In this episode of MOVE Like This, host Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk sits down with Jim Wallace, CEO of BPM, to discuss how the firm has deeply embedded diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) into its strategy and culture. Wallace shares how BPM’s guiding principle, “Because People Matter,” drives everything from leadership development to employee engagement—and why DEIB must be led from the top to make a real impact.
Rather than treat DEIB as a side initiative, BPM has woven it into the fabric of its business, with metrics to track progress and colleague resource groups (CRGs) that foster meaningful connection and dialogue. Wallace also shares candid insights about the firm’s intentional efforts to diversify its leadership, ensure accountability, and create a true sense of belonging for all employees. His message to firm leaders is simple but powerful: prioritize people, measure what matters, and lead with purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- Embed DEI in Your Strategy, Not on the Sidelines:DEI efforts are most effective when they’re integrated into the firm’s strategic plan, not treated as standalone initiatives or temporary projects.
- Lead from the Top, Sustain from Within:When the CEO champions inclusion from the outset, it signals that DEI is a business priority. Sustained momentum comes from empowering leaders at every level.
- Make Belonging a Measurable Priority:Regular engagement surveys help identify whether employees feel they can bring their authentic selves to work—and guide actions to improve that sense of belonging.
- Create Space Through Colleague Resource Groups:Resource groups help team members learn from one another, feel represented, and build inclusive connections across the firm.
- Turn Feedback into Visible Action:Gathering employee input is just the beginning. Communicating how feedback influences firm decisions builds trust and shows employees their voices matter.
- Be Metrics-Driven and Transparent:Tracking diversity in leadership programs, retention rates, and inclusion benchmarks keeps firms accountable and reinforces progress over time.
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