Barclays will host the OutNEXT: 2016 LGBT Emerging Leader Summit at its U.S. headquarters in New York today and tomorrow.
OutNEXT, an initiative of Out Leadership, is the first global leadership and career development initiative designed specifically for LGBT talent in the early years of their careers. In its third year, OutNEXT convenes a cohort of young leaders from Out Leadership member companies and partner organizations who have been identified as high-performance and high-potential, and engages them with award winning leadership development education from leadership experts, cross-industry mentorship from seasoned executives, and collaboration with peers, future clients, and community partners.
“Barclays is proud to once again host the OutNEXT Summit,” said Jes Staley, Chief Executive, Barclays. “As a company devoted to diversity and inclusion, with a strong commitment to LGBT, we’re excited for the chance to bring together and engage with a diverse group of emerging LGBT leaders. We know how vital LGBT inclusion is to being a competitive global business, and we’re proud to be recognized as a leader on this issue.”
“The past year has been tumultuous and troubling for LGBT people around the world,” said Todd Sears, Founder and Principal of Out Leadership. “Just here in the United States, we’ve experienced the achievement of national marriage equality with Obergefell v. Hodges, but also the horrors of Orlando. Business has long led the culture on LGBT inclusion, and business will have a critical role to play as our movement moves forward globally. There’s never been a more important time for us to invest in the next generation of LGBT talent.”
Annise Parker, the openly gay former mayor of Houston, will close the Summit in a dialogue with Out Leadership’s Stephanie Sandberg.
OutNEXT 2016 will feature a Social Impact Challenge, in which participants will work together to propose solutions to issues currently hotly debated within LGBT-inclusive businesses, including the role of intersectionality, trans inclusion, and navigation of religious and legislative issues.
“Innovation and thoughtful problem-solving are the backbone of both business leadership and LGBT leadership,” said Mark Q. McLane, Chief Diversity Officer, Barclays. “By participating in this challenge, OutNEXTers will have the chance to work collaboratively and creatively to solve some of the most difficult problems facing LGBT-inclusive businesses, while preparing themselves for the demanding leadership roles they will take on in the future.”
Additional sponsorship supporting the OutNEXT Cookout was provided by PwC.