Inclusion starts with “I”–highlights from our annual inclusion summit

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.

Highlights from the second day of the virtual event included:

• A “Skip the Skeptic” session featuring our Chief Talent Officer Katie Lamkin and the Second City improv team.
• Breakout sessions hosted by a number of our employee network group (ENG) national leaders (AACE, InspirAsian, HOLA! Pride and STAR), and
• A panel discussion focused on how our Family First, Generations and VALOR ENGs are addressing intersectionality within their ENGs and in working together.

Richard Caturano, our national leader of culture, diversity and inclusion, talked about the incredible competitive advantage that our inclusion effort provide for our clients, while advising that we need to “skate to where the puck is going” to stay ahead. We can do this by being bold in our everyday interactions, living “in the land of in” (integrating inclusion into the fabric of our firm) and demonstrating our key values (respect, integrity, teamwork, excellence and stewardship).

Sam Mascareno, our West market leader and an advocate of our CDI efforts, wrapped up this year’s session by sharing his personal inclusion journey, and by encouraging the 600 summit participants to feel empowered to make things better for others – at RSM and in the communities where they live and work.

At RSM, we understand that by encouraging our 13,000+ people across the U.S. and in Canada to bring their authentic selves to work, we’re able to bring more innovative solutions to help our clients – and one another – succeed.