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PESA Member Leads Panel Discussion on Having Courageous Conversations on Inclusion & Diversity

Last week, Deanna Jones, Baker Hughes, moderated an insightful and informative panel discussion on having courageous conversations to foster diversity, equity and inclusion in your organization. The discussion, hosted by the Women’s Energy Network Houston, brought together experts Nichelle Grant, Siemens; Lori Fremin, Shell; and Nichelle McLemore, Deloitte.

Jones discussed Baker Hughes’ renewed inclusion and diversity commitment in 2019, which required a “… huge commitment from our board and CEO,” she said.

Jones said that during one discussion stimulated by this summer’s tumultuous events around racial equality in the U.S., Lorenzo Simonelli, President & CEO, Baker Hughes, told a group of employees, “… that’s enough of nice. Let’s have a real conversation about where we’re falling short.”

“That’s the kind of approach necessary to have the tough conversations that create meaningful change,” Jones said.

The panel discussed the importance of having these conversations in the current environment and what it means for global energy companies. The group suggested that smaller organizations should start where they can. They can begin by addressing one issue at a time. Tackling one challenge well will get employees energized and lead to larger programs and initiatives.

PESA is hosting its second Inclusion & Diversity Business Champion Program beginning in March 2021. The program provides tools for leaders across functions to affect internal change with a focus on building internal organization capability to establish a culture that values inclusion and diversity.

For more information, contact PESA Director Membership Services Carolynn Henriquez.

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