Recently, The University of Manchester China Centre had the privilege of hosting Curtis Baker (he/him), Head of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity, Asia Pacific at Dow, for a thought-provoking discussion on the transformative power of inclusion, diversity, and equity (DEI).
At the outset, Curtis provided a compelling framework to understand the interconnectedness of these concepts, stating, “Inclusion is what we do, diversity is who we are, and equity is how we work.”
Throughout the session, Curtis shared practical examples of how Dow supports a diverse workforce. These include flexible work policies like “Design Your Day,” parental leave provisions, family caregiver support, and designated time-off for volunteering and Employee Resource Group (ERG) activities. He noted that as ERG participation increases, so does overall employee satisfaction and engagement. Research further supports this correlation: organizations with the highest employee satisfaction report 14% higher average ESG scores compared to the global average (source: MarshMcLennan).
Curtis also shed light on emerging DEI trends and challenges in Asia, underscoring the critical role inclusive environments play in driving workplace innovation, organizational growth, and broader societal impact.
At The University of Manchester, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment is central to our mission. The China Centre embodies this commitment by empowering our students and alumni to achieve their full potential. Our leadership programmes, including the Manchester Global MBA, are thoughtfully designed to integrate equality, diversity, and inclusion objectives, ensuring enriching and transformative learning experiences.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Curtis for sharing his valuable insights and passion, and to everyone who participated in this meaningful conversation. Together, we continue to build a more inclusive future!
Click“Read more” to know more about us
