Global executive search firm Audeliss, specialising in diversity and inclusion (D&I) in London and New York, celebrates its 10th anniversary this week.
The company was founded back in April 2011 by Suki Sandhu OBE, who, after witnessing a shockingly low number of diverse talent at corporate senior levels, decided to create a recruitment firm that genuinely cares about delivering excellence for clients and candidates alike; whilst helping to make businesses a true reflection of the world in which they exist.
Since 2011, Audeliss has grown to become one of the leading executive search firms specialising in championing diversity; and continues to level the playing field for women, ethnic minorities and LGBT+ people at the most senior level in business.
Over the last 10 years, 65% of its total appointments and 89% of candidates for board appointments have been diverse, including women and those from ethnic minority and LGBT+ backgrounds, confirmed the company. In the past five years the UK has seen an overall 58% increase in the number of D&I roles, with many at senior levels.
CREATING INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES
“Ten years ago, D&I was seen as ‘nice to have’. Now, it is an integral part of any organisation that wants to attract, recruit and retain their sector’s best talent and we’re proud to have played such an active part in making that happen,” stated Sandhu. “If someone told me 10 years ago that we’d have almost 30 employees, an office in the US and a championing sister organisation INvolve, I wouldn’t have believed a word. Our team are the best in the business; and I am so grateful for all of the effort and the dedication they’ve shown over the last decade.”
In addition to Audeliss, Sandhu is Founder and CEO of INvolve, the global network and consultancy championing diversity and inclusion in business by helping organisations drive cultural change and create inclusive workplaces.
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF TALENT
INvolve also publishes the renowned Role Model lists, including OUTstanding, EMpower and HERoes; which recognise and celebrate business leaders and future leaders who are breaking down barriers at work and inspiring the next generation of diverse talent.
However, there’s a lot more work to do in the D&I space to ensure inclusivity and equality, noted Sandhu. “As more organisations see the importance and value in D&I, Audeliss will aim to grow and branch out further in both the UK and US to strengthen companies’ commitments to diversifying their teams,” he explained.
Every company must look at what steps it is taking to ensure inclusivity and equality across the entire organisation, according to Sandhu. “These can be challenging and uncomfortable conversations for companies to have, but they need to be brave and ask themselves the difficult questions. Doing nothing is simply not enough,” he pointed out.
In a recent guest column for Fair Play Talks, Sandhu explained why it’s time for organisations to set targets to increase LGBT+ representation in senior leadership ranks. Click here to read more.
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