Ambassadorial Briefing with Matthew Barzun_Summary

Ambassadorial Briefing with Matthew Barzun: Using Diplomacy to Drive Diversity in Business #DrivingDiversity BritishAmerican Business @BABNewYork

@KPMG @KPMG_US

@bab_newyork

1. A Modern Context for Diversity There is the issue of identity crisis in many countries in the world. The United States continues to be the leading “melting pot” of culture and people, but in an age of rampant mobility, the concept of confluence among cultures reinforces the idea that the “pot“ itslef must not melt.

Matthew Barzun US Ambassador to the United Kingdom @MatthewBarzun @USAinUK

“If you listen, people hear you differently.”

As Stephen Frost, Head of Diversity for London 2012 (Olympics), put it best: “Diversity is a fact, inclusion is a choice.” It is the responsibility of the individual to make the choice that suits him or her best when it comes to connecting and engaging with others, introducing the notion of “identity politics”.

Implicit biases offer insight into the differing thought processess. It is difficult to fully understand oneself, let alone another individual, and our discomfort makes it easy to build walls; building bridges, though more difficult, always proves to be a boon for the future.

2. The US Election in the UK The Republican nominee has risen from “unregistered” to number 5 on the list of main concerns for a younger generation. Among increasing frustrations, the most common complaint is the failure to be heard.

In any election, if the ballot does not show options that excite voters, the risk of low voter turnout increases.

In other words, without the ideal choice, voters will not vote.

The attitude regarding what will or will not happen presents potentially dangerous territory for the future, instilling fear in both parties.

3. Brexit & The Back of the Queue Uncertainty is real, but all that exists, currently, are anecdotal instances of speculation. Though the outcome was significant for the history of the UK and the future, there is no determination for next steps.

In this instance, a visual approach to the speculation would help to lend perspective. Where we once wanted a “strong UK in a strong EU” we are now looking ahead to a “strong UK and a strong EU”.

At such an early moment in the discussion, the worst offense would be to altogether stop. Trade deals are difficult to solidify regardless of which country they are with. Effectively, if trade deals are to be negotiated at this point, they ought to be significant in size and staying presence.

Left to right: Bob Garrett, US Office Managing Partner, KPMG Wendy Mendenhall, Managing Director, BritishAmerican Business Matthew Barzun, US Ambassador to the United Kingdom Chris Perry, President, Global Sales, Marketing and Client Solutions, Broadridge Financial Solutions & Chairman, Board of Directors, BritishAmerican Business