Unveiled: Sponsorship as a Catalyst for Sustainable and Equitable Growth
“Equity, dignity, happiness, sustainability – these are all fundamental to our lives but absent in the GDP.” ~ Helen Clark (UNDP, 2009-2017)
The main premise of sustainability is based on the reality that resources are finite. In contrast, sustainability skeptics often base their arguments on the fantasy that resources are infinite. The acknowledgment of limited resources is the first step to addressing the societal power structures that lead to inequitable benefits of resources across different groups in society. Not surprisingly, the advocacy for sustainability and equity are intertwined. Indeed, there is increasing recognition of the “Three E” pillars of sustainability: Equity, Environment, and Economy.
Nature’s “ecosystem services” like clean water, air, and biodiversity are often perceived as freely and equally accessible. However, in reality, nature's impacts, both positive and negative, are unevenly distributed based on factors such as race, gender, income, and age (“The Nature Gap”). This unequal distribution extends beyond environmental resources to encompass opportunities in careers and innovation ecosystems, significantly affecting economic mobility and societal inclusivity.
At Unveiled, we recognize the importance of understanding the connection between sustainability and equity to drive tangible progress and improve the lived experiences of underrepresented groups. Our close alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals 5 (gender equality) and 9 (innovation, industry, and infrastructure) underscores the criticality of taking an ecosystem view for collective progress.
For instance, research indicates that inequitable access to opportunities for career advancement contributes to slower wage growth for women and racial minorities, despite comparable or higher education and training. This disparity not only perpetuates economic inequality but also hampers the potential for innovation and entrepreneurial success among historically marginalized groups. Access to resources and networks, often crucial for innovation, remains disproportionately limited for these groups, hindering their participation in inclusive economic growth.
At Unveiled, we’re not just talking about it, we’re doing it.
Without clarity and emphasis on creating opportunity equitably, society will continue to put bandages on sustainability concerns and not address the core issues. Sponsors can move the needle on equitable and inclusive economic growth. For instance, sponsors can facilitate access to ‘invention capital’ for innovators from underrepresented groups and/or disadvantaged backgrounds, thereby enabling more equitable participation in the economic benefits of innovation. More inclusive economic mobility can create a virtuous cycle of correlated progress on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including gender equality, quality education, good health and well-being, inclusive economic growth, reduced inequalities, and innovation.
Whether as someone breaking barriers or as a sponsor for them, YOU have the power to influence progress. How are you being intentional in your assessment and actions for these top 3 priorities?
Contextualize Progress: Position your career trajectory and contributions within the broader mission and values of your employer, emphasizing alignment with sustainability and equity goals. As a sponsor, help individuals relate ideas and roles to the organization’s overarching objectives.
Democratize Professional Opportunities: Make sponsorship goals transparent to motivate others to become sponsors, thus contributing to a more diverse workforce that mirrors societal demographics. Facilitate your sponsor's advocacy efforts within the framework of organizational goals by articulating how you would contribute to the organization's mission and vision in your desired role. Position your progress as mutually beneficial for both yourself and the organization.
Champion Inclusive Growth: We cannot be what we cannot see. Advocate for inclusive growth and equity as organizational priorities. Increase awareness and implementation of metrics that consider inclusiveness and growth in evaluating team success, embodying the ethos of collective advancement. Sponsor and sponsee partner to tap into the power of storytelling on their success stories, unveil the power and criticality of sponsorship, demonstrating what ‘good’ looks like!
By micro-organizing on sustainability, equity, and sponsorship, you can help the collective movement towards a sustainable and equitable society where everyone has an opportunity to unlock their potential. Whether you are the trailblazer breaking down barriers or the sponsor opening doors (or both!), remember your efforts positively impact entire communities and future generations. Keep going!
Partner Event Announcement!
The Dextegon AI Summit by Dextego is happening in New York City on April 30th. It is limited to 100 executives, so grab your spot today!
This will bring together leaders who are actively thinking about, applying, and learning how to better utilize AI within HR, Coaching and Development, Sales, Marketing, and CS.
Events and networking are done out of relationships, so don’t miss out on this exciting event!
Writing Team @Unveiled
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Dr. Swasti Gupta-Mukherjee is a professor, thought leader, and educator in finance, with expertise in financial markets and sustainable finance. Recognized globally for her award-winning course 'Finance for a Sustainable World,' she leads initiatives on financial inclusion and climate resilience while actively contributing as a consultant and public speaker in finance and sustainable development.
Sahana Mukherjee, Founder & President of Unveiled - Bridging the Gap Corp, is a distinguished HR executive and sought-after speaker, recognized as Crain’s New York 2022 Notable HR Leader. As a pioneering thought leader, she utilizes data to craft strategic approaches, steering organizations through the transformative impact of transitional technologies on the workforce. Her leadership extends beyond conventional technological integration, ‘Mapping Tomorrow’s Workforce Today’ positioning organizations as trailblazers for sustained growth and relevance.
Wanda Shoer is a senior executive, strategist, and thought leader in the healthcare industry. She is a value based, driven leader, committed to empowering and supporting others on their career journey. Wanda is a proud Latina of Dominican descent and lives in NJ with her loving husband and two children.