The CMB Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report 2022

Celebrating the CMB Difference

©2023, Chadwick Martin Bailey

A Message from Jim Garrity

At CMB, we pride ourselves on providing global brands with the insights needed to make critical business decisions with confidence. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive innovation, and we’re building a culture where difference is valued, and our employees can grow and thrive. We’re committed to finding more intentional ways to ensure our employees are comfortable bringing their whole selves to work every day.

At our core, we strive for a more diverse and inclusive environment that amplifies voices and perspectives while promoting equity. I am incredibly proud of our team's achievements in this regard, including educating ourselves on the latest best practices, engaging in challenging conversations, and refining our policies and practices. Our team has demonstrated empathy and humility while rising to the challenge of creating a positive, measurable impact for our colleagues, clients, and communities. Together, we will continue to strive towards a brighter, more equitable future.

On behalf of CMB and the DEI Committee, I’m honored to present our DEI Report. It truly captures our collective enthusiasm and commitment to celebrating the CMB Difference.

CEO

2030 Vision

Our people are our power

CMB’s vision for a more dynamic future, with a stronger workforce that’s a representation of the cultures and communities where we live and work. The vision is centered around three main pillars that are foundational to our success as an organization:

Colleagues: Be the employer of choice as a premier insights and strategy consultancy to provide more professional growth opportunities and financial benefits.

Clients: Give voice to the market to help clients improve their customers’ lives.

Community: Give back to organizations doing important work through our professional engagement, personal time, and financial support, which cultivates more sharing, growing, and enabling in our communities.

Examples:

©2023, Chadwick Martin Bailey

©2023, Chadwick Martin Bailey

DEI Mission Statement

Bring your entire selves to work. We like it that way. At CMB, we celebrate diversity, support equity, and foster inclusion to help our clients, colleagues, and community partners deliver exceptional impact. We believe DEI drives innovation, so we’re building a culture where difference is valued. We’re committed to finding more intentional ways to grow in our understanding and support of others so that our employees are comfortable bringing their whole selves to work every day.

I feel very grateful to work for a company that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. I see the impact of these efforts across the organization and know that we’re making CMB a place where current and future CMBers feel like they belong. It’s rewarding to see all the work we’ve put into this come to fruition.

Jill Ehrman, Insights Director

years Senior Team

6 years Staff

©2023, Chadwick Martin Bailey

DEI celebrates what makes each of us unique, recognizing the different backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking that each of us has, and the value that those differences bring. CMB has a culture of curiosity, and through our DEI commitment, we have more openly embraced empathy and an appreciation for our colleagues, our clients, and our community.

Reed Guerino, Data Management Director & Team Manager

©2023, Chadwick Martin Bailey

Affinity Groups

Safe spaces created by CMBers, for CMBers

An affinity group is an intentionally created space for those who share an identity to convene for learning, support, and connections. These groups exist to provide support, to aid in personal or career development, to celebrate CMB’s diverse representation, and to be a safe space where employees can bring their whole selves to work.

Our affinity groups:

 Asian American Pacific Islander

 Hispanic/Latine

 LGBTQIA+

 Multifaith

 Parents

 People of Color

Introducing CMB’s first affinity groups has been one of my favorite accomplishments. Creating these spaces is helping to strengthen relationships among colleagues and is a crucial step in our goal of ensuring that CMBers feel confident in bringing their whole selves to work. I look forward to seeing our groups continue to grow, and welcoming new groups!

Michaela Muto, Data Analyst

Methodology

At CMB, our goal is to continuously have a pulse on the thoughts, perceptions, and feelings our employees have about CMB’s DEI efforts. In Fall 2021, we established a biannual tracker program, to measure baseline metrics, and build trust and accountability.

