industry. She is a value based, driven leader, committed to empowering and supporting others on their career journey. Wanda is a proud Latina of Dominican descent and lives in NJ with her loving husband and two children.