IICF has made a  recording of the program available forviewing on its  Dialogue for Diversity webpage. (Photo:Shutterstock)

As the nation grapples with continuing social unrest and weeksof widespread protests against police brutality and racialinjustice, the InsuranceIndustry Charitable Foundation (IICF) hosted itsfirst-ever virtual leadership program focused on diversity andinclusion issues in the insurance industry on June 26.

"Dialogue for Diversity Live!" featured four insurance industryleaders focusing on leveraging opportunities and working andleading through crises and times of change. The virtual event wasattended by nearly 1,000 insurance professionals, who engaged inthe future of leadership in the industry.

Speakers and presentations included:

• Mia Lorick, attorney at RMWBH Law, on "Change Starts in theMirror."
• Pascal Finette, co-founder at Be Radical, on "Navigating anUncertain Present & Building for a Better Future."
• Jen Tadin, president of small business at U.S., Gallagher, on"Vulnerability in Crisis Leadership."
• Linde Hotchkiss, EVP & Southwest market leader at ABDInsurance and Financial Services, on "Pivoting to Positivity."

Keynoting the event, IICF International Board of Governors ChairBarbara Bufkin encouraged attendees to step up and make adifference in their organizations.

"The whole world is talking about matters of race, spoken andfelt deeply and without compromise. Our conversations on inclusionare not just championed in the confines of the boardroom in theC-suites; they are, in fact, happening in the streets," Bufkinsaid.

"As champions of inclusion, we feel the call to work more andharder for immediate and sustainable change when we listen andlearn from each other; we can better define opportunities withinour industry for many. Together we can be a force for change thatcreates a more equitable environment for all."

IICF has made a recording of the program available forviewing on its Dialogue for Diversity webpage and YouTube.There, industry professionals can find previousinstallments of the series along with allnew content from future events.

Presentation highlights

In the opening presentation, "Change Starts in theMirror," Mia Lorick, attorney at RMWBH Law, addressedconscious and unconscious biases, how to identify them inthe workplace and what everyone can personally do to affectchange.

"We all have experiences, beliefs… challenges… opinions thatshape who we are as people. And in that, it's natural to projectthat onto other people, even when we don't intend to," Lorick said."And so how you affect change in your organization requires thatyou put those opinions, those personal beliefs, and thoseexperiences to the side sometimes, and realize that not everyonehas the same experiences as you do."

Lorick pleads the old adage: Be the change you want to see.Moreso, Lorick asks attendees to "Be the change that we asked forrepeatedly at these diversity conferences."

Concluding with a favorite Sheryl Sandberg quote, Lorick reads:"We cannot change, what we are not aware of, but once we're aware.We cannot help but change." Reflecting on this quote, Lorick asksattendees to do some self-reflection.

"Look in the mirror and ask yourself, 'Is there something that Ican do within myself to better change how equality and diversity ishappening within my organization?'" Lorick concludes.

"And I submit to you all that as you go out into the world, asyou return to your organizations, and you turn off this video thatyou implement that change, and you will be surprised at the resultsthat we will get."

Industry events in the age of remote work

"With our Regional Forums postponed to the Fall, our goal was toprovide our industry with an interactive virtual event that wouldbuild on the current momentum to reshape the future of ourworkplaces," said Betsy Myatt, vice president and chief programofficer of IICF.

"Dialogue for Diversity Live! was our solution, helping ourcommunity stay connected and engaged during this difficult time. Wewere thrilled at the turn-out for this event and continue to beinspired by our speakers, sponsors, and our attendees, who arealways searching for new ways to improve their work environments,drive greater diversity in leadership, and help others as theynavigate our industry."

The IICF Women in Insurance Regional Forums are now takingplace in Fall 2020. For updates and more information, visit IICF'swebsite.

Related:

• Best P&C insurance workplaces fordiversity
• Civil rights win for LGBTQ employees:Implicationsfor employers
• Closing the gender gap ininsurance