People Are at the Center of Everything I Do
Steve Jobs, one of the greatest business minds of the 21st century, said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion isn’t something I just do, it is not a title I hold, but rather, it is my life’s passion packaged uniquely and perfectly in a corporate role.
As a young girl, growing up in a historical community in Memphis, Tennessee, called Orange Mound, I knew that I wanted to be a successful business woman in a renowned organization. What better place to make my mark than with FedEx, a thriving world-class organization that has always been, and still is, very prominent in my community. Making an impact has always been an underlying theme in my life. I have always been passionate about standing true, even if it meant alone, to the values that respected unique thinking and different perspectives, in an effort for everyone to feel included and heard.
My geographic scope covers 103 countries and territories and 40,000 team members across the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, and I am passionate about celebrating the rich dimensions of our team members. But more important, I am committed to doing the work needed to surpass simplistic broadmindedness. My aim is not only to change perspectives, but also unconscious biases and behaviors, and expose others to a kind of thinking that embraces the minute variances in us all.
There are always opportunities for growth, change, and impact that demand we respond with action; each day, it’s important to put our people first and climb to new heights by exemplifying caring, learning, order, and results.
If I were tasked with summing up my passion in one word, on the surface it would be purpose; but, I’ve never been a live-on-the-surface type of woman. As I dig deeper and look inward, people have always been at the center of my love for what I do. I believe people are forced to live their truths so boldly, because some have gone unheard for so long. I am passionate about listening for the still voices. And as leaders, we must amplify those voices beyond traditions and quiet norms. Challenge the norms and break barriers. Be willing to go where no one has gone before and don’t be afraid.
Diversity & Inclusion is the right thing to do as it makes good business sense. Our actions and non-actions have a ripple effect on the lives of others, like that of a pebble hitting the ocean. Our passion: being the pebble for everyone we encounter. Our job: throwing the pebble boldly and without fear. Our purpose: making sure the ripples never stop impacting the world.
