Executive Men’s Development Initiative (EMDI)
Challenge
Develop Men of Color in the United States.
Actions
AIG has a long history of supporting the development of diverse talent through dozens of global professional and leadership development forums implemented since 2011 for women in middle and senior management. More recently, we completed the pilot for an initiative created to accelerate the development of high-potential diverse male leaders in the United States.
The Executive Men’s Development Initiative (EMDI) is a 12-month executive development program which seeks to build executive competencies so participants are better prepared to assume greater responsibilities and ultimately reach higher levels of management. High-potential men of color from across the country participate in both live and virtual executive development sessions, receive 1:1 executive coaching and sponsorship, and complete two team projects—one focused on the external community and one that addresses an internal business challenge or opportunity.
Outcomes
Seventeen men graduated from the pilot program. Most of the graduates are now engaged in mentoring younger employees, including our early career talent, and will serve as advisors to the next EMDI cohort which is scheduled to launch in 2017.
Contact
Walter Hurdle
Quote
The genesis of the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion is a wonderful step in the right direction. CEOs and other senior executives have to take the lead. Operational and functional managers can launch diversity programs but without full-throated support and aggressive action by senior executives diversity and inclusion tends to stall. I am proud to join this CEO-led action and excited about the positive change it should bring to all of our organizations.