Occupier_News_Q1-2018_US

SPOTLIGHT ON DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

James Patterson, Chief Executive of Cushman & Wakefield in Australia & New Zealand is building a culture that is gaining a reputation not only in the local market, but globally. He is a passionate advocate for diversity & inclusion. We sat down with James to discuss his plans for creating an inclusive culture.

Describe the cultural tone you want to set for Cushman & Wakefield in Australia & New Zealand? We are building a culture that is inclusive, diverse, and collaborative. Whilst a lot of organizations would say the same, there is an authenticity about the approach to inclusion in our culture and our workplace. We want to have a strategy around diversity, but take it to a deeper level around inclusion. One of the phrases that I reference a lot is “diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance.” Inclusion means that everyone is able to connect and engage, it is more than just presence, it means equal participation. I want to create a place where everyone has a sense of belonging. One team, one culture, where people feel supported, included, and encouraged to contribute to the success of the business. I had our culture described to me as having a ‘human heart’ and I truly believe this. We have a business responsibility to our clients, our stakeholders, and our people but I see it as more than that, we have an emotional responsibility as well to our community. I believe that this culture will set us apart within our competitive set. Our industry has not necessarily grown up with the best track record around diversity and inclusion. Great gains are being made by many companies, but I am very proud that we are leading the way in many instances in Australia and New Zealand.

Where did this passion for inclusion come from?

James Patterson Chief Executive Australia & New Zealand

Inclusion was instilled in me at a very young age by my parents. I grew up in Dubbo, a country town in New South Wales, where there was a cultural divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. I saw firsthand the consequences of not having an inclusive community. However, through my school and sport in Dubbo, some of my best friends were Indigenous kids – and as a child I didn’t really understand the divide, but as I grew older it became apparent and it’s something I want to change! I have carried that philosophy with me through my business and sporting career. I have three boys, Max (18), Hugo (17), and Oscar (13), whom my wife Libby and I have brought up to follow a philosophy of inclusion. I think that is one of the most important roles we can play as parents. I am currently the Acting Chairman of Souths Care board and I have been a board member for over five years. The Souths Cares program is an initiative of the South Sydney Rabbitoh’s which was established to support local disadvantaged and marginalized youth and their families in South Sydney. We work with the Indigenous community of South Sydney through the delivery of capacity building programs addressing education, How are you advocating for diversity & inclusion in your personal life?

James with his family

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