Ep 51 Exclusive Programs for Inclusive Leaders: The Case for LGBTQ+ Leadership Development

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Jennifer Brown (Jennifer Brown Consulting) and Dominic Longo (Flourishing Gays) make the case for identity-based leadership development for LGBTQ+ professionals. Organizations often hesitate to create single-identity learning & development programs. Women’s leadership development has been the main exception, leaving out LGBTQ+ folx, POCs, and others as lesser priorities. However, since leadership development is human development, program offerings must reflect the diversity of our talent. Jennifer and her team run mid-career LGBTQ+ leadership development programs for two major banks, while Dominic’s Flourishing Gays Mastermind program is exclusively for highly accomplished LGBTQ+ men. Through sharing their own personal stories and professional experiences, Dominic and Jennifer shed light on the need for–and the value of–developing inclusive leaders through programs exclusively tailored to LGBTQ+ professionals. Learning Outcomes Recognize how LGBTQ+ leadership development helps employers to retain & develop LGBTQ+ talent See how identity-based programs develop the kinds of leaders most needed for today & the future Discover the unique challenges and potential for leadership development of LGBTQ+ professionals