Smith is about to ring in his 30th year with Comcast, and the last few have been ones to remember. He’s been wearing several new hats since the start of the pandemic, offering guidance on how the company should approach COVID-19 protocols and what practices should be established or encouraged. In usual times, he and his team are seen as key advisors on everything from pricing and purchasing to advertising and general operations. He has always been a formal and informal mentor to many of Comcast’s up-and-comers, making it a priority to help young employees of color with their professional development. “There has been a simmering dissatisfaction with the status quo among marginalized communities, and in particular people of color, for some time and the many social upheavals of last year brought those concerns forward,” he says. “It’s incumbent upon us all to now act.”
Do you think there has been significant progress on DEI in the industry in the past year?
I’m not willing to say “significant progress” yet. There certainly has been more and more open dialogue than in past years, and that is itself progress. However, time will tell whether those discussions result in change. There has been a simmering dissatisfaction with the status quo among marginalized communities, and in particular people of color, for some time and the many social upheavals of last year brought those concerns forward. It’s incumbent upon us all to now act.
My best advice for fostering open, honest communication…
My best advice is to listen and not feel that there is always a need for immediate response. And for those who are speaking to avoid personalizing their comments if at all possible, to avoid attacking. Finally, also acknowledge common ground and purpose whenever possible.