June 2020 – A message from our CEO
As I reflect on the events that are unfolding in the U.S., and as I shared with my colleagues earlier this week, it’s important that we at Spencer Stuart speak out and affirm our commitment to fighting racism. The tragic and senseless killing of George Floyd, among too many other recent acts of racist violence and wrongdoings, are merely the latest examples of the injustice faced by the Black community. So, while words alone cannot ease the anguish and frustration so many are feeling, this is not a moment for silence. It is a time to listen, actively educate ourselves, have difficult discussions, deepen our collective empathy and support for the Black community and commit to lasting, meaningful change. I pledge that we will do the work necessary to help build a better future alongside the business leaders and organizations with whom we work. In the many discussions we have with leaders, we are committed to do our part to help advance the conversation about racism, discrimination and social justice. Most importantly, in this time of hurt and fear, I want our Black colleagues and clients and the entire Black community to know we support you and are listening to you. And we stand together with all those opposed to racial injustice.
Ben Williams
Managing Partner and CEO, Spencer Stuart
AESC pledge to combat racism, discrimination and social injustice
In addition to the work we as a firm undertake to combat racism, discrimination and social injustice, we join others in our profession and the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) in pledging our collective voices and actions to help create a world that is inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible for all. Please read the AESC statement below.
Our pledge
We share a commitment to combat racism, prejudice, and discrimination within our own organizations, with candidates and the clients we serve, and in our communities.
We pledge to use our collective voices and actions to help create a world that is inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible for all.
Our guiding principles
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Accelerate – Each CEO who signs this pledge is committing to developing and deepening actions within their own firms. Our Guiding Principles will help inform firm-based actions which will accelerate a sustainable positive impact. Actions that accelerate progress for Black leaders and the Black community will be a critical priority.
- Educate – We commit to listen, engage, and learn so that we can do better both as employers and as trusted advisors. We will understand and leverage best practices to greatly enhance attracting and developing diverse talent for ourselves and our clients. We will work with our clients to identify leaders and assess them for their ability to create inclusive cultures where diverse talent thrives.
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Advance – We will develop stronger and more diverse slates of candidates through robust research, outreach, and alliances. We will use our expertise to mentor diverse talent to raise their visibility and their success and will identify partnerships that allow us to engage more people, and thus have a greater impact.
- Advocate – We will advocate with clients to help them embrace best practices that further their diversity and inclusion efforts which, in turn, will enhance business results. We will contribute our time and our expertise to under-served communities to advance racial equity and economic empowerment and to fight for social justice.
For more information, visit AESC's website.