October 26, 2021 | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm BST
Bloomberg Rainbow+ Forum
About the Event
Much progress has been made in recent years in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community. However, while words matter, actions matter more and much can be done, not least in the workplace.
Bloomberg Rainbow+ Forum will bring together industry heads, thought leaders and advocates across business, politics and civil society who are passionate about creating a more equal and inclusive future. The aim of this Forum is to foster discussions on how business leaders can learn, lead and drive forward progress in promoting greater LGBTQ+ equality.
Many leaders understand that diversity is critical to building better and more sustainable corporations and business. As 2021 begins to draw to a close, we will discuss how corporate actions have promoted, advanced – and at times also undermined – LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace.
Our speakers will discuss:
- In a global crisis, does diversity become less important than corporate survival?
- Does LGBTQ+ diversity receive enough recognition in recruitment and progression processes in the workplace?
- Is it time for a reassessment and re-invigoration of LGBTQ+ inclusion at work and in the boardroom?
The Bloomberg Rainbow+ Forum is taking place as part of the Bloomberg Equality Summit. Register below to obtain your complimentary pass and access the Forum and all session of the Equality Summit.
October 26 - Tuesday
2:00 pm
Bloomberg Rainbow+ Forum
Introduction by Michael R. Bloomberg
- Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder, Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies, 108th Mayor of New York City
LGBTQ+ Diversity In Management
How can executives create and support diverse teams, guard against unconscious bias and foster greater inclusion? How do businesses ensure diversity has a voice in the boardroom?
Our esteemed panel of experts will aim to address these far-reaching questions, alongside:
- Is diverse hiring a tick-box exercise or a more considered approach focused on building inclusive teams? Has LGBTQ+ been an equal focus alongside further diversity requirements?
- How can boards ensure LGBTQ+ colleagues are supported and exposed to a more diverse set of leadership roles?
Speakers:
- Jim Fitterling, Chairman and CEO, Dow Inc.
- Beth Ford, President and CEO, Land O’Lakes
- Dame Inga Beale, Chair, Mediclinic International
- Moderator: Suki Sandhu OBE, Founder & CEO, Audeliss and INvolve
A Conversation: The CEO Perspective
This conversation will shine a light on how business leaders can drive forward change in creating greater LGBTQ+ equality.
- What more can CEO’s do to stand up and speak for their LGBTQ+ employees, customers and shareholders?
- How can business leaders foster a supportive and inclusive environment where employees can be comfortably authentic and do not feel the need to disguise their identities?
Speakers:
- Dame Inga Beale, Chair, Mediclinic International
- António Simões, CEO of Santander Spain & Regional Head of Europe, Banco Santander
- Paco Ybarra, CEO, Institutional Clients Group, Citigroup
Transformation of the Consumer Base
What you buy and where you choose to take your business is changing. Individuals and companies are increasingly leveraging their vast spending power to support businesses which prescribe to their values.
This discussion will focus on how new generations of consumers and investors are moving markets, supporting those organisations which positively benefit society and their employees. From the growth in investment in equality-first companies, to the focus on the ‘S’ in ESG, investors are voting with their feet and their wallets. How can asset managers and their businesses adapt to this new demand? Are there specific LGBTQ+ considerations in this growing space?
Speakers:
- Paul Donovan, Chief Economist, UBS Global Wealth Management