This episode is the 3rd and final episode of our three-part Pride at Work series. In this series, we take a deeper dive into learning how one company, Northwestern Mutual, moved beyond performativity, and embraced impactful actions that have led to meaningful progress. NM, along with other brands of choice, know the competitive advantage of creating a more LGBTQ+ inclusive culture. Specifically, they know that LGBTQ+ inclusive workplaces…are

1) better at retaining and attracting talent from underrepresented groups at work.

2) (capable of) building brand strength and consumer loyalty, and

3) (skillful at) unlocking innovation, creativity, and business success.

These three factors lead to stronger financial performance – specifically, better share price performance, higher return on equity, higher market valuations, and stronger cash flows.

In this particular episode, we amplify how leading Fortune 100 companies honor their DEI commitments by supporting local LGBTQ+ communities. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of businesses speaking out against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

This is a positive development, as it sends a clear message to lawmakers that the vast majority of Americans support equality for all. There are a number of reasons why businesses should denounce anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

• First, it's the right thing to do. LGBTQ+ people are just like everyone else, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

• Second, it's good for business. A recent study found that businesses that are seen as supportive of LGBTQ+ rights are more likely to attract and retain top talent, as well as customers.

• Third, it's good for the economy. When businesses denounce anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, it sends a message that the United States is a welcoming place to do business. This can attract investment and jobs to the country.

Our guest today Belle Ives, will help business leaders recognize the enormous business opportunities available for brands of choice who show up for LGBTQ+ people and our communities. Belle is a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual, and she’s been running her firm for five years, and she is the first openly LGBTQ+ advisor in the history of her Boston office.

Through her time as an advisor, she has built a practice that focuses on working specifically with LGBTQ+ clientele. She is wildly passionate about empowering the pride community around their financial planning so that they can live confidently and purposefully in their own professional and personal life pursuits. Together, we’ll explore NM’s commitment to showing up for LGBTQ+ people and our communities throughout the U.S.

Savor this insightful conversation, and if you’re looking for ways to connect with inspiring leaders building more inclusive workplaces be sure to join the Belonging Membership Community – a community of leaders committed to advancing their DEI goals while practicing community care. Members have the unique opportunity to engage with our guests 1:1 after our podcast recordings where they can participate in a private Q&A session with our guests.

You can learn more here: www.belongingmembershipcommunity.com.

Want more insights on how to build LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace cultures that last?

Then register for our June 27th Pride Panel moderated by Rhodes Perry. The panel features some of today’s most celebrated transgender DEI thought leaders including Celia Daniels, Gavriel Legynd, and Rex Wilde: https://belongingatwork.kartra.com/page/pridepanel.