Leveraging Diversity for Collaboration, Innovation and Integration
Sodexo’s Fifth Professional Development Conference
By Kerry Noone, Marketing Communications Specialist

Subarna Malakar, Director of Employee Network Groups

In March, Sodexo hosted the fifth annual Professional Development Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. This year’s conference focus was “Leveraging Diversity for Collaboration, Innovation and Integration.” Participants were exposed to a variety of speakers and workshops provided to enhance their personal and professional development. The conference, which was attended by more than 430 people, was a huge success according to Subarna Malakar, Sodexo’s Director of Employee Network Groups. “Not only did we have a record attendance, the conference gave us an opportunity to demonstrate that Sodexo is not only a leader in the industry, but also a leader in diversity and inclusion. Participants were able to network with each other, executive leadership and clients. This conference clearly demonstrates our commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as the development of all of our people,” said Malakar.

The conference also provided the perfect venue for George Chavel, CEO of Sodexo, to introduce Sodexo’s newest Employee Network Group, the Sodexo Organization of disAbilities Resources group (SOAR). Sodexo’s Network Groups are organized by Sodexo employees who, based on shared experiences, join together to provide a positive forum for professional development and input and ideas that support the success of the company's diversity efforts.

Sodexo’s other Network Groups include the African American Leadership Forum (AALF), the Pan-Asian Network Group (PANG), the People Respecting Individuality, Diversity & Equality (PRIDE), the Sodexo Organization of Latinos (SOL) and the Women's Network Group (WING). The leadership of Sodexo’s network groups is viewed as strategic business partners of the executive team. This conference is just one of the ways in which Network Groups provide developmental opportunities for employees at Sodexo. Network group members also have access to networking opportunities with senior leadership, mentoring and skill development through the various network group activities. Network Groups have played a key role in creating an environment where every employee can contribute to his/her fullest potential.

“The conference was spectacular,” said Anthony Scarpino, Senior Director for Sodexo’s Talent Acquisition Group and participant at the conference. “I was extremely impressed with the quality of the speakers and in particular with Frans Johansson, author of "The Medici Effect", who demonstrated how innovation is often the combination of two or more existing ideas which were previously thought to be unrelated.” Scarpino went on to say, “For example, Edison combined his incandescent light with a bottle cap to make the light bulb we use today. This was an excellent example of how the diversity of our people can encourage innovation.”

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to Sodexo and its employees. Our goal is to create a work environment that fosters mutual respect among all people. We value everyone's contributions to our team — their diverse backgrounds and experiences create a strong, inclusive culture — and a competitive advantage through fostering innovation. The passion of our employees today is a testament to our commitment to diversity and inclusion.