Frank Vettese is honoured for his deep commitment to inclusion at Deloitte

On November 7, Managing Partner & Chief Executive, Frank Vettese, was honoured by Catalyst Canada as the 2016 Catalyst Canada Honours Champion in the CEO/Firm Leader category. This honour is a public recognition of Frank's personal, long-standing commitment to inclusion and to advances Deloitte continues to make in women’s inclusion and the inclusion of traditionally under-represented groups.

The 2016 Catalyst Canada Honours Conference and Awards Dinner took place at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. With more than 600 people in attendance from across corporate Canada and the public sector, Deloitte’s commitment to inclusive leadership, highlighting both demographic diversity and diversity of thought and skills in its workforce, was prominent.

“These incredible Champions and Emerging Leaders are exceptional role models in Canadian business, sharing a conviction that inclusion is vital for business success and our economic future,” says Deborah Gillis, President and CEO, Catalyst. “As we honour these trailblazers, we also thank them for creating workplaces where diversity and inclusion are a priority, and inspiring others to follow their lead.”

In his acceptance speech for this major award, Frank focused on the importance of courage in creating truly inclusive workplaces, as well as better business results for Canadian firms across a range of metrics, including increased hiring, greater revenue growth and higher investment in R&D, according to Deloitte research. Frank also noted that according to Deloitte research, 30% of Canadian businesses, including Deloitte, are on the cusp of courage, thereby prompting the question, “How do we cross the courage threshold?”

To frame the question in terms of inclusivity, Frank pointed to the issue of women’s empowerment, asking guests to ponder the difference in empowerment between women’s representation and women’s inclusion.

Frank also provided a call-to-action for other leaders in the room, challenging them to have the courage to confront the changes at the doorstep of their businesses.

“There is a critical imperative for inclusion.” Frank said, detailing trends that show the changing landscape of the Canadian economy. He called on Canadian businesses to consciously embrace inclusivity, not only for a competitive advantage or because it is the right thing to do, but to truly create a stronger, higher-performing Canada in the future.

“Canada is a beautiful society. Canada at 175 stands to be even more beautiful, but only if it is truly inclusive. And that will happen only through the consciously courageous actions of every single person and organization in this room,” he challenged. “So, let’s be bold.”

About the Catalyst Canada Honours
The Catalyst Canada Honours annually celebrates champions who advance women and inclusive workplaces in Canadian business. Nominees are evaluated in a rigorous process, and this year’s Champions have been named in two categories: Company/Firm Leader and Business Leader.

Catalyst research reinforces the benefits of inclusive workplaces and shows that inclusion is linked to innovation and team citizenship, overall team productivity and stronger business results. Read more at http://www.catalyst.org/who-we-are/our-people/frank-vettese