BizClik on Diversity
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
destiny of difference . There were plenty of plot points to suggest we were ready – it was a period when diverse music , fashion movements and youth communities were taking influences from different cultures and transcending racial divisions . Clearly , leadership throughout football and Westminster had a golden opportunity to leverage diversity but instead they let the brand of racism , prevalent in so many parts of society , continue on the terraces .
And if linking a black , gay footballer from the 1980s to diversity in 2021 seems a bit far fetched , I ask you to consider this . In 1980 , Justin Fashanu was playing alongside England ’ s other goalscorer from 1966 , Martin Peters , as sure as Clyde Best had lined up with Geoff Hurst ten years before . Indeed , a jubilant Martin can be seen straight after the goal against Liverpool – congratulating Fashanu ; more excited , it seems , than the scorer himself .
“ The enduring impact of Euro 2021 will be of a united England and a team that seemed to be galvanised by taking the knee and , if necessary , justifying it ”
Witnessing one of the boys of ‘ 66 and a black player as equal teammates was an empowering image but , ultimately , it was a lost opportunity to promote the wider vibrations of diversity and an empowering reflection of modern Britain . If only governing bodies could have recognised this split second of brilliance as the genesis of something timeless .
On that note , I don ’ t buy the old excuses about it being ‘ a different time ’. This was 1980 , not 1880 . The abolition of slavery , Martin Luther King ’ s ‘ Dream ’, Malcolm X ’ s activism
BizClik on Diversity
Stacy Norman is Chief Operating Officer at BizClik Media Group
As we move into a world of digitalisation – where teams working across different countries communicate via virtual platforms – mutual understanding and respect are vital .
As BizClik Media rapidly grows globally , we now view our diversity and inclusion policy as a key pillar to our talent and retention strategy . Our diverse and inclusive environment has encouraged a sense of belonging among the team , where everyone feels more connected than ever before .
Since implementing our Diversity & Inclusion Policy , we have seen considerable gains in business results , innovation and decision-making . Our teams work with passion , they work smarter , produce higher quality work and enjoy what they do , day in day out .
Diversity and Inclusion is a vital part of all global organisations , so why is it being left in the hands of one department ? We believe that it should be at the forefront of every organisational agenda , in every boardroom , within every process and part of the learning culture . It should also be in the hands of every single individual in every single organisation , no matter what the location or size .
If the last 18 months has taught us anything , it is that we need to all work together for a better result .
162 September 2021