Intentional Acts
Influencing work for a Black-owned law firm for insurance and commercial cases
What is choosing a Black defense attorney
Discussion: Benefits of using a Black-owned law firm to add perspective to case valuation and claim outcomes
The fight to not only be at the table, but the opportunity for everyone to EAT
What is (equitable) inclusion
Discussion: Recipe with various ingredients to enhance the flavor, the veggie option and the invitation to eat
Fostering relationships with national competitors in order to form strategic opportunities for referrals
What is being intentional (with slicing the pie)
Discussion: There is enough pie and there is more than one pie.
Vendor partners presenting a united front to go after opportunities (as joint ventures or strategic alliances)
What is scope and scale (partnership)
Discussion: How to support small, medium and large vendors
Hurdle faced by diverse vendors when trying to be included as preferred contractors
What is (centralization of vendors) approved lists for selection
Discussion... Now what?
Leveraging industry influencer relationships to identify opportunities to gain exposure for diverse suppliers/vendors
What is visibility
Discussion: What role are you willing to play
Having vendor participation by businesses from underutilized communities
What is representation
Discussion: moving the needle forward on historical spend with diverse suppliers
Person who will use their relationship capital to WALK a vendor into relationships
What is a Sponsor
Discussion: Walking the talk and putting their name behind a worthy vendor
When the introduction has been made with the decision-maker the next goal is
What is securing the contract
Discussion: Knowing what is required
Insurance coverage necessary to protect your business (vendors, buyers and 3rd party clients)
What is D&O and E&O, cyber, Auto and GL coverage minimum limits
Discussion: Ensuring proper protection of your business
Stepping out of your comfort zone to ensure representation
What is Allyship (Sponsorship)
Discussion: Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable for the good of all
The selection of the same people, companies every time, without giving opportunities to new competent professionals... an impediment to DEI efforts
What are legacy relationships
Discussion: BE WILLING TO vet or USE a RECOMMENDED VENDOR you've never tried before
Knowing the "buyer" is a key initial step for selection as a vendor
What is a relationship
Discussion: What are ways to develop a relationship
Industry-related vendor types that need our intentional collective assistance
What are mediators, (defense) lawyers, translation/transportation, staffing, Independent Adjusters (property, auto, GL), managed care vendors
Discussion: What is the charge for diverse vendors in being visible and getting selected
Neutral (no vested interest) facilitator hired for all types of disputes
What is a Mediator
Discussion: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as an access to justice SOLUTION
Identifying the gaps and breaking the ice to explore the needs for diverse supplier participation
What is an assessment of processes and procedures
Discussion: Being open to advocating on a specific ask from a vendor
Understanding the value of vendors from diverse groups and the impact on claim outcomes and the communities we serve (as an industry)
What is cultural competency (sensitivity)
Discussion: Research shows diverse suppliers positively impact bottom line profitability
Group consisting of industry and industry adjacent professionals that can facilitate interactions between vendors and influencers/decision-makers
What is NAAIA (Trade Associations)
Discussion: The value of trade associations for entrepreneurs and vendor members
Brooks Berne has 51%+ in minority ownership (they qualify as a diverse supplier) T or F
TRUE...
Discussion: MBE certification
Qualifies to apply as a minority business enterprise (NMSDC, WBENC)
Holding yourself and others responsible for promises made (and goals expressed in initiatives)
What is accountability
Discussion: Opening doors and following up (Diverse vendors cannot EAT your intentions)
Business (belonging to a diverse group) offering services to the marketplace
What is a diverse supplier
Discussion: Choosing a diverse supplier positively impacts the economy by circulating dollars in underrepresented communities
Advancing DEI in the wake of fatigue is exhausting on all sides. What is the key to overcoming this...
DON'T GET WEARY doing the right thing.
Discussion: Keep the movement a MOVEMENT and understand that fatigue comes from both sides, depending on the motivations. The word AGGRESSIVE is code.
This person is vital to ensuring equity and inclusion for people who are classified in diverse groups
Who is YOU
YOU are the Ally... Ally is a VERB.
Discussion: What can YOU do? Are you willing to do it? Why or why not?
Funding sources for financing business
What is capital
Discussion: Challenges faced by people of color in raising capital
The world's largest private provider of ADR services
What is JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service)
Discussion: Insurance touches everything