In-Depth
Voices of Diversity: Kevin Warren
Chief Operating Officer, Minnesota Vikings
Courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings
Your opportunities in sports: None, until I was blessed by Phoenix attorney Bill Jones who introduced me to former SEC Commissioner Mike Slive. Mike provided me with my first opportunity in sports. It was the impetus for the Innovative Leadership Rotational Program we created at the Vikings, providing young, aspiring sports executives an opportunity in addition to our strong internship programs we have developed.
HR’s role on diversity & inclusion: It is not just HR. HR plays a critical role, but inclusion and diversity only comes from a true commitment by leadership and ownership, in vetting candidates, making sure we not only have a diverse pool of candidates but a deep pool of talent. It takes time, resources and a steadfast commitment. Then organizationally, our culture needs to embrace and appreciate such diversity.
Call to action for sports: Leaders need to demonstrate with both their words and actions that diversity matters and makes an organization better, and then a truly inclusive and productive culture must be developed, reinforced and maintained.
