In making sure B&T’s inaugural Changing the Ratio conference covered all the different types of diversity, ARN chief marketing officer Anthony Xydis took to the stage yesterday to talk about equality and the LGBTQI community.
Xydis said ARN has recently reset its values – one of those being authenticity.
“I hate the words ‘diversity’ and ‘authenticity’ at times because they’re so overused and can be so misconstrued, but for us authenticity is just about bringing your whole self to work and creating a safe space for people to be themselves,” he said.
Xydis then shared how ARN has shown its support for the LGBTQI community in recent years, having started to “put our foot in the water” in 2017, and increasing its investment from then on.
But perhaps the most valuable part of Xydis’ presentation was the six thought-starters he left for industry organisations on diversity:
- It’s a strategic pillar.
- Don’t just make it a cause.
- Make sure it’s authentic to your people and culture.
- It energises your people.
- It delivers a positive halo.
- It’s the right thing to do.