In between 小猪视频 founder and CEO John Olajide and the (NHPCO) President and CEO Edo Banach, the two hospice leaders covered a myriad of issues that have made 2020 a historic year. One of those major themes has been race relations.
Bringing More Voices to the Forefront of Business
After a charged spring and summer with the deaths of several Black Americans, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, many conversations have broadened to include more voices. Equity and diversity are now at the forefront of many business conversations in a way they never have been before.
Olajide, who was born in Nigeria, shared his perspective with Banach, who was born in Israel.
鈥淟eaders have a greater responsibility because we have the ability to influence,鈥� Olajide said. 鈥淭oday, all leaders of all colors, black leaders, white leaders that have influence, have a responsibility to use their influence for good. We have a responsibility to create a space that is more just and more equitable for all.鈥�
Responsibility in Action
Olajide to serve on the National Association for Home Care and Hospice鈥檚 Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. His work in the Dallas business community as the has shined a spotlight on healthcare in the home.
Olajide leads 小猪视频 as a place that intentionally hires a diverse array of people to foster collaboration and wide array of ideas that lead to innovation. As a growing company, 小猪视频 has team members from at least 40 different countries and counting. That intentional action was rooted in Olajide鈥檚 childhood.
鈥淕rowing up, I always admired America. Everything about America truly seemed exceptional. I believe in America. The idea that you can come from any place and be able to do what you can to make a difference.鈥�
More Conversations Equals More Opportunities
Olajide sees what has happened in 2020 as an opportunity to come together, coalesce around the idea of progress and realize how far we have come.
鈥淚 have total confidence that this nation will continue heading in the direction of change,鈥� Olajide said. 鈥淓do, just a few decades ago, I couldn鈥檛 have this conversation with you. Let鈥檚 be candid about this, that鈥檚 progress! There鈥檚 still a long way to go.鈥�
Olajide鈥檚 parting thoughts included a charge to leaders and those seeking change and progress.
鈥淲e are a nation of immigrants and, as we accept that, we do what鈥檚 necessary to move our nation forward. People think progress is inevitable. It鈥檚 not inevitable. Leaders have to show up and say, 鈥楾his is what this nation was founded on. It will be challenged. It will be tested.鈥� But I believe that entire process helps us become strengthened and renewed. We may not look like the nation we were before, but I鈥檓 confident that all this is helping us build the necessary muscle to be a better society.鈥