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Why role models matter now more than ever before

Friday, 14 July 2017 13:50 GMT

* Any views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Whether through being role models ourselves or championing others who are doing great things; we all have a part to play

The past 12 months have been, without a doubt, a real rollercoaster ride. At a social and political level, June 2016 was the start of an annus horribilis, which doesn’t seem to be over just yet. Let’s reflect:

The LGBT+ community was shocked and stunned when on 12th June 2016, 49 clubbers were killed in Pulse nightclub, Orlando, in what is believed to have been a shooting motivated by homophobia and racism.

Less than 2 weeks later, a 52% majority voted for Britain to leave the European Union, with many citing concerns over immigration as their main decision-making factor.

Fast forward five months to November; across the pond we see Donald Trump elected as US president; a man who has openly expressed archaic views on gender equality, racial equality and LGBT+ inclusion.

There have been political wobbles in Europe with a rise in popularity of far-right parties in the Netherlands and France.

And to top it all off, following a general election in June this year, the Conservative party has agreed a coalition with the Northern Irish DUP, a party known for its traditional views and anti-LGBT+ stance.

Then, as if the political turmoil wasn’t enough, there has been yet more tragedy, with 4 terror attacks in the UK in as many months, killing 36 people in total and injuring scores more.

What the above says to me is that the world is an unhappy place. There has been a distinct breakdown of understanding and communication between different communities, nationalities and cultural groups. People are expressing their fears and frustrations through politics, leading us to question how progressive our society really is.

As part of Pride in London 2017, the organisers commissioned some research this year into hate crime which has revealed some unhappy truths, with 42% of LGBT+ Londoners admitting to being victims of hate crime over the past 12 months, and 18% of all UK adults believing that they have been a victim of hate crime.

As gay, Asian man, I am well aware of the challenges and discrimination that minority groups can face. And whilst, past 12 months aside, we have come a long way with inclusion, the stats above and the stories I’m told every day would suggest otherwise.

I’m Founder & CEO of Audeliss, diversity-focused executive search firm, OUTstanding, an LGBT+ membership organisation and EMpower and HERoes – initiatives for BAME and gender equality, so I’ve devoted the majority of my professional career to diversity and inclusion. I’ve seen incredibly progressive companies creating vibrant, meritocratic environments in which everyone can succeed. And I have seen companies who claim to be diverse employers yet have no women, people of colour or LGBT+ people at the most senior levels. Diverse? I think not.

The rise in racist and xenophobic sentiment and the increase in support for parties or political figures with old fashioned or ‘traditional’ views really brings my companies’ work to the fore. It’s not nice to be surrounded by hatred, intolerance and ignorance, so having visible and vocal role models is essential for progress.

I am lucky to have seen the benefits that come from a diverse workforce with visible role models at all levels. It is important that we all have someone who we can look up to. Someone who makes us believe that anything is possible, especially when we live in a world that is telling us otherwise.

At OUTstanding, we’ve produced annual role model lists since 2013, celebrating visible, out LGBT+ & ally leaders and LGBT+ future leaders. And since 2016 we’ve produced the EMpower lists celebrating BAME leaders and future leaders. Both sets of lists are published in the Financial Times so have a huge global readership and impact. Not only do they celebrate those who are achieving great things in their own career and helping their respective BAME/LGBT+ communities; they also put these individuals in the spotlight, in a position of influence where they can have a positive impact on the careers of more junior employees.

We could sit and get depressed about the state of the world and about things that are out of our control - but that would get us nowhere. Instead, we should focus on the positive actions we can take to make a difference. Whether through being role models ourselves or championing others who are doing great things; we all have a part to play.

We may not always be able to all agree on political views, but we need to ensure that in our own way, in business, we are all moving together in the same direction. So have a think about your actions each day, and think about those you’re influencing around you, either at home or work. I guarantee your impact will be much greater than you realise. 

Suki Sandhu is founder & CEO, OUTstanding & Audeliss

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