Bob Witeck on How Silence Is Not a Strategy - Chief Influencer - Episode # 044

Chief Influencer

Bob Witeck serves as the President of Witeck Communications, Inc., the oldest LGBTQ-owned business enterprise certified by the NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce). The organization is known for pioneering communication strategies and is dedicated to advancing LGBTQ communities globally. Witeck Communications focuses on leveraging data and personalized narratives to encourage corporations to recognize the LGBTQ market as an opportunity and to promote inclusive, fair, and equitable corporate policies.

In this episode, Bob stresses the significance of authenticity and engagement, cautioning leaders against silence as a strategy amidst risks. He underscores that success lies in communicating values and engaging with diverse communities.

Bob advises leaders to utilize data and personal narratives, noting that while data provides credibility and insight, authentic storytelling fosters deeper connections, leading to meaningful influence and change. He urges leaders to recognize the importance of visibility and representation, emphasizing that embracing differences can empower communities and enhance brand relationships.

Takeaways:

• Leaders need to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion not just as concepts but as strategic business imperatives that foster an environment of fairness and opportunity, thereby enhancing brand loyalty and corporate reputation.
• Silence is not a strategy for addressing risks. Open communication and value articulation are vital.
• Use both data and storytelling to make a compelling case for change. Data provides credibility, while stories connect on an emotional level.
• Embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as crucial to business success, not just social responsibility.
• Understand the importance of visibility and representation in empowering communities and strengthening brand relationships.
• Recognize that navigating controversies requires reaffirming brand values rather than retreating into silence.
• Approach DEI initiatives boldly and clearly, being mindful of language to avoid triggering unnecessary backlash.
• Foster an environment where differences are celebrated, and inclusivity is seen as a strength, seeking to connect with all aspects of the consumer base.

Quote of the Show:

• “Embrace differences, celebrate values. Silence is not an option for authentic brands.”
• “Silence is not a strategy.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobwiteck
• Witeck Communications Website: https://www.witeck.com
• Business Inside Out (Book Link): https://a.co/d/609JwBU

Shout Outs:

• NGLCC, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce: https://nglcc.org
• American Demographics Magazine
• The U.S. Census: https://www.census.gov
• American Airlines: https://www.aa.com
• The Harris Poll: https://theharrispoll.com
• GLAAD: https://glaad.org
• GLSEN: https://www.glsen.org
• The Matthew Shepard Foundation: https://www.matthewshepard.org
• The HRC Business Advisory Council: https://www.hrc.org
• Dylan Mulvaney: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmulvaney
• Everything You Need to Know About the Bud Light and Dylan Mulvaney Fiasco: https://www.them.us/story/dylan-mulvaney-bud-light-drama-explained
• Marriott International: https://www.marriott.com/marriott/aboutmarriott.mi
• Arne M. Sorenson: https://news.marriott.com/news/2021/02/16/marriott-international-announces-the-unexpected-passing-of-arne-m-sorenson-president-and-ceo
• PFLAG: https://pflag.org