Diversity at work: Conversations on identity
What does diversity look like at work? And what is it like to be viewed as someone who makes a workplace more diverse? This month, as we mark the one-year anniversary of our 10 Actions to combat racism—and as some parts of the world celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride—several of our colleagues talk about the complex reality of convergent identities, and how allies everywhere can support their communities on the path forward.
We were forced to confront race, even if we didn't want to.
Chantal and Sophia on the ways race impacts their work experiences
Chantal, Associate, London
Sophia, Designer, London
It's this very long and internal process of reflecting and also thinking about how the work you do is always going to have these kinds of ramifications.Hear the full conversation
Everyone deserves to feel empowered across all aspects of who they are.
Guangyu, Senior Partner, Hong Kong
It shouldn't be left to any individual community to defend itself. It's in our collective interest to show up for each other with concrete action and to come together in solidarity.
Nick, Engagement Manager, Washington DC
I'm incredibly proud to be Black and Haitian. Until I came to McKinsey, I didn’t interact professionally with many Black people, let alone anyone Haitian. Without the McKinsey Black Network and Hispanic Latino Network communities, I wouldn’t have the spaces to celebrate those parts of my identity.
Mabohlale, Engagement Manager, Johannesburg
There's power in giving an underrepresented community the opportunity to drive change. But they can't do it alone. We need to move forward with collective ownership and responsibility to achieve real parity.
Súsame, Executive Assistant, Salvador
As a Black lesbian woman, my identity is intersectional—and it’s having experiences in both worlds that shapes my belief that the journey towards racial and social equity must be inclusive.
At what point does my son stop being seen as a cute kid and start being seen as a Black man?
JP, Associate Partner, Philadelphia
Michael, MGI Partner, San Francisco
We should make room to give ourselves grace—whether it's fatigue, our own anger, our mistakes.Watch the full conversation
JP and Michael discuss their latest research on Black Americans’ participation in the US economy
It feels like such a gut punch.
Sophia and Chelsea on piloting an intercommunity dialogue
Sophia, Associate, New York
Chelsea, Learning Designer, Boston
There's no reason why we should have borders around affinity groups defining what people can communicate—and what they shouldn't be communicating about.Hear the full conversation
I found an ally and I did it—and it’s been amazing.
David, Executive Editor, Stamford
Photo credit: Bob Capazzo
Maya, Global Operations Learning Manager, London
David and Maya on the importance of visibility
David and Maya on the vulnerability in coming out
My colleagues in the Stamford office have just been amazingly supportive. And when I say that, it's not that they're necessarily doing anything—outside of just treating me the same way that they've always treated me.Watch the full conversation
Discover more McKinsey voices
Our Black Voices
Hearing from members of the McKinsey Black community is not only self-evident in its power but also necessary. Our colleagues share perspectives on their Black experience--in the workplace and beyond.
Our Asian Voices
In this feature, 72 Asian colleagues at McKinsey raise their voices and share their stories--on what Asian identity means to them, what allies can do to support their communities, and how they are processing this moment.