Peer to Peer Magazine

14 The Diversity Game Changer B Y S H A W N N A H O F F M A N Diversity is a Game Changer in an Interconnected World "In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute." — Thurgood Marshall We live in a complex world where the structure of the fabric of modern society is reshaping due to emerging technologies that are fueling globalization. Consequently, legal professionals are being called to lead efforts in finding solutions to many of society's most pressing issues that have resulted from emerging technolo. As we newly enter this Fourth Industrial Revolution, impeccably named "Intelligence," the world around us is exponentially increasing in connectivity. This connectivity is allowing precedential collaboration around the globe and, for many enterprises, forcing their hand in the need for a diverse workforce. Thus, the timing is right for the legal industry to use our combined transformative power to contribute to a more open, diverse and inclusive global society. Diversity is Smart for Business Performance "The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving." — Oliver Wendell Holmes Many of us intuitively know that diversity is morally important for society, but, putting the moral argument aside, the factual case for establishing a truly diverse workforce grows more compelling each year. It is common knowledge the term "diversity" was first used in 1977 to refer to the changing demographics of the workforce by Merlin and Patricia Pope, pioneers in diversity measurement and training. Since then, there is substantial research that shows that diversity brings many advantages to an organization, including increased profitability, improved creativity, better governance and innovative problem-solving. "Diversity requires brave conversations." — Gillian Power, CIO Lathrop Gage and ILTA Chair of Diversity & Inclusion

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