Blog
DEI Blog: See what we are up to!
In our blog section we cover our events and news related to diversity and inclusion. We also share valuable content, like expert interviews and insights.
Interview with Martin Parkes
“A vocal, frustrated employee is one who genuinely cares”
Martin Parkes, Managing Director at BlackRock, Co-Head of EU Public Policy, and Global Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ OUT & Allies network offers an insightful glimpse into his role and the business implications of diversity and inclusion. Parkes was a featured speaker at the 2023 OPEN Conference.

Read more

Shaping our Narrative
WeAreOpen’s Year in Review: Navigating the ESG Era and Redefining Corporate Diversity
The year 2023 marked a pivotal moment in the history of WeAreOpen, as the organization celebrated its 10th anniversary. This milestone not only symbolizes a decade of tireless advocacy but also signifies a transformative shift from a purely activist organization to a comprehensive diversity and inclusion service-provider NGO. In this blog post, we will delve into the challenges faced by corporate sustainability in 2023, highlighting the rise of the Anti-ESG movement and the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, and WeAreOpen’s strategic narrative on the above.

Read more

Interview with Sarah Cordivano
“The most important thing is the company finds this work to be important enough.”
Diving into the intricacies of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), exploring ways to measure organizational diversity, and understanding the vital interplay between DEI policies and strategies were just a few topics touched upon in the interview with Sarah Cordivano, who shed light on these essential aspects of DEI. Sarah, an active voice in the DEI sphere, who recently spoke at OPEN Conference 2023, brings to the table profound knowledge from her book 'How to Succeed at an Impossible Job', navigating us through the complexities and subtle nuances of DEI across different organizational settings.

Read more

Interview with Martina Hlisnikovská, DEI Leader for IKEA in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia
“It's vital to be oneself and feel secure”
Exploring the complexities of implementing DEI initiatives in the Central and Eastern European region, addressing domestic violence with targeted campaigns, and ensuring the tangible impact of LGBTQ+ support within corporate structures—these were a few of the key topics we delved into during our conversation at the OPEN Conference 2023. Martina Hlisnikovská, navigating through these critical subjects as the DEI Leader for IKEA in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, shed light on the company's conscientious journey towards creating an inclusive work environment and fostering a meaningful impact in local communities.

Read more

Interview with Paul Fox, His Majesty's Ambassador to Hungary
“Diversity not only reinforces societal change but also reflects it.”
What does diversity and inclusion mean in the history of the United Kingdom, and how has the status of social and workplace equality changed over the years? Among other topics, we discussed these questions with Paul Fox, His Majesty's Ambassador to Hungary, in an exclusive interview conducted during the 2023 OPEN Conference. Ambassador Fox provided insight into his country’s lengthy and complex journey in inclusion and diversity, also showcasing how these changes are reflected across the varied aspects of modern British society and business life.

Read more