I've come to realize that, basically all my bosses and supervisors throughout my career have been male. And I've had great experiences, but it's made me appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the significance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace based on personal experiences with male bosses.
Catherine Cortez Masto reflects on her career experiences and acknowledges that most of her leaders have been male. While she appreciates the positive experiences she has had, this realization has led her to understand the crucial role that diversity and inclusion play in enriching the work environment and fostering varied perspectives.
In practice
During a conference on workplace inclusion, one could share this quote to highlight the need for diverse leadership.
When women apply for a job, we ask ourselves, 'Am I qualified? Do I have the experience? Do I have the education? Do I have the abilities?' When a man looks at that job, he thinks, 'How much does it pay?' We need to stop second-guessing our abilities. We need to stand up and make ourselves heard.
We're supposed to be bringing out-of-the-box thinking and innovation, and you cannot do that unless you've got diversity... It's everything from gender to ethnicity to geographic diversity.
To get real diversity of thought, you need to find the people who genuinely hold different views and invite them into the conversation.
Gene Roddenberry continually reminded us that the Star Trek Enterprise was a metaphor for starship Earth. And the strength in this starship came from its diversity, coming together and working in concert as a team. That is the strength of our countries, Canada and the United States. We are nations of diversity.
The only way we are going to get diversity is if the demographics of the decision-makers change... The odd-token bone thrown is not going to do it. Don't pat yourself on the back because you made that black drama; that's not diversity. It's got to be baked into the foundation of where the ideas flow from.
This country isn't a melting pot. Think of this country as a stir fry. That's what this country should be. A place where people are appreciated for who they are.
In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.
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