During this PRIDE Month, we had the privilege of speaking with Anthony Kumar, the Australasian Inclusion and Diversity Council Lead at WTW. Anthony shared insights on the profound impact of LGBT+ representation within the company and how it drives innovation, business success and fosters a culture of inclusion.
LGBT+ representation in the corporate world goes beyond moral and ethical imperatives; it is a critical driver of business innovation and success. By fostering an environment where diverse identities are celebrated, companies can tap into a wider range of perspectives and creative ideas. Come with us as we discover how this mindset is already embedded in WTW’s DNA.
Enhancing Innovation Through Diverse Perspectives
Q: How does LGBT+ representation within WTW contribute to a more inclusive and innovative work environment?
Anthony: LGBT+ representation brings diverse perspectives and a wider range of viewpoints to the table. This naturally promotes innovation and creative solutions. For WTW, which markets itself as a global leader within the insurance and risk management space, ensuring that unique perspectives are heard is vital to the success of the business.
Leveraging LGBT+ Experiences for Business Success
Q: In what ways does WTW leverage the experiences and perspectives of LGBT+ employees to drive business success?
Anthony: There is an increased focus on talent acquisition and employee engagement. A reputation for LGBT+ inclusion attracts a wider pool of talented individuals, giving us a competitive edge in the job market compared to other organizations that remain silent on this issue. Additionally, feeling valued and respected as an LGBT+ person boosts morale and engagement, leading to higher productivity.
Role Models and Mentorship
Q: How do LGBT+ role models within WTW inspire and mentor others, both within and outside the LGBT+ community?
Anthony: From a bird’s eye view, seeing successful, in-charge, and proudly LGBT+ individuals in the workplace is incredibly validating and liberating for other LGBT+ employees. It challenges the norm that generally sees heteronormative, white, male-passing people in management roles, showing that anyone can thrive at WTW. This inspires LGBT+ employees to embrace their authentic selves at work.
These role models provide invaluable guidance for career development by sharing insights from their own careers and personal stories that illustrate how they’ve overcome challenges. They offer valuable mentorship, equipping junior employees with navigation strategies for overcoming bias and tips for building resilience, ultimately fostering a strong sense of belonging within WTW.
Seeing this within the wider WTW network assists allyship, stimulating empathy among non-LGBT+ colleagues as we move towards a more inclusive workplace.
Anthony’s insights highlight the significant impact of LGBT+ representation at WTW. At WTW, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued is central to our mission of driving innovation and achieving business success. By creating a supportive and empowering workspace for all employees, we ensure that everyone can bring their authentic selves to work. This PRIDE Month, we celebrate the strides we’ve made and reaffirm our commitment to a future where everyone can thrive authentically in the workplace.
We hope this conversation with Anthony inspires you as much as it has inspired us. Happy PRIDE Month!
