S01E09 - Building a Brand that Stands for Inclusion: How Diversity Shapes Employer Brand

10/19/24 • 29 min

Blu Thread Conversations: The Ultimate Business Podcast for People, Culture, and Employer Brand Strategies

In our latest episode of Blu Thread Conversations, Blu Ivy's Senior Director of Brand and Culture, Fanta Selman, sits down with Dr. Lauren Young, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Travelers. Dive into an inspiring discussion on how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives can drive business impact, foster innovation, and create a sense of belonging within organizations.

Discover how Travelers has embedded DEI into their brand and culture for over 15 years, and gain insights on leadership accountability, measuring success, and the importance of making DEI a core value. Whether you're a leader or a team member, this episode offers valuable takeaways on building a more inclusive and high-performing workplace.

Don't miss this powerful conversation! Listen now and join us in creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Chapters:

(01:28) Dr. Lauren Young is chief diversity and inclusion officer at Travelers

(04:40) How Dr. Young started her career in brand management and marketing

(12:16) Why is diversity is an imperative at Travelers

(14:31) My goal is to make diversity and inclusion synonymous with the Traveler's brand

(15:32) Travelers started its journey in diversity and inclusion in 2020

(16:45) How do you measure success in the short term and the long term?

(25:09) Fanta's episode reflection

Episode References:

Dr. Lauren Young - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurenyoung/

Travelers - https://careers.travelers.com/

Travelers on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/travelers/

Fanta Selman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fantaselman/

James Powell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdpowell/

Don't miss this powerful conversation! Listen now and join us in creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Chapters:

(01:28) Dr. Lauren Young is chief diversity and inclusion officer at Travelers

(04:40) How Dr. Young started her career in brand management and marketing

(12:16) Why is diversity is an imperative at Travelers

(14:31) My goal is to make diversity and inclusion synonymous with the Traveler's brand

(15:32) Travelers started its journey in diversity and inclusion in 2020

(16:45) How do you measure success in the short term and the long term?

(25:09) Fanta's episode reflection

Episode References:

Dr. Lauren Young - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurenyoung/

Travelers - https://careers.travelers.com/

Travelers on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/travelers/

Fanta Selman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fantaselman/

James Powell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdpowell/

Previous Episode

S01E08 - A Call to Action for CEOs - CHRO Whitepaper Recommendations

In today’s episode, we dive into the findings from Blu Ivy's latest whitepaper with co-founder and managing director, Stacy Parker. Discover actionable recommendations for CEOs to mitigate leadership exodus risks and establish a renewed partnership with CHROs and People Leaders. Learn how to create a strategic roadmap for the future and ensure a robust pipeline of top talent. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

Download your copy of whitepaper ''The CHRO and People Leader Crisis: A Call for CEOs to Act" here: https://bluivygroup.com/chro-white-paper/

Chapters:

(02:23) There is a serious leadership and culture crisis at hand

(10:27) What did we learn about what matters most to HR leaders today?

(13:46) How crucial is a compelling EVP for organizations today?

(15:17) Research shows organizations are not static; they're always changing

(16:57) Organizations are seeing shifts in what matters most to talent

(21:30) CEOs need to establish a renewed strategic partnership with CHROs

(22:33) CEOs should have semi-annual C-Suite and Core Leader deep listening sessions

(23:52) Having highly trusted, highly efficient and engaged leaders is competitive advantage

(27:30) There are multiple generations in the workforce right now

(29:58) Blu Ivy launches Employer Brand and Culture Index to help CEOs make decisions

(33:49) Advice for sharing EVP activation across the organization

(38:14) 90% of CHROs say they need more resources or support

(42:01) One piece of advice for CEOs and HR leaders based on this research

Episode Contacts:

· Stacy Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyrparker/

· James Powell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdpowell/

Next Episode

2025 Employer Brand and Culture Trends Report

As organizations shift their focus towards building more transformational and high-impact employer brands, 2025 marks a pivotal moment. Employer branding is no longer about recruitment marketing alone —it will now be embraced as a key driver of cultural alignment, employee engagement, and business growth as well. In this evolving landscape, success will depend on your ability to create a brand that speaks to your people, aligns with your purpose, and sets the foundation for sustained organizational success.

These trends outline where leading organizations will focus more of their energy in 2025 to unlock the true potential of their employer brand. By shifting your employer brand strategy from a solution exclusively designed for talent acquisition, to one that is also a catalyst for cultural alignment and positive brand share of voice, you will find a monumental impact on business outcomes and measurable results that impact talent attraction, engagement, loyalty and brand reputation.