D&I Community and Connection by https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d D&I Break out session en-us 2021-01-12 14:07:35 UTC 2026-02-19 18:14:42 UTC hello@padlet.com Group Mark markramlochan https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078567883 1. Why is D&I important to you?
- diverse range of ideas to solve org. challenge. 
- communication 
- diversity prevents "stunting" of an org.
- positive company culture, success is obtainable for everyone and encourages to bring "best self"
- makes job easier, not be judged and when people want to go to work = better work/org. 
- better product because of different perspectives and minor mistakes are not made
- how wide it broadens the view which leads to better solution
2. What would do you believe the impact would be if we did not focus on D&I? 
- no out-of-the-box thinking
- less creativity
- very limited as an org. because lack of diverse thinking
- lose our ability to world leader in safety science
- 

3. What is working well and what could be done better with respect to D&I at Underwriters Laboratories?
- our D&I discussions like today's
- today's discussions helps during our WFH time
- views are respected and can be expressed openly
- improve recruiting: reach out through all the avenues that encourage D&I]]> 2021-01-12 14:10:34 UTC https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078567883 Group Wes markramlochan https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078568961 1. Why is D&I important to you?
Women paving the way in Engineering for current role; b/c of events from last summer on the news-thought we moved passed all those events-was surprised it still happens, things need to change, become aware of biases we have but did not know, brought more empathy for each other, the words we use, how we interact, being intentional, be more compassionate, LISTEN, space to tell our stories, other experiences, diversity increases the quality of outcomes, encouraging to have these conversations, lay the path for others to follow, give opportunities.

2. What do you believe the impact would be if we did not focus on D&I? 
Lot of Biased businees practices in place, interviewing others that are different, it opens up opportunities, lack of perspective, miss out on different perspectives, need global perspective, people won't feel included-losing out on their voice,

3. What is working well and what could be done better with respect to D&I at Underwriters Laboratories?
Lot of good resources groups (BRGs), see more people in mgmt (color, women, etc.), discussions are good place to start, more D&I engagement - more D&I conversations (ad-hoc, small, as current events happen), more opportunities to share and learn]]> 2021-01-12 14:10:47 UTC https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078568961 Group Sandy markramlochan https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078569463 1. Why is D&I important to you?

2. What would do you believe the impact would be if we did not focus on D&I? 

3. What is working well and what could be done better with respect to D&I at Underwriters Laboratories?]]> 2021-01-12 14:10:53 UTC https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078569463 Group Jen markramlochan https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078571363 1. Why is D&I important to you?

- right thing to do; reflects the world we live in; why wouldn't we?
- as a father, need to lead by example
- all have implicit biases, may not be aware of them; tend to favor the same groups over and over.  Brings equity to the table but also something each of us can use to see things we may not have seen.
- local and international communities are becoming more diverse every day. Sometimes felt we needed permission in the past to discuss D&I, but now are saying permission is not required to address D&I; is part of who we are and what we do.
- important to strive to have empathy in the workplace and all aspects of life.  Need to understand everyone and understand what it is to be someone other than who we are.  Need to understand our biases as well.

2. What would do you believe the impact would be if we did not focus on D&I?

- we would see more separations of people (pods) with certain mindsets.
- we would be less open to other cultures; harder to develop standards for other countries / other cultures
- loss of staff and loss of clients
- loss of opportunities since diversity drives innovation and UL is so much about innovation

3. What is working well and what could be done better with respect to D&I at Underwriters Laboratories?
Working well:
- keeping everyone engaged, scheduling frequent meetings and educational sessions
- making in known top to bottom and across all groups
- using different methods of communication
- teaching and working on our listening skills
- holistic approach (relationships with colleagues, success in initiatives but also in personal life.)
Could be better:
- making sure everyone feels comfortable to bring up issues.]]> 2021-01-12 14:11:13 UTC https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078571363 Group Denice (THE VERY BEST GROUP) markramlochan https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078572217 1. Why is D&I important to you?
Creates richer, more equitable work environment.
Keeps us relevant and "ahead of the curve"
Bring innovation forward
Brings passion in work
Better collaboration when everyone feels engaged
2. What would do you believe the impact would be if we did not focus on D&I? 
Without diversity - standards would not be effective.  Would not be able to mitigate global issues and fulfill mission.
Morale would be negatively impacted.
Recruiting talent would be a challenge - with D&I we are more relevant (and a desirable place to work).  People feel valued.


3. What is working well and what could be done better with respect to D&I at Underwriters Laboratories?
WORKING WELL
We have leadership that is brave and courageous enough to bring diversity to forefront.
We have a D&I Council and we are talking about it!
Hearing from leaders  on value of D&I (good to hear the white male perspective on this)
COULD BE BETTER:
In recruiting - look at how and where we recruit. Be intentional with how/where we look for new talent
How to engage people who aren't aware of value of D&I (example, those not in attendance today)
Action - D&I needs to be more than talk.  Need to see better diversity in every level of leadership, in strategic decisions, need to be more seats at the table.
Value historical insight. Listen to institutional knowledge (and experience) and not just outside perspectives.

