Aon Black Professional Network

3: Together, We Can be the Dream - Senior Leader

Episode Notes

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