University of Minnesota Athletics
Dexter Davis Delivers on Inclusive Leadership
6/13/2022 9:52:00 AM | Leadership U
Dexter Davis, Vice President of Human Resources for Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Ecolab, joined Gopher Athletics for a Leadership U Speaker Series event on June 8. Davis shared his passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and belonging with an emphasis on inclusive leadership. Throughout the event, we learned more about his professional journey and how to foster inclusive environments.
Davis' decision to return to Ecolab was to be involved in their greater vision to create cleaner, safer and healthier environments. Davis has a passion for serving at the global level and providing others a sense of belonging. Throughout the event, he shared that his leadership philosophy consists of providing others the opportunity to grow, choosing to see the best in people, and treating others the way you want to be treated.
Not only is diversity and inclusion one of Davis' greatest passions, it is also viewed as a priority at Ecolab. When asked about challenges surrounding DEI work, Davis stated, "Here at Ecolab, we tackle challenges front-on and do not shy away from having those conversations." Davis emphasized that DEI efforts require consistent care - "We continually work on ways to improve from a representation, inclusion, and belonging standpoint." Ecolab looks forward to the opportunity to continually improve themselves, especially in light of Pride Month and Juneteenth approaching.
Throughout the Speaker Series event, Dexter addressed how allyship holds great value in DEI spaces. When Davis was asked, "What is one piece of advice you have for allies?" he stated, "Being an ally is more than just words. It is about showing empathy, understanding and respect." In addition to being an ally, these are the key components that make-up a strong, inclusive leader. Davis credits Ecolab's inclusive culture to developing and prioritizing self-awareness in order to achieve their organizational goals.
Dexter Davis' Speaker Series event provided many valuable insights on inclusive leadership and encouraged meaningful reflection. Leadership U is looking forward to hosting more Speaker Series events throughout 2022.
Dexter began his career serving in a variety of roles at Fairview Health Services, Target, and General Mills. Following those experiences, Dexter served as the Senior Procurement Manager at Ecolab. After 7 years of work at Securian Financial serving as the Director of Enterprise Procurement, 2nd Vice President, Talent Manager and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Dexter returned to Ecolab and has been in his new role for one month. In addition, Dexter serves as a member of the Leadership U Advisory Group.
Davis' decision to return to Ecolab was to be involved in their greater vision to create cleaner, safer and healthier environments. Davis has a passion for serving at the global level and providing others a sense of belonging. Throughout the event, he shared that his leadership philosophy consists of providing others the opportunity to grow, choosing to see the best in people, and treating others the way you want to be treated.
Not only is diversity and inclusion one of Davis' greatest passions, it is also viewed as a priority at Ecolab. When asked about challenges surrounding DEI work, Davis stated, "Here at Ecolab, we tackle challenges front-on and do not shy away from having those conversations." Davis emphasized that DEI efforts require consistent care - "We continually work on ways to improve from a representation, inclusion, and belonging standpoint." Ecolab looks forward to the opportunity to continually improve themselves, especially in light of Pride Month and Juneteenth approaching.
Throughout the Speaker Series event, Dexter addressed how allyship holds great value in DEI spaces. When Davis was asked, "What is one piece of advice you have for allies?" he stated, "Being an ally is more than just words. It is about showing empathy, understanding and respect." In addition to being an ally, these are the key components that make-up a strong, inclusive leader. Davis credits Ecolab's inclusive culture to developing and prioritizing self-awareness in order to achieve their organizational goals.
Dexter Davis' Speaker Series event provided many valuable insights on inclusive leadership and encouraged meaningful reflection. Leadership U is looking forward to hosting more Speaker Series events throughout 2022.
Dexter began his career serving in a variety of roles at Fairview Health Services, Target, and General Mills. Following those experiences, Dexter served as the Senior Procurement Manager at Ecolab. After 7 years of work at Securian Financial serving as the Director of Enterprise Procurement, 2nd Vice President, Talent Manager and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Dexter returned to Ecolab and has been in his new role for one month. In addition, Dexter serves as a member of the Leadership U Advisory Group.
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