Diversity and inclusion (D&I) is a business imperative at Nielsen. We know our company, clients and employees benefit from leaning into our differences to embrace new approaches. That’s why, for the past four years, we’ve selected a group of our top-performing associates to participate in an 15-month intensive leadership development program that purposely is the most diverse program at Nielsen; it is called the Diverse Leadership Network (DLN).
In May, the third DLN class, comprising 28 mid-career leaders from our offices in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, completed their leadership development program on the campus of Emory University’s Goizueta School in Atlanta. The program resembles a “mini-MBA,” and as part of their graduation, program participants attended seminars taught by Emory faculty and heard from several of Nielsen’s global leaders.
“In order for Nielsen to continue to provide superior solutions for our clients, it is imperative that our leaders are representative of the communities we measure,” said Audrey Yi, Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion and lead for Nielsen’s diverse associate leadership development strategy. “By developing our pipeline of diverse leadership, we’re ensuring our company is embodying our global inclusion philosophy, which will ensure our future leaders, teams and company will continue to innovate and thrive in a rapidly changing environment.”
Seminars taught by Emory University faculty covered strategies for shaping an inclusive company and team culture, effective communication tactics on diverse teams and how to meaningfully connect with clients. Meanwhile, top senior executives, including Mitch Barns, CEO, spoke to participants about the importance of the leadership skills developed during the DLN program, as well as how leveraging their own perspectives and those of their peers, although they may be different, is essential to Nielsen’s ability to grow in an increasingly diverse business environment.
As part of the program graduation, participants toured the studio at WSB-TV, Atlanta’s ABC affiliate, and learned a client’s perspective on the changing media landscape. The class also participated in a community service project and collaborated with the Atlanta chapter of Junior Achievement, an organization that teaches children foundational skills needed to succeed in a global economy. DLN members helped a group of middle school students develop financial literacy and leadership skills. These two activities gave DLN participants the opportunity to connect their DLN education and experience back to our clients and the communities where we live and work.
“The greatest, sustainable assets Nielsen has, as we adapt to a rapidly changing marketplace, are the skills and intelligence of our associates,” said Angela Talton, Chief Diversity Officer, Nielsen. “Through programs like the DLN, we are endeavoring to develop our future leaders to be inclusive, share diverse ideas and insights and respect differences. This will allow our company to grow, while also ensuring these leaders understand the impact that a diverse and inclusive culture has on Nielsen’s business, as well as that of our clients.”
Learn more about the DLN and our global D&I strategy.
