Diversity Is Our Strength

by Alisa Peskin-Shepherd | May 1, 2017 | Off Topic

We are, always, stronger together.

The other day, a friend’s teenage son remarked that gender and race are societal constructs. “Pigment is real; race is a classification we developed to categorize people,” he said.

Out of the mouths of babes, right?

The truth is, people are people, with the same beating heart and blood coursing through veins, the same desire to achieve success and find love and travel the world. We all want the same things out of life.

Fairness.

Respect.

Equal access and consideration.

Love.

On February 2nd, I received an email from IKEA from its U.S. President, Lars Petersson. He wrote the following:

Dear IKEA Family member,

Now, more than ever, IKEA is proud of its vision to create a better everyday life for the many people – our co-workers, customers, and the community around us – both in the home and at work.

We believe that a better everyday life starts with equal rights for all
We believe that everyone deserves to be respected, valued and appreciated
We believe in the power of people working together: people from different backgrounds, nationalities, and beliefs, uniting to create a better everyday life for themselves and for one another
We believe that each of us has the responsibility to stand up for the dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other individual characteristic
We believe that all homes – and all people – are created equal

In the same email to its customer base, IKEA included a link to this letter it sent to employees, ensuring that they will help in any way anyone in their ranks affected by the proposed Executive Orders affecting immigration and refugees.

This, my friends, is corporate values at work. It’s using your business platform to stand for what you believe in. It’s using your brand appeal to advocate for right over wrong.

It’s taking a stand to stand for something more than profits.

As a business owner and entrepreneur, I applaud IKEA for speaking out in a meaningful way and using its global platform to make a difference in the world. Imagine what would happen if we all felt so inspired?

My Take Action series is my attempt to do the same. Join me each month for compelling talks by people donating their time to share their expertise. Check out the lineup here and let me know if you want to attend!

What can you do to make a difference from your own platforms?