Quotes & Comments…
“The most important thing I learned is that soldiers watch what their leaders do. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow.” – General Colin Powell
“When we listen and celebrate what is both common and different, we become wiser, more inclusive, and better as an organization.” – Pat Wadors, Chief Talent Officer of ServiceNow
“If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.” – General George S. Patton
“Endless data show that diverse teams make better decisions. We need to resist the tyranny of low expectations. We need to open our eyes to the inequality that remains. We won’t unlock the full potential of the workplace until we see how far from equality we really are.” – Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook
FM Broadcast – Fall 2020
Celebrating Veterans, Diversity & Bridges
On November 11th, the United States commemorates Veterans Day, honoring those who have served in the US Armed Forces. A friend recently reminded me of the words of Dr. Jefferson Wiggins regarding his service as a Black soldier serving in a segregated unit in World War II. After receiving recognition for helping liberate Europe from Nazi occupation, he explained “It (was) a group of people who believe in compassion and justice and bridge building that got us where we are.”
Building bridges between people and countries was important then, and for organizations wishing to grow and succeed, it is just as critical now. It is incumbent upon leaders to be bridge builders, connecting and uniting where division previously existed, and being the first to reach out and shake hands (or bump elbows) with those who are different.
Studies continue to reinforce that organizations with a greater variety of backgrounds, ideas, gender, race, ethnicity, and beliefs, when united in a common cause, are more successful and profitable than those lacking that diversity. A 2017 McKinsey Study of 1,000 companies determined that profitability and long-term valuation increased dramatically when teams were diverse. There are other interesting studies found in the Harvard Business Review that analyze the positive impact of diversity on organizational effectiveness that can be found here and here.
A leader who values diversity encourages the exchange of new and unique ideas, which can lead to better solutions and outcomes. While leading change is not easy and barriers, resistance, walls, and differences must be overcome, a bridge spans those divisions and builds connection, allowing organizations to keep advancing. As leaders we are called to build bridges to bring people together for the good of the organization, while also celebrating differences. As we are preparing to leave 2020 behind, let’s commit to stepping out, building bridges, and encouraging and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Fleming Jones, Co-Founder & Managing Director
Expert Opinions…
Client Snapshot: Talis Biomedical
Talis is an innovative biomedical diagnostics company focused on infectious diseases and driven by a combination of proprietary technologies, unique capabilities, and a desire to revolutionize medicine. Talis’ new diagnostic platform will enable rapid testing across a wide range of healthcare settings, changing the way health care providers diagnose and treat millions of patients. Talis is entering commercialization with a focus on rapid point of care testing for COVID-19.
FlemingMartin is proud to be a partner of Talis, having recruited Talis’ Senior Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Software: Talis Biomedical Names Ram Balasubramanian as Vice President of Software
FlemingMartin News – Reminiscing about Our Annual Blue Angels Event & Honoring Veterans Day
Every October, FlemingMartin is proud to host our clients on the USS Potomac as we venture towards the San Francisco Bay to spend a wonderful afternoon admiring the Blue Angels. The Blue Angels represent the US Navy and Marine Corps in an inspiring flight show which has been viewed by more than 450 million spectators globally since 1946. Unfortunately, we were not able to hold this event due to COVID in 2020. However, we look forward to hosting again as soon as it is safe to do so!
We would also like to commemorate our veterans in honor of those who have served our country and fought for our freedom, including FlemingMartin’s very own Founders and Managing Directors, Marty McMahon and Fleming Jones. Thank you for your service.
Connecting leaders
Recruiting the best executive talent
Recently Completed Searches
MedicAlert Foundation
Global Blood Therapeutics (NASDAQ: GBT)
- Executive Director, HRBP
j2 Global (NASDAQ: JCOM)
Marqeta
- Director, Learning & Organizational Development
MyoKardia (NASDAQ: MYOK)
Myovant Sciences (NYSE: MYOV)
Natera (NASDAQ: NTRA)
Talis Biomedical
- SVP, Operations
- VP, Software
Highlighted Current Searches
Public Technology Company
- VP, Total Rewards & People Operations
- VP, Talent Acquisition
Private Fintech Company
- VP, Engineering (Retail)
- Director, Engineering (Growth)
Private Fintech Company
- HRBP, Tech & Product
- Employee Experience Lead
Public Biopharmaceutical Company
- Director, FP&A
Public Biotech Company
- Head of Translational Medicine
Public Biotech Company
- VP, FP&A
Public Medical Device Company
- VP, IT
Private Equity-Owned Food Packaging Company
- VP, Finance