The Value Gap is a MarketWatch interview series with business leaders, academics, policymakers and activists on reducing racial and social inequalities.As the founder and chief executive officer of Out Leadership, he works with prominent companies across the globe on equality initiatives.
Timed with this month’s Pride celebration and the release of Out Leadership’s most recent state-by-state survey, MarketWatch spoke with Sears about what he has accomplished and what lies ahead. Here are edited excerpts from the conversation: Sears began by hosting an equality summit focused on Wall Street. That proved successful, so he continued the work in other industries and in other parts of the world. Eventually, he brought it all together under the umbrella of Out Leadership, which he runs as a B corporation — meaning a for-profit, mission-driven business.
Sears says the rankings are intended to have an impact on how a given state is perceived — and, in particular, on its ability to draw business talent. “So that we could literally say, ‘Gosh, that anti-gay bill you passed is going to hurt your economic prospects,’” he says. At the same time, he says, Florida’s rank isn’t so low because it passed prior legislation that was supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.
There's no such law as 'Don't say gay.'
Damn what a great grift.
no thanks
If they’re bad for business but good for Americans then I’m fine with it. Life shouldn’t always be about money and profits. The moral wellbeing of our children matters most.
Going to call BS on this. Less than 5% of Americans identify as an alphabet rainbow warrior. Of those, approx 50% identify as such due to social implications. Normal people are frankly tired of this being fed to their children on a daily basis.
This is a lie, there is not such a thing in the Florida law. It is all about protecting children and parental rights abd that is GOOD FOR BUSINESS!
The bill in Florida does not outlaw saying the word gay. This is misinformation
The myth about this law continues...
Stop trying to groom kids