The CMB Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report 2023 by Chadwick Martin Bailey

Celebrating the CMB Difference

©2024, Chadwick Martin Bailey

A Message from Jim Garrity

CMB’s mission is to enable world leading brands make critical decisions with confidence by unlocking the voice of the consumer to uncover human truths. We’re committed to unlocking the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) because it’s not only a business imperative, but a moral one.

Diversity of thought and experience, coupled with a culture of transparency and trust, enables better decision-making, improves innovation, and fulfills personal and professional growth.

I am exceptionally proud of our team's achievements this year, from expanding our training program and Affinity Groups, to conducting a pay equity audit and refining our internal policies & practices. CMBers continue to demonstrate empathy and humility, while rising to the challenge of creating a positive, measurable impact for our colleagues, clients, and communities. Together, we are committed to advancing towards a future that is brighter and more just for everyone.

The stories behind the data speak volumes. On behalf of CMB and the DEI Committee, I’m honored to present the 2023 DEI Report.

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 brand strategy consultancy to provide more professional growth opportunities and financial benefits.

Clients: Fuse the power of human intelligence, AI, and activation capabilities to help our clients engage, innovate, and grow, to deliver more value.

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:

©2024, 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.

Our DEI Committee really cares about making a difference. I’m so grateful to everyone on the team, and those who helped us along the way. Our progress is only possible thanks to our collective knowledge, unique perspectives, empathetic outreach, caring support, and dedication.

Colleen Ryan, Sr. Marketing Manager & DEI Committee Co-chair

Demographics

6 years Staff

I’m excited to be a part of CMB’s DEI work, and hope that our efforts help CMBers feel like their perspectives belong. It’s so important because having diverse perspectives fosters innovation, creativity, and improves the quality of our deliverables.

Erin Rea, Sr. Insights Consultant

©2024, 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

 LGBTQIA+

 Multifaith

 Parents

 People of Color

 Persons with Disabilities*

 Women*

We’ve enjoyed all that’s come with starting the Women’s Affinity Group this year. From making invaluable connections within our community to exploring topics like combatting imposter syndrome, building self-confidence, and navigating salary negotiation, the Women’s Affinity Group has provided a safe and supportive space for its members.

Christina DeBartolomeo, Insights Consultant & Courtney Cassidy, Insights Consultant

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. Since Fall 2021, we have executed on 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

The Data

There are real people behind the data

DEI Efforts at CMB

% agree

 Wave 4

 Wave 3

 Wave 2

 Wave 1

95%

92%

85%

People work well together at CMB

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

I can bring my whole self to work

Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion is not just a moral imperative; it’s the cornerstone of fostering innovation, resilience, and collective prosperity. By cultivating an environment that celebrates and values differences, we can reflect the unique voices of the customers to our world-class clients to help them unlock their fullest potential, as we do the same for our employee-owners.

Heather Magaw, VP, People and Culture

91%

84%

67%

58%

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

I feel like I belong here

There is cultural diversity among the employee base

CMB is a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization

Beyond the Numb

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

Practice areas included:

• Vendors & Subcontractors

• Mentoring & Career Pathing Conducted a pay equity audit in partnership with Salary.com’s Compensation Consulting Team.

Continued expansion of CMB-wide DEI-specific training.

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

I see the impact of our DEI efforts in nearly everything we do and have at CMB. They’re a part of high standards we hold ourselves and our work to, the respect and trust we have for one another, and the culture of belonging that makes CMB a genuinely great place to work.

Remy Morrison, Senior Insights Consultant

Bolstered connection opportunities during the onboarding process to boost new hires’ sense of belonging, including shadowing opportunities. In connection with CMB’s strong volunteer spirit, the DEI Committee hosted a group volunteer opportunity at the Prison Book Program, and the Women’s Affinity Group volunteered with Dream It, Be It.

CMB’s People of Color Affinity Group led CMB’s annual Pied for Purpose in 2023, fundraising vital funds for The Loveland Foundation.

Restructured the DEI Committee for future efficiency, growth, and connection within the Committee.

Strengthened CMB's DEI best practices for insights professionals.

Affinity Groups:

• Established two new Affinity Groups: Persons with Disabilities and Women

• Facilitated the formation of the Remote Employees Committee

• Increased participation: 54% of CMBers participated in an Affinity Group in the past 6 months (up from 32% Wave 3)

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