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NAVID AHMED

from Crissy Thibodeau for Power Issue

by Center Stage Magazine

from Crissy Thibodeau for Power Issue, page 222

Article from: Crissy Thibodeau for Power Issue

Navid AHMED

ON DIVERSITY, INCLUSIVITY & EQUITY

CSM: Explain what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you and why they’re important.

For me, I think it means everyone deserves to have a fair go no matter what. If someone has the desire to do something, they should be at least given a chance to showcase their talents in that respective field.

CSM: How would you advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion with brands or companies that don’t understand its importance?

I would give them a different perspective in which would align with their values.

CSM: Discuss a time when you advocated for diversity and inclusion.

CSM: What is the most challenging aspect of working in a diverse environment?

Catering to everyone’s different beliefs. Sometimes certain beliefs aren’t congruent with others but you have to remember it’s not about being right in your own mind but trying to understand someone else’s opinions.

CSM: What is your approach to understanding the perspectives of colleagues from different backgrounds?

Have an open mind and have a genuine curiosity about why they think what they think.

CSM: How would you handle a situation where a client or a talent was being culturally insensitive, sexist, racist, or homophobic?

Ask them to be respectful and help them realise they don’t deserve it.

When a friend of mine was being ridiculed for his background and culture I helped people understand why he was different in a way that made sense to them.

CSM: Describe an ideal brand that has a sense of inclusion, belonging, and equity on a daily basis?

Gymshark I believe is very good at this.

CSM: What steps will you take to eliminate bias from other brands or companies?

I would like to help advocate the power of being different and the creative opportunities it brings to brands and companies.

ON THE COVER: CRISSY THIBODEAU