THE MATURITY STAGES OF A TRUSTED DIVERSE ECOSYSTEM (ePub)

With over three decades of experience in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and serving the Supplier Diversity community, Ana Maria Lowry and Susan Bailey Schramm created this book to begin a dialogue. The purpose is to:

a) provide a vision for what is possible to achieve with a Trusted Diverse Ecosystem, and

b) invite readers to personally assess the current stage of their own organization's Workforce DEI and Supplier Diversity programs.

They believe a Trusted Diverse Ecosystem is the solution for corporations and government agencies who aspire to foster a "best company to work for" environment, whether in their workplace or as a supplier of products and services. It can provide their organization with a larger pool of talented employees and suppliers. The outcome is the creation of small businesses and jobs. This leads to a stronger economy, stronger communities and families, and a reduced need for public assistance programs. A Trusted Diverse Ecosystem is a win-win for everybody: employers, employees, corporations, government agencies, and suppliers.

The Authors outline the need for a Trusted Diverse Ecosystem and the stages to get there. With this awareness, you will begin to develop your own strategy to be part of a Trusted Diverse Ecosystem. It represents a real opportunity for you to intentionally develop diverse talent in your workplace and in your supply chain and to create a more resilient organization.

Your personal leadership will be crucial to the success of your strategy. It requires a growth mindset with an intentional plan to drive toward a specific path. Ana Maria and Susan propose that the Maturity Stages of a Trusted Diverse Ecosystem described in this book can serve as your path forward.