The Future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the Leadership Perspective with Bob Thomas

Together We Can Be The Dream, the podcast, features speakers at different stages in their careers ranging from new hires to middle management and upper senior leadership. These conversations are designed to be aspirational while also recognizing that, at times, progress can be slow.  But as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr said, “whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” This week’s host and Aon Securities Associate Director James Bradley welcomes Bob Thomas, Regional Executive for Liberty Mutual’s northeast region and Global Risk Solutions business leader. Together they discuss ways to drive change within an organization, to better support and promote black and other underrepresented groups, and to attract and retain talent within the insurance industry. 

• [2:13] “What are you doing for others?” Bob highlights his efforts to incorporate inclusion and diversity at Liberty Mutual
• [5:15] The evolution of the corporate landscape and where it is headed in the future.
• [6:26] Managing and overcoming adversity in a professional setting.
• [8:00] Professional experiences that have molded Bob’s leadership style.
• [9:45] Giving a space for every voice in the room.
• [10:27] Overcoming the barriers that limit progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• [11:45] Advice for attracting and retaining diverse talent.
• [14:40] Simple steps to get involved in DEI.

Additional Resources:

Aon’s website

Liberty Mutual Insurance - Liberty Mutual Business Insurance

Early Careers at Aon

Tweetables:

• “Diversity is on the radar, and every organization is working to figure out how to build a strategy around diversity, equity, and inclusion.” — Bob Thomas
• “Make sure that you’re challenging the system. That’s how we improve and make progress.” — Bob Thomas
• “We can retain talent better when they see more people like themselves working in their industry.” — Bob Thomas
• “You don’t have to have a grand vision in order to have an impact around diversity, equity and inclusion.” — Bob Thomas

Moving Past Rejection to Stand Out in the Interview Crowd with Jeanne Giordano and Shanaya Green

With Black History Month approaching, the Together We Can Be The Dream podcast is designed to increase awareness and advocacy for black and other often overlooked employees.  This week’s host is Liberty Mutual client service manager Jenise Beaman.  She is joined by Liberty Mutual Senior Technical Recruiter Jeanne Giordano and Aon Early Careers Recruiter Shanaya Green for a discussion on how to move past rejection, preparing for your next interview, and strategic ways to stand out in every interaction you have with your potential employer.

• [2:34] Steps to pivot toward success after inevitable rejection.
• [4:35] The value of soliciting feedback and practicing for your next interview.
• [6:00] Identifying underrepresented talent through networking and apprenticeship programs.
• [8:09] Preparing for interviews and increasing the likelihood of receiving an employment offer.
• [10:30] Key points to add to your resume beyond work experience.
• [11:30] The value of a well-prepared elevator pitch and thought out interview questions.

Additional Resources:

Aon’s website

Early Careers at Aon

Liberty Mutual Insurance - Liberty Mutual Business Insurance

Tweetables:

• “We’re all going to deal with rejection in our lives. We need to develop a healthy response that allows us to pivot.” — Jeanne Giordano
• “We’re always looking to expand where we’re able to pull talent from in order to help drive diversity and representation.” — Jeanne Giordano
• “Our apprenticeship program is an alternate pathway into our firm for folks that have not yet earned a bachelor's degree.” — Shanaya Green
• “Be ready to say ‘I don’t know that, but I’m willing to learn’.”— Jeanne Giordano
• “Candidates need to have their ‘tell me about yourself’ elevator pitch prepared.” — Shanaya Green

Insights from an Applicant’s Perspective with Jamal Evans and Austin Raymond

Together We Can Be The Dream. Welcome to this new podcast series, brought to you by Aon and Liberty Mutual.  This podcast centers on the inclusion and diversity perceptions, promises and practices in corporate America. This week’s host, Insurance Business’s recent America’s 2022 Rising Star Award recipient and Director of External Engagement at Spencer Educational Foundation Tandeka Nomvete welcomes Jamal Evans, Temple University senior majoring in Risk Management and Insurance and Austin Raymond, senior at the Honors College at Towson University majoring in mathematics with an emphasis in Actuarial Science and Risk Management.  Together they discuss some of Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous quotes as they apply in the setting of preparing for the interview, internship, and employment process in the risk management industry. 

• [1:27] Introducing Jamal and Austin and their impressive resumes.
• [4:53] “Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.”
• [6:37] Preparing for the interview process and creating a tailored approach to each company.
• [9:47] Techniques for approaching interview questions confidently.
• [13:32] “I still have a dream.” Handling rejection in ways that can still benefit your future efforts.
• [14:47] Lessons learned from a disadvantaged interview.
• [19:29] “If you can’t fly, run.” Moving forward regardless of the obstacles in your way.

Additional Resources:

Aon’s website

Liberty Mutual Insurance - Liberty Mutual Business Insurance

Tweetables:

• “My philosophy about interviews is that they are a two way process, so I spend a lot of my time actually learning about the company.” — Jamal Evans
• “Your network is a great tool to leverage when you are in the interview process.” — Jamal Evans
• “I’ve had to prepare for each of my interviews a little differently based on the type of company that it was.” — Austin Raymond
• “Make sure the company you interview with is a good fit for you and that they are able to meet your needs deeper than just somewhere to work.”— Jamal Evans
• “If I see someone that looks like me at higher levels, what the company is telling me without telling me is that there is space for me to grow into those higher leadership positions.” — Tandeka Nomvete
• “When something doesn’t go well in an interview, take the time to reflect on your performance, identify what went wrong, and brainstorm what you can do differently the next time.” — Austin Raymond