Q4 How can companies create a diverse and inclusive workplace to attract and retain talent from all backgrounds? What is the best way to effectively identify and nurture new and/or "homegrown" talent? What are we doing wrong, and how can we do better #AvintheAm #AVtweeps
@chris_neto Embrace intentionality. Post #avtweeps job listings on sites beyond LinkedIn and Indeed. Launch an internship program and have targets for female and minority participation. Recruit from HBCUs—particularly female ones like Spelman. And is your C-suite also diverse? #AVintheAM
@chris_neto Find the ppl that are eager to learn and pick things up fast. The ones who do what they were shown and then come back asking what's next. Even if they don't look like what you're expecting as top talent on paper yet, they will be with a little encouragement. #AVInTheAM
@chris_neto This is so hard to answer with this medium. Ultimately, you have to address what you are trying to do & why. From there you need to create a charter that addresses mission, important folks, etc. Without the effort to establish what you are doing/why, you'll struggle. #AVinTheAM
@chris_neto 1st we need to acknowledge what we've been doing isn't working. Representation dropped during COVID. Being in higher ed, we naturally have a more diverse workforce, especially w/our student workers. So for me, it's helping them realize the value of AV as a career. #AVinTheAM
@chris_neto As larger corporations become more active in the industry #DEI is a conversation rising to the top - which is the first step. Smaller companies - new and old - can learn and adopt these norms into their organizations to further the progress. #AVintheAM
@chris_neto What are we doing wrong? Everything we are doing is wrong. Many say they want diverse but then keep to the same echo chambers when looking for people. As the saying goes you can’t solve a problem with the same level thinking that got you into the problem. #AVintheAM
@chris_neto Stop talking about it and do something. Even the small things matter. Build career paths internally, share & celebrate them. Show that you support growth for all. Many talk the talk and do not walk the walk. If peeps see this, their circle of influence will see it too #AVintheAM
@chris_neto Put your money where your mouth is. Don’t just have diversity “groups” ensure there is representation at all levels of the organization. Be mindful when the organization represents itself it keeps diversity in mind. (shows/panels/etc.) These voices are important. #AVintheAM
@chris_neto Diversity can’t just be in lower level hires. Diversity needs to be on the Board, and in the C-Suite. Otherwise it’s window dressing and lip service, and everyone is quite aware of it. Diversity washing.