Heidrick & Struggles Leverages Resource Groups to Drive Diversity and Inclusion

Heidrick & Struggles is leveraging its employee resource groups to further distinguish its client service in terms of diversity and inclusion.

“To succeed in an increasingly competitive and unpredictable world, companies in every business sector need the best people and ideas, without exception,” said Americas Regional Leader Ron Lumbra. “This is why diversity and inclusion are so critical to success today.”

To help advance the firm’s own diversity and inclusion, as well as to better serve clients, Heidrick & Struggles is turning to its employee resource groups to facilitate discussion amongst diverse groups within the firm in order to promote the importance of diversity in its workforce and across the marketplace.  

For example, the firm recently convened a Professionals of Color Exchange in Chicago. More than 50 members of the firm met over three days for candid conversations aiming at outcomes ranging from enhanced inclusiveness within the firm’s culture to further distinguished client service with an unmatched commitment to diversity.

Additionally, the firm demonstrated its support to the LGBT community through its recent participation in LGBT44. More than 150 members of the LGBT community who have served in the Obama Administration came together in Washington, D.C. in September to celebrate their work in the Administration and begin preparing for career changes as the Administration comes to an end in January. Matt Aiello, Ruben Hillar and David Burd from Heidrick & Struggles’ Washington office provided career advice and guidance. 

Partner Julian Ha led the firm’s engagement in two similar recent events for current and former appointees to the Obama Administration: for those in the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community and for African Americans.  

As the firm looks to distinguish itself in the market, the firm plans to continue to increase the diversity of its own consultant base. 

“We have an opportunity to distinguish Heidrick in the marketplace as the leadership advisory firm offering the best service to clients because of our commitment to diversity and inclusion in all we do,” said Billy Dexter, partner and executive sponsor of the Professionals of Color employee resource group. “We can provide unique client solutions that enhance diversity of their organization, connecting them to diverse talent and helping clients create an inclusive culture.”