George Chavel
Today I read an article in the Washington Post discussing how female CEO’s face a double standard – they receive greater scrutiny and more flak for the same business-based decisions their male counterparts are making. As I read this article, I reflected on my own role as a CEO and how hard it can be to make difficult decisions in the best interest of the organization. It also reinforced the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
In today’s global business environment, I would argue that any organization focused on future growth and success must have diversity and inclusion as a strategic imperative to effectively address challenges such as integrating four generations in the workplace, addressing global inequities and competing for top talent. Creating diverse environments is both a central challenge and opportunity for all leaders in a complex, multicultural global economy.
At Sodexo, diversity and inclusion has been a journey of continuous learning, experience, and growth. Over the past decade we have deliberately and diligently undergone a systemic cultural transformation, making diversity and inclusion a key component of our corporate identity and brand promise in the workplace and in the marketplace. Through our approach to diversity and inclusion and quality of life-based services, Sodexo is positioned squarely at the intersection of business performance and social change.
We have established a robust diversity and inclusion governance structure inclusive of both internal and external councils and support mechanisms. But strong, dedicated leadership is just one component of a successful diversity and inclusion strategy – you also must have passionate, committed grassroots support to propel initiatives forward. Our nine Employee Business Resource Groups and Cross Market Diversity Council have laid a strong foundation by taking ownership of diversity and inclusion in the field and turning initiatives into action.
In fact, Sodexo is hosting the 2013 Diversity Business & Leadership Summit in Chicago April 18th. Together with Earvin “Magic” Johnson, head of SodexoMAGIC, we will have a conversation about how attitudes, actions and commitments drive diversity and inclusion.To celebrate our commitment to diversity, we want to hear from you. Simply put, we want to know the answer to an important question: “What does diversity mean to you?” Magic and I look forward to reading your answers via Twitter over the next week.
We at Sodexo are fortunate to have embarked on our diversity and inclusion journey many years ago but today’s Washington Post article reminds me there is still much more to do. We strive to be a strategic partner with our clients in fostering diversity and helping the communities we serve grow and succeed. I believe that our employees are a real strategic asset for Sodexo, our clients and their customers. As a result of their commitment to D&I, and their cultural competence, they are able to provide superior service to our clients.
We look forward to the conversation in Chicago and we look forward to reading your diversity Tweets!
George Chavel is president & CEO of Sodexo North America.