In this week’s OutNEWS: OutNEXT and how the next generation of outstanding LGBTQ+ leaders are unlocking their OutVANTAGE™.
I am thrilled that Citi once again had the opportunity to host OutLeadership’s OutNEXT Summit for the third year in a row! The OutNEXT Summit continues to be the premier global LGBTQ+ talent accelerator, and this year’s event proved once again how it grows in both scale and impact, driving the development of the next generation of out and visible LGBTQ+ leaders.
As Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and Head of Talent at Citi, I’ve always emphasized that our people are at the core of our firm’s success. Maintaining a diverse workforce within an inclusive environment allows us to foster innovation, enabling us to develop solutions and products for tomorrow’s challenges today.
Pictured above from left to right: Erika Irish Brown (Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Global Head of Talent, Citi) and Eugene Smith II (Vice President & Chief of Staff to The Global Head of Diversity and Talent, Citi) at the 2024 OutNEXT Global Summit.
Research consistently shows that diverse teams are more likely to financially outperform non-diverse teams. However, assembling a diverse workforce is just the beginning. True success comes when we take the next step to invest in our people’s growth and development. It’s essential to empower, support, and provide all our colleagues with opportunities to thrive.
OutNEXT remains a shining example of what it means to invest in the future of talent. It’s not just about creating a space for LGBTQ+ professionals to connect; it’s about equipping participants with the tools, networks, and confidence to lead. This year’s Summit did exactly that, helping the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders realize their potential and make meaningful impacts in their organizations and across industries. Our ongoing partnership with OutLeadership reflects our commitment to creating content with your development in mind, and each year the summit continues to raise the bar.
Pictured above from left to right: Billy Porter (Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award-winning actor, singer, and producer), Erika Irish Brown (Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Global Head of Talent, Citi) and Todd Sears (Founder & CEO, Out Leadership) at the 2024 OutNEXT Global Summit.
More than just an event, this year’s Summit once again served as a launchpad for future leaders who will drive change in their organizations and communities. The connections participants made, the lessons learned, and the inspiration gained will continue to resonate well beyond the conclusion of the summit. As a part of the OutNEXT network, you are actively shaping the future and carry the responsibility to pay it forward as you progress in your own careers.
On behalf of the entire Citi community, I extend a heartfelt thank you to the OutLeadership team and my dear friend Todd for your unwavering dedication to this Summit and your continued advocacy for creating more inclusive workplaces and industries for all.
Sincerely,
Erika Irish Brown
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Global Head of Talent
Here’s what you need to know this week…
#1
Unlocking OutVantage™: Your Guide to LGBTQ+ Leadership Success
| Pictured above: Attendees at the 2024 OutNEXT Global Summit. Proud Sponsor: Citi. Global OutNEXT Sponsor: RBC Capital Markets. |
Get ready to unlock the power of OutVantage™ with our upcoming report, created in collaboration with emerging LGBTQ+ leaders at OutNEXT, the world’s first global talent accelerator. This crowdsourced guide offers practical tips from professionals across industries who lead with authenticity, empathy, and confidence.
In this report, you’ll discover:
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Strategies for workplace success, including how to trust your judgment, take risks, and grow from your experiences.
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Advice on building supportive networks, from finding allies to fostering a sense of community with colleagues.
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Tips for overcoming challenges, balancing resilience with self-care, and thriving in environments where you can fully be yourself.
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Leadership insights from LGBTQ+ professionals involved in ERGs and diversity councils, showing how to drive inclusion and make an impact.
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Ways to leverage personal strengths like approachability, compassion, and empathy to build more inclusive and collaborative teams.
Developed by the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders at OutNEXT, this report reflects the experiences and wisdom shared during candid discussions. It offers valuable insights for LGBTQ+ professionals, allies, and businesses committed to fostering inclusion and equity in the workplace. Stay tuned for this essential guide!
Proud Sponsor:
OutNEXT Global Sponsor:
#2
Out to Succeed 2.0: The Latest Data on LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Workplace
Pictured above: Attendees at the 2024 OutNEXT Global Summit. Proud Sponsor: Citi. Global OutNEXT Sponsor: RBC Capital Markets.
Out Leadership’s latest report in LGBTQ+ talent, Out to Succeed 2.0, is a groundbreaking study that builds on five years of research into the experiences of LGBTQ+ employees across industries. This new edition, developed in collaboration with Out for Undergrad (O4U), provides a comprehensive look at the state of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace, examining how businesses are supporting LGBTQ+ talent and where they still fall short.
Out to Succeed 2.0 offers specific data-driven insights into the growing representation of non-binary, and transgender employees, focusing on their unique challenges and the immense resilience they bring to leadership roles. The report details key findings on how being “out” at work impacts career opportunities, networks, and leadership potential. Out to Succeed 2.0 offers an intersectional perspective as well, analyzing the impact of demographic factors such as race on the LGBTQ+ experience.
This research also highlights the pressing need for companies to move beyond policies and create cultures where LGBTQ+ employees, especially those at the intersections of multiple identities, can thrive. With practical recommendations and actionable insights, Out to Succeed 2.0 offers essential guidance for organizations committed to nurturing a robust LGBTQ+ talent pipeline, making it an indispensable resource for OutNEXT leaders and business decision-makers alike.
For a deep dive into these insights, download Out to Succeed 2.0 on our website.
#3
What’s Missing in the LGBTQ+ Employee Lifecycle?
| Pictured above: Attendees at the 2024 Europe Summit NEXUS Breakfast. |
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#4
Shaping the Future: Empowering LGBTQ+ Talent at The Future of Work
| Pictured above: Attendees at the 2024 OutNEXT Global Summit. Proud Sponsor: Citi. Global OutNEXT Sponsor: RBC Capital Markets. |
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Join us for an exclusive opportunity at The Future of Work for LGBTQIA+ Talent, hosted by Out Leadership and Bain Capital!
In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, businesses must understand the strategies needed to attract, retain, and empower LGBTQIA+ talent. This dynamic event will connect forward-thinking business leaders to discuss actionable insights that help shape the future of work for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Discover key findings from the Out Leadership State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index and gain deeper insights into the unique challenges and opportunities facing LGBTQIA+ individuals in the U.S. Attendees will walk away with the tools to position their organizations as top employers for LGBTQIA+ professionals, ensuring success for the next generation of leaders.
Don’t miss this chance to network with industry peers and drive real, sustainable impact—both internally and externally—fostering a more inclusive workplace. Secure your place now!
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#5
Transcending Barriers, Sarah McBride Nears Congressional Victory
| Pictured above: Senator Sarah McBride speaks at the 2023 OutNEXT Global Summit. |
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