Citi Marks Pride Month 2015 – Part 4

In recognition of Pride Month, a time to reflect upon the civil rights history and contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, we will be sharing personal reflections and stories of progress from individuals, both LGBT and straight allies, as they examine what it means to bring their full self to work.

John Healy, Belfast Citi Service Center Site Head – Belfast, Ireland

When I attend Citi Pride Network events, I bring my full self to work.

As the site head at the Belfast Service Center, I am a public figure in the workplace and externally in the community in which we operate. I see my role as the Business Sponsor of the Citi Pride network in Belfast as an important extension of being site head. By supporting the network and attending the events that are organised I believe that I am demonstrating one of the core values of Citi, inclusiveness.

The recent EMEA Diversity Week was summed up by three words – Adapt, Develop and Relate. Relate is the one that resonates most strongly with me, because if you can relate to others then the relationships that you build are the ones that can grow, and it is those relationships that help us all to deliver for Citi, our clients and our shareholders.

When I attend Citi Pride events I feel proud to be included and involved. Not only are the events that the network arrange fun to participate in, but they have also been challenging and thought provoking. Not only am I bringing my full self to work when I attend Citi Pride events, but I am able to bring my full self home too. With my family I talk about the Citi Pride network and discuss the issues raised at their events and it is amazing to hear their views and opinions, and get their support as well.

In leadership it is important to be authentic, to build honest relationships with people whose input you value and that are built on an ethical foundation. Being the Citi Pride sponsor and visibly supporting the network by attending Citi Pride events allows me to be authentic and bring my full self to work.

Gerry Orton, Senior Operations Manager, Citi – Jacksonville, FL

When I am open and honest about my sexuality, I bring my full self to work.

I have been very fortunate in my work life being my authentic self. I transferred to Jacksonville 40 years ago and my sexuality was not a secret at work. I was embraced by a great work family that remains my family today. They truly shaped how I lived my life by being so accepting and by just looking at the person I am. It was wonderful going to work every day without having to hide who I am.

Then, after 28 years with my previous company we were acquired by Citi. That is when some trepidation began to creep in. How would my new colleagues at Citi treat me? Would they see me as a person or would judgments be made based upon extraneous factors?

I have now been with Citi for 17 years and I can say that Citi has shown remarkable diversity and that I have never felt the need to "hide" who I am.