Committing to Inclusion and Diversity and Finding the Courage to Lead
In the first post of this two-part blog, we heard from Gyasi C., Vice President of Strategy, UnitedHealthcare, part of UnitedHealth Group, about the Inclusion and Diversity Councils. We continue our conversation and learn about the commitment and courage needed to become an industry leader in diversity and inclusion.
How does the commitment to diversity come to life at UnitedHealth Group?
At its core, any health care institution should be rooted in empathy, and I have the opportunity to see our team exhibiting this vital trait on a daily basis. The heart of our enterprise’s success is not based on metrics, but on the lives we touch and the ideas that are generated from unconventional places. To quote Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is what are we doing for others?”
Our diversity and inclusion journey is just beginning, and the momentum we have established in a short period is positive. We are having conversations about topics that are not always comfortable, and that can be challenging, but these conversations bring different viewpoints out into the open.
What opportunities do you see for expanding and growing diversity at UnitedHealth Group?
I would like to know that employees are committed to diversity and inclusion, just like I see their commitment to building Our United Culture. Our growth agenda is rightfully ambitious, as we are poised to continue our positive impact on health care across the globe; however, I am convinced we will fall short if we do not cultivate the future talent across our company in a way that values diversity and inclusion.
The vision of the Inclusion and Diversity Councils rests on the concept of the “courage to lead.” It takes courage to offer opposition and forge a proposition as well. This is the time and the opportunity to raise awareness and issues that may affect the enterprise. This will require channeling our individual enthusiasm and passions to further collaborate, innovate and influence all of our growth potential.
Learn more about diversity at UnitedHealth Group.