]]> 2021-01-12 14:11:20 UTC https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078572217 Group Tapesh (THE Best Group) markramlochan https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078572918 1. Why is D&I important to you?
- It allows us to see and overcome our 'bling spots'.
 - It allows the sharing of people's thoughts and
ideas.
 - It helps everyone to have the same opportunities
- Help us understand each other better

2. What would do you believe the impact would be if we did not focus on D&I?
- People will not feel motivated to contribute
- Others will not see/believe in us as leaders
- Would not have the best people on our team
- Will not have enough perspectives  and would get 'solutions' that don't work
- We would grow our 'bling spots'

3. What is working well and what could be done better with respect to D&I at Underwriters Laboratories?
- This sessions!
- Listen to suggestions 
- Seeing the leaders from the organization working on it
- That this initiative becomes part of the company's culture
- Overcoming bias = adjusting recruiting process

]]> 2021-01-12 14:11:25 UTC https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078572918 Group Deepa (the bestest team!) markramlochan https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078574608 1. Why is D&I important to you?
-Having diversity generates diversity in ideas. By bringing a lot of voices to the table, our standards and our end products/solutions are less homogenous and become far more sustainable.
-Working for a global company allows us to be open minded and becomes part of your DNA because you learn to be tolerant of others and enjoy working with a diverse group of people on a regular basis. 
-Opening people to other backgrounds generates a safe space where other opinions and perspectives are accepted. 
More diversity creates a greater range of talent and a greater collaboration across larger groups of people. 
-Diversity is important because it allows you the opportunity to see different mindsets and see different ideas. You get to see and learn other peoples backgrounds and learn about their accomplishments.

2. What would do you believe the impact would be if we did not focus on D&I? 
- Having diversity and inclusion, you are able to gather input from multiple perspectives which supports a better way to resolve problems. Not having that would limit our ability to innovate and generate new and sustainable ideas. 
- UL is a place that people want to work. Without a culture that is inclusive and diverse, not many will be encouraged to stay within UL more many years and that would show in a short turn over time.

3. What is working well and what could be done better with respect to D&I at Underwriters Laboratories?

We appreciate these type of engagement calls and we appreciate having the steering committee share their words. Ultimately, words do matter and its very influential to hear from the top, down, because if the top doesn’t believe it and speak about it, the its harder for those lower down to believe it.
]]> 2021-01-12 14:11:45 UTC https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078574608 Group Teja markramlochan https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078575171 1. Why is D&I important to you?
Allows all voices to be heard
- Helps with synergy
- Brings in a lot of different perspectives
- Can help improve moral
- Allows for new ideas to grow
- Better problem solving 
-Allows for personal growth to be exposed to other's experiences and ideas
2. What would do you believe the impact would be if we did not focus on D&I? 
- Group think (Non diverse solutions to problems)
- Creates a glass ceiling
- People do not feel valued
-May not be seen as fulfilling our mission.
3. What is working well and what could be done better with respect to D&I at Underwriters Laboratories?
-Works Well - Having these types of conversations
- Need to discover our own implicit bias
-In addition to group meetings, offer self-paced individual trainings]]> 2021-01-12 14:11:52 UTC https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1078575171 Group Lakshmi https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1085923487 1. D&I is important to me because:
a.  different point of  views, different perspectives, differences of opinions.  How we look at things is important, and a seat at the table helps people take risks and take different roles.  Helps remove predetermined notions and get past that thinking.  
b.  when you have a diverse team and a diverse leadership, creates a comfort to speak up and share your ideas.  Demonstrates the organization is open to other ideas.
c.  Without a diverse group at the table and without diverse voices, the richness provides opportunities and growth in day-to-day activities also.
d.  Growth in the NFP would not have been as energizing and refreshing if there wasn't the diversity in the growth.



2. What would do you believe the impact would be if we did not focus on D&I? 

3. What is working well and what could be done better with respect to D&I at Underwriters Laboratories?
a.  We have done well - continue to have conversations, take the time during the workday, and the continued effort to make the time to share.  Doing better - education.  "Potential is universal, opportunity is not."  Provide opportunities for people without a college degree to have a path to be on the team.   
b.  There are talks with creating a program in India to help improve the English-speaking skills of people in India (22 languages!) to provide the opportunity.
c.  Not only education in furthuring your knowledge but also learning from others - visiting other business resource groups, and identifying similarities and differences.
d.  Revisit job descriptions and other requirements to see if we are keeping people from applying based on requirements.]]> 2021-01-14 06:26:36 UTC https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1085923487 Group Sandy (Monica reporting) https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1087722668 1. Why is D&I important – 

-        Everyone has an inter-genius and something valuable to share.
-        You will find a greater human connection and sharing
-        People are important and behaving in a humane way
-        Language matters, consistency, trust and integrity
-        You have to admit it before you quit it
-        Be fair, give opportunities to participate
-        Critical to feel accepted for who you are

2. If you don’t focus on it

               Become irrelevant as an company, as an employer of choice, etc. 

               Would affect employee engagement and cross collaboration

3. What is working?

The fact that we are here and having this discussion and have the support of leadership.
]]> 2021-01-14 15:46:15 UTC https://padlet.com/markramlochan/ztfhr85r8b4inc6d/wish/1087722668