• Anonymous survey fielded among CMBers

• Despite small sample base sizes, our sample represents nearly the entirety of CMB

©2023, Chadwick Martin Bailey

The Data

There are real people behind the data

People work well together at CMB

CMB regularly communicates the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion

A significant increase from Wave1

I can bring my whole self to work

©2023, Chadwick Martin Bailey

We are optimistic that the changes we’ve made over the last 24 months and will continue to make will positively impact our culture both in the moment, and in the future with the culmination of many micro-changes. While we may not see the impact associated with each and every change in the moment, the cumulative impact of this work will ensure a more promising future for all CMBers.

Heather Magaw, VP, People and Culture

A significant increase from Wave 1

A significant increase from Wave 1

I

There is cultural diversity among the employee base

CMB is a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization

Most people are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas and/or suggestions for improvement

feel like I belong here

Beyond the Numbers

Qualitative highlights

The DEI journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Our progress is not just numbers just like our people aren’t just demographics. Below are other notable advancements we’ve made recently.

Extensively audited various practice areas through individual and focus group interviews that each resulted in an action plan.

Practice areas included:

• Training & Development

• Employee Recognition, Performance Management & Compensation

• Culture, Connection & Employee Engagement

• Recruiting, Hiring, Onboarding & Retention

Created a DEI strategy for our clients to act more consultatively.

The DEI Committee continues to grow as more CMBers express interest.

©2023, Chadwick Martin Bailey

CMB’s commitment to DEI makes me even more proud to work here. My role at CMB has become more meaningful as I know the efforts we make today are positively shaping our future. I’m excited to learn and grow more and look forward to continue making CMB a better place.

Lauren Sears, Director, Insights & Strategy Operations

Applied a DEI lens to all decisions, internally and externally, which included:

• Prioritized the investment and decisions for strategic initiatives and foundational business plans

• Enhanced employee benefits (ex: increased parental leave, introduced $500 wellness stipend)

• Expanded hybrid options to CMB events and trainings

• Improved onboarding experience, including more training styles, training topics, and support for managers who don’t onboard frequently

• Established a Health & Wellness Committee

• Celebrated religious and cultural observances [ex: clubs and committees (Documentary, Book, Social), social media, etc.]

• Created a DEI Training program for all CMBers

• Collected ongoing feedback through conversations, surveys, and a feedback box

• Increased transparency through internal and external messaging

• Created an omnichannel communication plan (ex: social media, website, Teams, email, events, insights, webinars, etc.)

©2023, Chadwick Martin Bailey

YW Boston

A partnership, but the work doesn’t stop here

YW Boston is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YW Boston helps individuals and organizations change policies, practices, attitudes, and behaviors with the goal of creating more inclusive environments where women, people of color, and especially women of color can succeed. CMB had the pleasure of partnering with YW Boston to attend various workshops in an effort to drive organizational change, centered around DEI, including:

Inclusion Series

Using a customized and measurable change management process and range of training and services, the InclusionBoston Series was comprised of a diverse group of 20+ CMBers to create the necessary cultural shift that supports inclusive policies and practices. Their evidence-based approach builds internal capacity and a plan for cultural change while supporting organizations throughout their journey.

Organizational Change to Achieve Equity

In this workshop, YW Boston’s facilitators guided CMB’s management team in identifying cultural and organizational change necessary to achieving equity in the workplace. Participants became familiar with key domains and best practices for organizational change. After attending the workshop, participants identify and explore opportunities to bring learnings back to their organizations.

Learn more about YW Boston here.

About CMB

CMB is a full-service custom market research and strategy firm, helping the world’s leading brands engage, innovate, and grow. As a U.S. Top 30 Insights & Analytics Firm, we’re known for our relentless decision focus, creativity, and deeply consultative approach. We leverage the best of advanced analytics, consumer psychology, and market strategy to tackle game-changing initiatives. Our expertise includes market identification, segmentation, brand health, loyalty and advocacy, and product and service development. CMB is committed to helping our clients strengthen and grow their businesses, and we believe it is also our responsibility to help strengthen the quality of life in the communities we live and work. Learn more about CMB here.