February 19, 2024

The vital role of CDOs in amplifying ERGs | Roshan Kindred (PagerDuty)

Roshan Kindred was appointed as PagerDuty’s first Chief Diversity Officer in 2021. Since then, she has spearheaded the strategic amplification of the organization’s inclusion, diversity, and equity initiatives. In this episode, she shares her insights on leveraging ERGs for business outcomes, the importance of demonstrating the ROI of DEI efforts, and the evolving role of the CDO.

Roshan Kindred Bio

Roshan Kindred is a seasoned leader renowned for her transformative approach and unwavering dedication to fostering inclusion and diversity. With over two decades of experience spanning information management, technology, and the nonprofit sectors, Roshan has carved a distinct path as a visionary leader driving organizational change on a global scale.

Equipped with an M.B.A in Organizational Management with a specialization in intergroup relations, Roshan possesses a profound understanding of the intricacies surrounding global cultural issues. Her academic background, coupled with extensive practical experience, empowers her to implement evidence-based strategies that drive global belonging and yield positive outcomes for stakeholders.

In her role as Chief Diversity Officer at PagerDuty, Roshan leads the charge in embedding global engagement and belonging into every facet of the organization's operations. Her strategic vision ensures that the business imperative for engagement and belonging remains a core value, propelling innovation and enhancing performance company-wide.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Roshan remains deeply engaged in social action as a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she has held positions of leadership at both local and regional levels. Additionally, she serves on the board of directors for Diversity Uplifts and the LACER After School Program, demonstrating her commitment to driving positive change beyond the confines of her primary role.

Roshan's influence extends beyond her professional commitments as she actively mentors emerging leaders and contributes to thought leadership in the DEI space through publications and speaking engagements. Despite her busy schedule, she finds solace in her passion for traveling to exotic beaches, her love of classic R&B music  and cherishing moments with her beloved mini schnauzer, Sir Thor Champion.

Through her exceptional leadership, Roshan Kindred continues to pave the way for inclusive organizational cultures and drive meaningful change in communities worldwide.

Key Takeaways

  • Measuring the impact of employee resource groups (ERGs) is crucial for both business and people goals. By evaluating metrics such as attendance, engagement, and participation, organizations can assess the effectiveness of their ERGs in fostering inclusivity, driving performance, and enhancing employee satisfaction. These measurements provide valuable insights into the allocation of resources, the success of programs, and the overall advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
  • The key to integrating ERGs effectively into the overall DEI strategy lies in creating a space where people want to show up. Building an inclusive environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and positive change is essential for the success of ERGs, especially during times of change or uncertainty in the DEI landscape.
  • The Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) plays a pivotal role in supporting ERGs by advocating for their platforms, ensuring visibility within the executive leadership, providing strategic alignment, and guiding resource allocations. The CDO also focuses on training, development, and policy development within the ERGs.

In this episode, we cover:

  • (00:56) Overview of ERGs at PagerDuty
  • (01:47) Role of CDO in Supporting ERGs
  • (02:31) Importance of Measuring ERG Impact
  • (03:24) Leveraging ERGs for Organizational Goals
  • (05:27) Aligning ERGs with Organizational Goals
  • (09:30) Measuring Success and Effectiveness of ERGs
  • (13:46) Role of CDO in DEI Strategy
  • (17:38) Future of CDO Position and DEI Efforts
  • (22:21) Balancing Immediate Impact and Long-term DEI Goals
  • (23:43) Advice for Integrating ERGs into DEI Strategy
  • (26:05) Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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