December is a time for reflection and a time for giving and, at RSM, it’s also when we focus on our progress in diversity and inclusion at the annual convening of our culture, diversity and inclusion (CDI) summit. This year marks the seventh year of our CDI summit, which boasted the theme: Inclusion Starts with “I,” to highlight the significant role each one of us has in fostering inclusion.
The summit is a much-anticipated event each year and given the economic uncertainty created by COVID-19 and racial inequities highlighted by the pandemic, this year’s virtual event seemed particularly timely.
In addition to RSM leaders from across the firm, we are fortunate each year to have leading experts from outside the firm join this annual meeting to advance our understanding. This year’s keynote speaker was author Jennifer Brown. Other external guests included the Second City improv cast, and diversity leaders from Best Buy, U.S. Bank and the PGA TOUR.
The first day of this year’s event included a number of compelling activities and speakers, including:
- A panel of our CEO Action for Racial Equity fellows moderated by our Managing Partner and CEO Joe Adams,
- Breakout sessions focused on inclusive leadership fundamentals, inclusion and key performance indicators and the workforce of the future, and CDI 101 fundamentals
- The presentation of our 2020 CDI Impact Awards.
The day wrapped with a rousing “Family Feud” type of game, a fast-paced team-building activity facilitated by our National Industry and Private Equity Leader Don Lipari.