Episode 14: A Conversation On Culture and Corporate Controversy: How H&M Head of D&I, Ezinne Kwubiri Drives Dialogue That Matters, With Heritage and A Human Touch As Her Guide
Ezinne Kwubiri
North America, Head of Inclusion and Diversity, H&M
Today’s episode features Ezinne Kwubiri, North America, Head of Inclusion & Diversity at H&M.
Graduating with her B.A. in Accounting from Howard University, the early years of Ezinne's career saw her climbing the ranks to eventually land as Senior Auditor at Viacom before coming to the realization that accounting was not the long term path for her. She ultimately transitioned into a role in Change Management and was on the ground in the midst of the resurgence of Diversity & Inclusion conversations in the workplace as we know it today. So in 2018, when H&M found itself in the midst of global backlash over the racist “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle” ad, a newly created D&I leadership role at the company presented Ezinne with her next adventure in her professional journey, North America Head of Inclusion & Diversity at H&M.
Listen as we discuss the challenges Ezinne has faced and overcome in taking on such a public facing D&I leadership role, how her identity as a black woman and her Nigerian heritage impact how she approaches her work, how she responds to criticism in the midst of work-related controversy, and what, in her opinion, makes a strong and effective D&I leader.
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Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Stitcher.
Books referenced during the speed round:
Brave, Not Perfect – Reshma Saujani
Refinery29 article referenced:
“The Real Story Behind H&M’s Racist Monkey Sweatshirt” by Connie Wang