Women of Color Are the Untapped Talent Force in Business, New Google-sponsored Study Finds

May 23, 2022

“Increasingly, the untapped talent of women of color is being seen as the force multiplier for progress and profitability in the U.S. and global economies.”

—“Untapped Women of Color: The Talent Force Multiplier

The gist:

As the world of work shakes itself out + more than likely reforms itself, “according to a new study, there’s a category of talent that still remains largely untapped but may be uniquely suited to drive progress in a climate that demands greater cultural sensitivity: women of color.”

The study is titled “Untapped Women of Color: The Talent Force Multiplier,” conducted by business leaders and co-authors Bonita C. Stewart and Jacqueline Adams, and was sponsored by Google. It’s their third survey in fact, “the first of which appeared in the book they co-authored, “A Blessing: Women of Color Teaming Up to Lead, Empower and Thrive.”

“The reality of women of color in business today is that they are incredibly prepared and actively seeking expanded opportunities…the cautionary tale is actually for managers who neglect to create a more equitable lens for assessing talent as they recruit and promote within their organizations,”

—Bonita C. Stewart, Study Author + Vice President of Global Partnerships at Google + Board Partner at Gradient Ventures fund

“CQ”

If “emotional intelligence is what leaders have needed for success in their roles — not to mention employee performance and profitability — over the last quarter century,” the authors argue “that now it’s about cultural intelligence, which they define as having ‘the ability to adapt to new cultural settings.’”

“People with high emotional intelligence can pick up on the emotions, wants and needs of others. People with high cultural intelligence are attuned to the values, beliefs and styles of communication of people from different cultures. They use this knowledge to help them relate to others with empathy and understanding.”

The Study has its fair share of data showing that the present, isn’t where we want to be, representation wise. But the authors note, ‘the confidence of millennial and Gen Z workers, as a window into the near future, and brighter prospects.

Therefore, per the Study:

• ”Now is the time to hire these younger women of color, to look for their potential and to promote them, to make them feel welcome. “

• “The time to tap this untapped pool of talent is now. These women of color are assets, especially since this survey’s findings continue to show that Black and Latine Millennial women are the most innovative, the ‘first to know’ when something new or cutting-edge in technology is released.”

How can companies nurture CQ + WOC as a ‘force multiplier’ asset?

For “companies looking to succeed with…cultural sensitivity and thus, the long-term sustainability of their businesses:

• Assess talent with greater sensitivity to cultural differences;

• ensure workplace processes are without bias to reduce excess scrutiny;

• deliver constructive communication, and engage Black and Latine women in creating innovative solutions, special projects, and seeking different perspectives

In addition:

• To “tap into the talent among women of color,” companies need to “ensure their leaders understand what it takes to nurture them and give their voices power within the organization.”

So, while the world of work is reforming, and, “Underlying societal and business forces are all contributing to the speed with which managers are having to adjust…these trends continue to support an increased return on investment for companies that embrace and nurture the burgeoning pool of women of color.”

Connect with the WWD article here.

Read the whole report here.