The Journey of Belonging through Impactful DEIB Strategies ft. Jonathan Hall

In this episode, join host Amanda Hsieh as she sits down with the dynamic Jonathan Hall, the Director of Belonging for Neiman Marcus Group. Get ready to be inspired as Jonathan takes us on a journey through the organization's rich history, deeply rooted in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) since its inception, and infused with an unwavering pioneering spirit.

Belonging, as Jonathan eloquently explains, centers around Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, resonating with our innate desire for genuine connections, visibility, and appreciation. As part of his role, he is actively spearheading NMG's strategies to foster a culture of belonging and drive workforce diversity, workplace equity, and marketplace inclusion. One of their corporate goals is to increase racial diversity in leadership roles, aiming for 21% by 2025 and 28% by 2030. To achieve this, Jonathan has implemented inclusive hiring best practices, which involve diverse interview panels, candidate slates, and partnerships with professional organizations to expand the pool of talent.

But the impact doesn't stop there! Jonathan also collaborates with merchandising and spend management teams to increase support for diverse-owned brands and businesses. Through their supplier diversity program, they track progress and continuously enhance their commitment to inclusivity.

Throughout the episode, Amanda and Jonathan explore the essence of 'leading with love' in the DEIB space. They delve into the three key stakeholders driving their efforts: associates, customers, and brand partners, unveiling best practices tailored to each group. In a thought-provoking discussion, they debunk concerns about establishing DEIB metrics and benchmarks, emphasizing how these measurements are essential for driving meaningful change.

Let the wisdom of Amanda and Jonathan ignite your passion for making a positive impact in the world. Happy listening!

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If you're eager to learn more and empower your organization with valuable resources, don't miss these resource links:

Neiman Marcus Group Power of One People Report - Gain insights into NMG's dedication to DEIB through their comprehensive report: https://www.neimanmarcusgroup.com/People-report-2022

Neiman Marcus Group 2022 ESG Report - Explore NMG's 2022 ESG journey, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and inclusivity: https://www.neimanmarcusgroup.com/ESG-report-2022

"Bias Interrupted: Creating Inclusion for Real and for Good" by Joan C. Williams - A must-read book that sheds light on creating a truly inclusive environment: https://biasinterrupters.org/book/