My D&I Journey with:
Patrick Sutton, Sr. Director, Employee Experience & DEI,
Recharge
My D&I Journey with:1. What was your journey into diversity and inclusion?
It came during a time I was operating heavily in the Learning & Development space and saw an opportunity to speak up about creating opportunities for belonging, and from that moment, conversations and communities started to form. As a person of color, who often would be the only one in the room that looked like me, I saw an opportunity to remove the stagnant movement, and begin a course of DEIB conversations across the organization.
2. How would you describe a typical day in your role?
My typical day begins with daily research on what trends and information is influencing or preventing more progressive solutions in the DEIB space from moving forward. After research, meetings with leaders for open dialogue around blindspot and creating opportunities to mend gaps. Sharing solutions and approaches to work towards a narrative and action to increase and empower diverse employees and potential candidates to be successful.
3. What is the best part of your job?
The best part of the work that I do, is the impact it will have on an employees’ success. I truly identify as a People Leader and champion. It’s the messages that come from an employee saying how having a program that included a woman of color, impacted their day. It’s the message from our PRIDE slack channel saying thank you for the support. Knowing that I’ve helped move the needle even a little, and its brought a sense of purpose and belonging to a person or group is truly rewarding. There is a certain sense of happiness in that which fuels my passion to forge ahead to push for more equitable opportunities and representation in teams to spark the innovation.
4. What advice would you give to someone looking to move into D&I?
Do the research on the role. Download as much information as possible. Join DEI related communities and seek out mentorship or virtual coffee meets to fully build that relationship with an experienced D&I leader. Last but not least, realize that the work and changes to have impact is a marathon and not a sprint. Stay motivated and never lose sight of why you are driven to be a change agent in the D&I space.
5. What are the main challenges faced by D&I professionals at the moment?
Progression in the D&I work can be a slow move when it comes to measuring its long-term impact. Testimonials are good, but you need hard data to present to leadership to sustain and grow a long-term budget dedicated to continuous programs and training.
6. Name three skills that support you to succeed in D&I
1. It’s important to have an influential skill in your delivery with C-Suite. It’s also important to be an effective communicator.
2. Your communication skills have to be really solid to communicate your strategy as well as providing difficult feedback to leaders who may have blindspots.
3. Last but not least, a dedicated problem solver has to be in your skill-set foundation. You have to be willing to pivot
when something impacts your existing strategy. It happens, but refuse defeat. Remain confident in your approach and your decision thinking.
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