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5 Things Companies Should Do to Make Diversity and Inclusion a Core Driver of Their Overall Business Strategy

In last week’s post we shared The top 3 reasons why Goldman Sachs is right in saying diversity in the boardroom matters for performance
In addition to the top 3 reasons, we wanted to share 5 things companies should do to make diversity and inclusion a core driver of their overall business strategy.

  1. Overhire underrepresented groups – from entry to senior levels, including the board.
  2. Focus on retention of underrepresented groups by understanding how policies may be adversely impacting inclusion goals.
  3. Measure progress annually using data and metrics.
  4. Hold senior management accountable for diversity and inclusion results and shortfalls.
  5. Celebrate success with stories and transparency.

Changes in markets and technologies have reached breakneck speeds, building and dismantling companies seemingly overnight. The companies that both survive and thrive in the future will be the ones that take advantage of every conceivable edge, including board diversity.
One more thing…in 2019, 40% of board placements were first time directors.  We may have reached a point where boards believe potential is as important as experience. That’s good news for diverse candidates and boards alike!
We’re encouraged and appreciate seeing Goldman Sachs share our long held view that diversity in the boardroom matters for performance. We are the leader in identifying, recruiting, developing, and onboarding more diverse executive talent for senior-level appointments in the C-suite and boardroom, ensuring long-term success for our corporate and nonprofit clients as well as the candidates whose careers we champion. Search is the foundation of our business and frequently marks the beginning of our relationship with our clients. Our cutting edge technology, robust database, and vast network provide a strong launching point and unparalleled experience for clients seeking diversity throughout all levels of their organization. Reach us if you would like to have a more comprehensive conversation on how we can serve you.

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Janice Reals Ellig

Chief Executive Officer

As the head of the Ellig Group, Janice is dedicated to increasing the placement of women and diverse candidates on corporate boards and in C-suites by 2025. Janice joined the legacy firm in 2000 and became Co-Chief Executive Officer in its transition to Chadick Ellig in 2007; she assumed sole ownership of the company as the Ellig Group in 2017 with a new focus on Reimagining Search. Prior to her career in executive search, Janice spent 20 years in corporate America at Pfizer, Citi and Ambac Financial Group, an IPO from Citibank, where she was responsible for Marketing, Human Resources, and Administration.

Heralded by Bloomberg Businessweek as one of “The World’s Most Influential Headhunters,” Janice is often consulted for her expertise and her commitment to gender parity, inclusion, and diversity. She frequently appears at speaking engagements and as a media guest, and she has penned multiple articles for outlets such as Directors & Boards, Directorship, Corporate Director, The Huffington Post, and Forbes.com. Janice also co-authored two books: Driving The Career Highway and What Every Successful Woman Knows, acknowledged by Bloomberg Businessweek as “the best of its genre.”

A tirelessly active member of the industry and champion of her causes, Janice is Founder of the Women’s Forum of New York’s Corporate Board Initiative and its signature event, Breakfast of Corporate Champions. Since 2011, Janice continues to spearhead this event to honor companies committed to board diversity and to encourage CEOs to sponsor board-ready women for the Women’s Forum database. (LINK: www.womensforumny.org).

Janice is personally committed to several NFP organizations: Board Director of the National YMCA and Past Chair of the YMCA Board of Greater New York; Trustee of the Actors Fund and Committee For Economic Development (CED); Incoming Chair, University of Iowa Foundation; Women’s Forum of New York Past President and Chair of the Corporate Board Initiative; member of the Steering Committee, US 30% Club and The Economic Club of New York.

In recognition for her many philanthropic activities, Janice received the University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni Award in 2011 and the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) Eleanor Raynolds Award for Volunteerism in 2008. Named one of the “21 Leaders for the 21st Century” by Women’s eNews, she was also a recipient of the Channel 21 Award In Excellence for her contribution to “Excellence in the Economic Development for Women.”

“Listening to our clients’ needs, learning their business and understanding their culture is how we present the best talent and provide  a competitive advantage. We place candidates with the character, competencies, commitment, (intellectual) curiosity and courage to make a difference. Our goal is always to go beyond the expected and deliver valuable advice, measurable results and great talent!”

– Janice Reals Ellig

  • Champion of gender parity, diversity, and inclusion
  • Industry expert, speaker, and author
  • Founder of the Women’s Forum of New York’s Corporate Board Initiative
  • Committed board and committee member and philanthropist

T: (212) 688-8671 ext. 226
E: Janice@ElligGroup.com