Supplier Diversity: Unlocking Success Through Inclusion and Innovation with Egwu Nwankpah, Ep #28

Are you ready to unlock sustainable success through inclusion and innovation? Join us as we bust the myths and unveil the power of supplier diversity with esteemed guest and recognized expert Egwu Nwankpah. Egwu is proudly responsible for establishing and maintaining Cushman & Wakefield's Global Supplier Diversity Strategy and is a vital part of the Procurement function and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team. With over two decades of rich experience, this masterclass episode is a treasure trove of wisdom. Egwu highlights the economic benefits of embracing diverse suppliers and their role in driving revenue and increasing profits. He provides invaluable insights on identifying innovative suppliers and reveals how to keep existing suppliers on their toes. From integrating technology to weathering the challenges of uncertain times, this thought-provoking conversation offers valuable lessons for businesses aiming to foster diversity, inclusion, and innovation within their industry and drive their business to new heights of success. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…    Being selected by DiversityPlus magazine for 2023 top 25 Diversity change leaders [01.54] Supplier diversity and ESG strategies in business [03.15] The benefits of teaming with diverse suppliers [05.25] Busting the myths of supplier diversity and breaking through a saturated market [07.22] The value of national and local certifications [14.15] The importance of persistence and moving forward in the face of challenges [19.44] Driving diversity and inclusion in business and keeping an eye on the future [21.56] Embracing the TikTok culture and captivating short attention spans [27.11] Why you should pay attention to ESG reporting [32.38] Egwu's journey into the DEI space and striking a work-life balance [34.13] It's time to out-innovate the innovators [39.59]   "Do not stop. Keep moving. One of the things that I've been shown over and over again is that stopping takes more energy than keeping going. And in situations where I have kept moving, kept at it, kept pushing for things, we've had great things happen." – Egwu Nwankpah. Supplier Diversity: A Catalyst for Profitability Egwu shares essential insight into supplier diversity and how companies can ensure their success. Egwu highlights the pivotal role that supplier diversity plays in driving revenue and profitability for companies and emphasizes that supplier diversity is not merely a charitable initiative but a crucial aspect of a company's supply chain. By offering fresh perspectives and catering to specific community needs, diverse suppliers can significantly contribute to the overall success of a business. The Changing Landscape of BusinessAs we navigate the ever-changing business landscape, Egwu acknowledges the ever-evolving nature of business, exemplifying the shift from selling CDs in the 90s to the dominance of streaming platforms today. Egwu sheds light on the importance of companies staying attuned to technological advancements and changes in consumer behaviors, as the ability to adapt and innovate is crucial in capturing attention and maintaining a competitive edge in today's fast-paced market. Egwu explores the importance of persistence whilst navigating challenging times and reveals his personal silver lining to the global COVID-19 pandemic, explaining how it has helped him obtain a healthier work-life balance. Resources: Cushman & Wakefield: https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/ https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/supplier-diversity  National Minority Supplier Development Council https://nmsdc.org/  Certification for Women-Owned Businesses https://www.wbenc.org/ Key to abbreviations: ESG - Environmental, Social & Governance MNSDC - National Minority Supplier Development Council WBENC - Women's Business Enterprise National Council MBE - Minority Business Enterprise WBE - Women Business Enterprise DEI - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Connect with Egwu Nwankpah:https://www.linkedin.com/in/egwu-nwankpah/ Diversity Plus Magazine:  2023 Top 25 Diversity Change Leaders Spotlight on Egwu:  https://diversityplus.com/web/Champions?id=DCL2023&Cname=Egwu%20Nwankpah Access the full article here:  https://diversityplus.com/FinTOC/2023_Top25_Diversity_Change_Leaders?id=DCL2023 A note from Egwu on his forthcoming speaking engagement: I am very excited to speak at the ACI National Summit on ESG in NYC this October 11-12. I always love when I get to stay home in NYC and do what I love. Thank you to the American Conference Institute and the New York State Bar Association for the invitation to present. I will be co-presenting with esteemed colleagues on the subject: Establishing and Maintaining the Global Supplier Diversity Strategy: Promoting Utilization of Diverse Suppliers Globally to Stakeholders If you'd like to join us, you can use my speaker discount code (S10-729-729L24.S) here: https://lnkd.in/eeXw_6wA Connect with Tech Talent Today host Jodi Kulek Mayer:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikulekmayer/ https://clearmonttech.com/   THANKS FOR LISTENING Did you enjoy this episode? If so, don't forget to subscribe and share it with a friend. See you next time on Tech Talent Today!   Subscribe to Tech Talent Today onApple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts   This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com