Ways to assess an opportunity through a DEI lens

February 24, 2023 by

This post is part of a series sponsored by IAT Insurance Group.

Working in DEI means one of my main objectives is to contribute to the changes I want to see for the insurance industry overall — and for our world. Finding that balance is part of why I’m here. Yes, it’s bigger than me, but I can see past the obstacles because of the impact my work is having on people within my organization. As a woman and person of color, I’ve found there’s an opportunity for me to lean into it and amplify the voices of my colleagues, while not feeling the weight of having to represent for everyone. Having a diverse workforce is critical to business growth and sustainability, no matter the industry. It can accelerate meaningful progress and move DEI from being just an initiative, to being an imperative part of the business strategy and culture. This is why we need more new talent to join us!

One of the most important components of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at any organization is recognizing the individual experiences of employees, which are most often impacted by a person’s ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and culture just to name a few. While colleagues from underrepresented groups who are new to the insurance industry may not yet see themselves at all levels of leadership, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a sense of belonging. Nothing in DEI is meant to be in a silo, and Inclusion and Diversity are not just initiatives—they are principles for living. Businesses like IAT, that are committed to driving and building an open and supportive culture in the insurance industry, are succeeding by embracing the uniqueness of each employee, investing in their development, listening to, and engaging their ideas.