Vanguard leaders share what inclusion means to them

We asked 7 Vanguard leaders what inclusion means to them.

Here’s what they had to say:

1. Christina Selby, Principal in Finance:

Everyone’s voices being heard and taken into account as we make decisions and set strategy for the business. We want everyone to feel comfortable engaging, debating, and being an active member of our team. The best thoughts come from a diverse team!

2. Steve Holman, Principal in Institutional Sales:

Inclusion to me means that I never have to question if I belong; what makes me unique is embraced by others, and we spend our time celebrating what links us together rather than focusing on everything that makes us different from one another.

3. Joe Davis, Global Chief Economist and Principal:

Feeling that I could walk into any meeting and be comfortable sitting at the table, and that my voice would be heard. Others may disagree with my perspective, of course, but others are not offended if I take a different respectful view.

4. Lisha Davis, Head of the Innovation Studio:

People feeling safe to be themselves, to voice their ideas and concerns, and to feel like they’re helping to shape our culture.

5. Jodi Miller, Principal in Retail:

Being approachable to all crew and open-minded to all ideas and perspectives that our crew bring forward.

6. Kevin Jestice, Principal in Information Technology & Security:

For me, inclusion is about everyone being comfortable bringing their whole self to work and fostering an environment that promotes and appreciates differences. Everyone is unique and has real value to add in this world. Being inclusive is about appreciating that value and ensuring people are comfortable being themselves so they can achieve their full potential. The greater the diversity of backgrounds and ideas we bring to a challenge, the more creative and better the outcome.

7. Manuel Calero, Principal in Retail:

I came to this country and enrolled in school having no understanding of the English language, not knowing a single person, and generally did not have a clue about how the school systems worked. Almost every single teacher I had, in spite of having nothing in common with me, went out of their way to get to know and guide me. Simply accepting me as just another student would have been okay, but they didn’t see that as an option. It was almost as if I was a family member they were inclined to help. I am forever indebted to those teachers from decades ago who reached out to me, and who taught me the importance of caring about and taking an active interest in others. They lived inclusion, which they knew to be a verb not an attitude or passive concept. To this day, I do my best to follow in their footsteps by doing as they did for me here at Vanguard.

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