Bloomberg employees share advice on how to be active, effective allies
September 21, 2022
We have heard about the importance of allyship, and what it means to be an ally. Establishing and fostering this kind of allyship is a journey which requires ongoing learning, courage and openness.
At Bloomberg, this type of inclusive behavior is key to growing our culture, embedding D&I initiatives at every level of the organization, developing inclusive leaders, and seeking out and cultivating diverse talent. In recognition of National Inclusion Week (NIW) 2022 in the UK (this year’s theme is ‘Time to Act: #ThePowerofNow’), the company is working to bridge the gap between allyship ideals and real action, telling authentic stories to encourage actionable allyship, and demonstrating how we all can get involved.
Here, Bloomberg employees across Europe and the Middle East share their practical tips on how to be more inclusive and practice active allyship. This advice, borne out of personal experiences, illustrates the connection between the company’s larger commitment to inclusion and how our employees live these values every day.
Make it happen here.
Jocelyn Dickinson
Team Leader & Global Relationships Manager, Sales, London
What advice would you give for being an engaged and effective active ally?
“Firstly, never assume you know how someone else feels, and secondly, don’t let the fear of saying the wrong thing stop you from saying anything at all. Although there’s always the risk of not finding the right words, the only way to become a better ally is to have those conversations, listen, and learn from others’ experience.”
Laurent Romieux
Global Manager for Market Data & News Feeds, Engineering, London
What advice would you give for being an engaged and effective ally?
“Force yourself to learn. Embrace opportunities outside of your comfort zone. Those opportunities might be different for each of us, but they are there, waiting for you to jump on them.”
Rudra Adivarekar
Product Owner, Global Data, London
What advice would you give for being an engaged and effective ally?
“Understanding my role as an active ally transforms with changing times. There are times when I intervene and amplify the voices of my employees, given my role as co-lead for the Bloomberg Pan-Asian Community in EMEA. I try to continuously incorporate feedback and rejuvenate myself, as it takes a lot of energy to give your best. You cannot pour from an empty cup!”
Kati Pohjanpalo
Helsinki Bureau Chief, News
What advice would you give for being an engaged and effective ally?
“Be a better ally by spotting situations where someone is the only woman or the only person of color, and actively work to make meetings diverse. Think of whose perspective is missing and invite them. Amplify their voices and purposely give them the floor to make sure they’re not drowned out or overlooked.”
Femi Okulaja
Sellside and Electronic Trading Solutions, Dubai
What advice would you give for being an engaged and effective ally?
“In a society where our customers and employees increasingly demand diversity, equity, and inclusion, allyship is critical and essential. To be a better ally, it is important to understand your privilege and actively listen whilst providing an open and safe space. Following up with consistent and authentic actions are key to better allyship.”
Read more about active allyship at Bloomberg, and how our employees are getting involved:
https://www.bloomberg.com/company/stories/active-ally-workplace/
https://www.bloomberg.com/company/stories/allyship-advice-from-around-bloomberg-engineering/