Building Authentic LGBT Leaders: How Wells Fargo Develops Diverse Talent Bryan Gingrich, Joy Nguyen Jennifer Brown, Jay Norvell Out & Equal 2015 October 8, 2015 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.
Agenda Wells Fargo s Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Bryan Gingrich, Strategic Planning Manager Diverse Leaders Program/LGBTLP Joy Nguyen, DLP Program Manager Jennifer Brown Consulting Jennifer Brown, CEO Jennifer Brown Consulting Perspective of pilot participant/facilitator/lob Jay Norvell, LGBTLP facilitator Q&A
Mobilizing the Diversity & Inclusion Ecosystem
Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/ Transgender Leaders Program
Questions and answers
I have seen this course transform people and have people leaving proud of their LGBTness. LGBTLP Host
One of my key learnings is to be the most authentic leader and role model who proudly displays attributes that will encourage inclusiveness and celebration of the diversity of others.
Attending the LGBTLP was one of the most powerful and rewarding leadership sessions I have ever experienced; spending three days surrounded by my own people focusing on ourselves and leadership skills while honoring and celebrating our LGBTness.
It was the first time I looked at the skills I gained because of my experiences being gay that help me be an effective leader. Skills like resilience, courage, empathy and adaptability etc all skills that are important leadership competencies.
Having all-lgbt training allowed us as participants to open up and be our full selves. We were able to understand each other s experiences, even though vastly different, in a way that made us like a family.
The freedom I felt being with a room full of LGBT leaders allowed me to bring and give 100% of myself for the first time in my career.
My team member felt like an island before the program. He had felt a little labeled in the past as the spokesperson for the community He is going to come back to our team meeting and present on the other diverse segments that he learned about in the program. Manager of LGBTLP participant
There was something so powerful about being able to learn from and provide counsel to other diverse leaders that have all prevailed in their Wells Fargo careers while experiencing some of the same challenges.
This program prompted me to grow authentically, professionally, and personally.
The LGBTLP was a wonderful opportunity to connect with LGBT leaders in diverse positions and backgrounds across the company!
The careful selection of program participants reassures individuals that it is okay to share intimate stories and bring your whole self every day if we could not intensely practice authenticity during this week, there would be no possibility of successful practice upon return to work.
Outside of work my personal relationships have soared since my LGBTLP participation. I have become a better spouse, parent, and LGBT community member.
Highlights of the week included hearing from LGBT and Ally leaders and having time to develop and practice my own leadership skills in a safe and supportive environment.
My professional growth was jolted as a result of LGBTLP completion specifically by having the confidence to establish a mentorship, ask to be involved in high profile assignments, and encourage others to seek a greater good.
Our team member was very touched by the opportunity to network with colleagues, meet senior leaders, and the CEO who spoke on LGBT issues this was very impactful for her. Manager of LGBTLP participant
The connections I made three years ago have given me an excellent network of colleagues to consult when I am working on a local PRIDE chapter project or line of business diversity council activity and need some advice.
My team member returned and has expressed that he feels so much more confident now. He indicated he was covering before now he has a different sense of confidence since he s been back. Manager of LGBTLP participant
I have become quite an activist since the program; for example I discovered that a vendor we work with doesn t offer appropriate LGBT benefits, and I worked with supply chain to get their policy modified.
I felt really energized leaving the session and I appreciated John Stumpf coming and answering questions honestly.
He loved the class. He also thought John Stumpf sharing his story was powerful and made him feel less isolated. Manager of LGBTLP participant
I learned a lot about leadership at Wells Fargo, but more than that, I learned about myself. Being comfortable with me, myself, in my store I ve always been out, but it s a different feeling now.
Developing LGBT leaders helps build strong individuals, a strong company, and strengthens our ability to connect with all of our customers.
After the program, I had the best conversation with my parents since coming out.
I appreciate working for a company that invests in me specifically for being a LGBT team member.
It was such an awesome experience to walk into a room at work and know that everyone in it was LGBT like me.
Really appreciate the company s commitment to this program and working for a company that values who we are.
This program reinforced Wells Fargo s commitment to its employees, and gave me a sense of how we are supported all the way to the senior levels of the bank. Another key takeaway is the power of authenticity in being and doing your best.
The program made me realize that, as open as I thought I was, I wasn t bringing my whole self to work. I am now working really hard on changing that. Some of this means subtle changes in behaviors, like being more open with others about who and what I am.
She was absolutely energized by the experience. My participant felt so comfortable in the room with others in the room. The experience opened her eyes to how the company she works for actually stands behind her. Manager of LGBTLP participant
My team member returned charged up and enthusiastic; it was a invigorating experience for him, and to be given the chance to see the company is investing in him was very meaningful. Manager of LGBTLP participant
Seeing other LGBT leaders boosted my manager s confidence, that she is just as important as anyone else, and that being a diverse leader, she can move in the organization and the company supports that. Manager of LGBTLP participant
The information and insights that I took away were extremely valuable. I feel that attending the class alongside so many other levels of leadership empowered me to take action and further develop my own career path and skill sets.
The personal nature of this program is what made it so relevant and unique to me.
My personal LGBT experience has not always found the level of support provided during the program, and I feel that it would not have been as impactful without the trust established through the sharing of our own unique LGBT experiences.
This program is valuable and impactful, not only to the participants but to me as a manager, and certainly to my larger team as we take these planted seeds from the class and share them and model them in our jobs and interactions. Manager of LGBTLP participant
I had one foot out the door, and was looking elsewhere until I attended the LGBTLP.
I m honored I was selected to participate, and now feel more comfortable bringing my whole self to work because I know Wells Fargo supports and encourages the diversity.
The LGBTLP was more than a seminar; it was an experience. The camaraderie with fellow participants and the leadership discussions through the lens of LGBT gave greater depth and purpose to the event.