Champions of Equality – Bloomberg Celebrates Executives Named to the 2015 Top LGBT and Ally Executives Lists

Oct 21, 2015 4:30 PM ET

Originally posted on bloomberg.com

Bloomberg L.P. Chairman Peter Grauer and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer Paul Wood were recognized on OUTstanding’s 2015 Top 30 Ally and Top 100 LGBT Executives lists.

Amin Kassam, a member of the Bloomberg LGBT & Ally Community, shares what Peter and Paul’s involvement in the LGBT community has meant to him:

“It comes as no surprise to me, and many of my BProud colleagues at Bloomberg, that Peter would be honored as one of the Top 30 Ally Executives. He has, for many years, actively and publically advocated for the rights of LGBT individuals around the world, while strongly making the business case for diversity in its fullest sense.

But what others may not have a chance to see is the work that Peter does quietly every day to support and encourage individuals like myself, who are out at Bloomberg and part of our Bloomberg Communities.

Just over a year ago, Peter reached out to me and offered to serve as my mentor. Every few months, he would take time out of his incredibly demanding schedule to talk to me about my goals and aspirations and to provide guidance on my career development. Even though it was apparent that we came from very different backgrounds, Peter made a point of mentoring me across our differences while challenging me to think about my own potential. He made me look at myself in a way that I have never done before – as an important contributor and a leader. Peter also opened up his considerable network, encouraging me to deepen relationships with senior leaders throughout the company, including Paul Wood, Bloomberg’s Chief Risk & Compliance Officer (and a fellow FT awardee as a 2015 Leading 100 LGBT Executive). Engaging with Bloomberg’s LGBT leaders like Paul provided me with inspiration and a sense of the real opportunities and possibilities at Bloomberg.

Thanks to Peter, I have had the confidence and insight to seek out new and exciting opportunities within Bloomberg that have allowed me to grow and develop as a better individual and employee. And, in the process, he has helped me to realize that part of my ability to contribute and succeed at Bloomberg is not in spite of – but because of – the diversity of experiences I bring to work every day.

Congratulations Peter and Paul! We are so glad to have you both in our corner promoting equality and opportunity for the entire LGBT community.

Read the full article here