By Dr. Alison Schmidt, CEO of unconvention
Pride month is internationally recognized each year in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. For many, it is a time to celebrate and reflect on the meaning of Pride or how their lives have been impacted both positively and negatively. Positive impacts have encompassed companies demonstrating they are an inclusive company through allyship and programming, gaining new clients, and building a support system of friends and family. Negative impacts have included being overlooked for promotions or visible positions within an organization, being fired for unrelated issues, rejection by friends and family, losing clients, being alienated by the business community or having to close their business.
For me, as Founder/CEO of a woman and minority-owned company, I focus on what I and/or my company can do to better serve the LGBTQIA+ community. Those efforts begin with being present in my truth as a member of that community.
I am a trifecta: A woman. Jewish and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
As a CEO, there are many things you think about regarding how much information to divulge about yourself. You understand that something you share could negatively impact your business, Time is spent thinking about potential risks and consequences that could arise from people or companies not wanting to do business with you because of who you are, how you identify, or what groups you support.
And yet, because you fundamentally have faith in humanity, you simultaneously allow yourself to hope for a positive impact as well. You continue to move forward, with strength and intentionality. You establish your company’s mission, vision, and values, which form the foundation on how you will operate. Also, you align yourself with clientele and partnerships that share similar viewpoints.
With the launch of UNCONVENTION earlier this year, it was integral to show that we provide a safe, non-judgmental environment to all of our clients, existing and new, which is why we added the progressive Pride flag on our website. This echos year-round and not just for the month of June. I find the rewards outweigh the risks!
The best leaders understand power of diversity in all of its aspects—how it removes blinders and challenges limiting assumptions; profoundly improves both the data-gathering decision-making processes; and generally enriches any broader pool into which it is placed.
If your organization wishes to create a diverse and inclusive culture of high performance, change and understanding, ask us about our (un)coaching™ services.
If you are an entrepreneur or high-level manager who wants to make stronger and more strategic decisions, think more boldly and unconventionally, and broaden diversity and intercultural understanding within your organization, talk to us about our (un)consulting™ offerings.
And if you want to learn from and be inspired by a diverse range of CEOs and high impact corporate and industry leaders who are taking unconventional steps to differentiate their lives and businesses, watch this space for the launch of our interview/speaker series, (un)conversations™, soon. If you feel I am describing you and have an unconventional story to share please reach out to us at info@unconventionllc.com.
Happy Pride Month to all, and please join me in supporting all of those companies that support the LGBTQIA+ communities!
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