With its “Unity 2040” initiative, the Interpublic Group of Cos.-owned media agency UM aims to have an employee diversity mix in 2020 that reflects what the U.S. population is projected to be in 2040. It seems to be well on its way: Currently, 55 percent of senior management is female and 25 percent of senior management belongs to a minority or multicultural group.
The agency prioritizes “belonging” says U.S. CEO Lynn Lewis. (They prefer to use this term instead of “inclusion,” as it encourages employees to think like a community, says Lewis.) “It’s not quota-based. It’s not about driving a number. It’s about driving an organization and a community that is deeply committed to an understanding of the value of a diverse organization—whether that be gender-based or ethnicity-based or LGBTQ-based. The focus is about ensuring we have an organization that represents every diverse population that we serve.”
Kallana Warner, a VP and group partner for portfolio management at the agency, says she feels that commitment.