Diversity and inclusion- where are we in sports industry?

Summary

The transcript highlights a discussion about the slow progress of diversity and inclusion in sports, particularly in leadership roles and the pipeline for ethnic and gender diversity. The speakers address the challenges of making significant progress, citing the need for disruption and forcing functions like the Rooney Rule. They also emphasize the importance of creating more opportunities for women in sports, noting that beyond major leagues like the WNBA, there are limited avenues for women to make a living as athletic performers. One speaker shares their involvement with 'Women of Wrestling' to help address this gap.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Women's Amateur event will take place at Augusta on Sunday, marking a historic occasion in the world of sports.
• 😀 Diversity and inclusion are central topics, with discussions focused on both gender and ethnic diversity in sports.
• 😀 Despite progress in diversity, change is slow, particularly at the highest levels of sports and within the pipeline.
• 😀 Many industries still operate within their comfort zones, hindering faster progress towards inclusion and diversity.
• 😀 Achieving progress in diversity is challenging without clear, committed targets or structures in place.
• 😀 The history of diversity and inclusion suggests that without a system like the Rooney Rule, change happens too slowly.
• 😀 There is significant resistance to diversity initiatives, but disruption and a forcing function are often needed to push for change.
• 😀 The Rooney Rule, despite criticisms, is seen as effective in pushing organizations to make meaningful diversity changes.
• 😀 The need for more opportunities for women in sports is emphasized, especially in areas beyond established leagues like the WNBA or tennis.
• 😀 Title IX has helped open doors for female athletes, but there are still limited opportunities to make a living as a female athletic performer outside of certain sports.
• 😀 The speaker has invested in organizations like Women of Wrestling to create more opportunities for female athletes in sports.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Women's Amateur event being held at Augusta?

The Women's Amateur event at Augusta is a historic occasion as it marks the increasing inclusion of women in prominent golfing events, showcasing the ongoing effort to promote gender equality in sports.

How does the speaker view the progress of diversity and inclusion in sports?

The speaker acknowledges that progress has been made, but the pace of change is slow, particularly in ethnic diversity and gender inclusion at high levels and in the sports pipeline.

What are the reasons behind the slow progress in diversity and inclusion according to the speaker?

The speaker attributes the slow progress to people operating within their own comfort zones and the lack of committed targets. Without clear goals, progress tends to be too slow.

Why does the speaker mention the Rooney Rule in the context of diversity in sports?

The Rooney Rule is highlighted as a necessary disruption that forced change in diversity efforts, especially in hiring practices in sports. It is seen as an example of how a mandate can accelerate progress.

What is the significance of the 'forcing function' mentioned by the speaker?

The 'forcing function' refers to actions or policies that push individuals or organizations to make necessary changes when voluntary efforts are insufficient. It is used in the context of diversity and inclusion, suggesting that change often requires external pressure.

What is the role of Title IX in promoting opportunities for female athletes?

Title IX has played a crucial role in opening up opportunities for women in sports by ensuring equal access to athletic programs in schools and colleges, thus creating pathways for female athletes to pursue their careers.

Why does the speaker mention her involvement in 'Wow Women of Wrestling'?

The speaker is involved in 'Wow Women of Wrestling' to create more opportunities for female athletes, particularly in professional wrestling, where there were previously limited financial opportunities for women.

What does the speaker mean by 'creating more opportunities' for women in sports?

The speaker stresses the need to develop more platforms and events where women can participate, compete, and earn as professional athletes, particularly outside of established leagues like the WNBA or tennis.

How does the speaker perceive the sports industry in terms of being a 'friendly environment' for women?

The speaker believes that sports need to present themselves as welcoming and supportive environments for women, which can be achieved through increased opportunities and better representation at all levels.

What is the speaker’s perspective on the current state of women's sports as a career path?

The speaker points out that, aside from sports like basketball (WNBA) and tennis, there are very few opportunities for women to make a living as athletic performers. This is a key area that needs further development and investment.