Antisemitism, the cultural impact of Hip Hop, “thriving in the workplace with visible and invisible disabilities,” the staying power and international success of the Drag Race franchise and how to ensure authentic Asian American representation in children’s media are just some of the topics in the spotlight during Paramount Global‘s 5th annual global Inclusion Week.
Throughout this week, employees at the entertainment giant around the world have access to more than 50 panels, fireside chats and workshops “designed to expand our thinking and spark thoughtful dialogue,” according to the company.
The week’s events kicked off on Monday with a session featuring Paramount CEO Bob Bakish and Walmart CEO Doug McMillon from the retail titan’s Bentonville, Arkansas headquarters. Moderated by Marva Smalls, Paramount’s executive vp and head of the Office of Global Inclusion, their discussion addressed how diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) drives business results, innovation and company culture, as well as the need for systemic change across the media and retail industries. “I, our senior leadership team and our board believe that we will be more successful with DE&I at the core of our business,” Bakish said during the session, according to a summary of key quotes obtained by THR. “We all come from different places, and understanding people’s perspectives is actually what this week is all about. Diversity, equity and inclusion is fundamental to our business.”
McMillon shared: “What I learned over time is we have so much more in common than we do different. This really is one community, and we really are all connected. And if you start with that point of view, it helps bring people together.”
Paramount staff members from across the company have come together since the start of Inclusion Week to exchange concerns, views and information. But the impetus initially came from the outside.
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