As someone who has built a career in financial services and currently serves as a Vice President Multi-Site Branch Manager, I understand how important trust, ethics, and inclusion are in maintaining a strong reputation both with customers and employees. If I came across a news article reporting that a company I admire was involved in a public lawsuit over widespread discrimination against people from a background I identify with, it would deeply affect how I view that organization.
Initially, it would shake the trust I had in the company’s leadership. In my current role, I’ve seen firsthand how company culture is shaped by leadership, and discrimination especially if it’s systemic usually points to a failure in accountability. As someone who mentors and develops people from all walks of life, I can’t support a company that does not genuinely value diversity or fairness. It’s not just about what’s legally right, but also about creating an environment where all employees feel valued and respected.
If I were a customer of that company, I would likely stop supporting them. My decisions would be guided by my values. Supporting an organization with such issues would feel incompatible with my belief in equity. I would also reconsider applying for a job there in the future, as I would need to feel that the company truly prioritized inclusivity and addressed any systemic issues. For me, culture and values matter more than prestige or opportunity especially when it comes to an organization’s treatment of people.
