NYAIR Episode 66
Diversity as a Profitable Business Strategy: How to Change the Status Quo
Explore how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are transforming businesses into more profitable and innovative powerhouses. In this compelling NY-ALT episode, leading experts discuss the measurable financial benefits, implementation challenges, and evolving data standards around DEI. Discover actionable strategies to embed DEI as a core growth driver within your organization and why now is the moment for this crucial movement.
Featured Guests
Ward Corbett
Founder and Managing Partner, Catalyst Partners
Ward Corbett leads Catalyst Partners, a global macro hedge fund focusing on uncorrelated, risk-adjusted returns across asset classes. A recognized advocate for diversity in asset management, Ward also chairs the New York Urban League Board and works with UN PRI on responsible investment initiatives. He actively promotes the growth and recognition of minority and women-owned funds, highlighting their proven outperformance in the investment community.
Michael Kraten
Professor and Chair, Accounting, Economics, and Finance, Houston Baptist University
Michael Kraten specializes in business strategies that drive sustainable value through complex, uncertain environments. With decades of experience in corporate accountability and diversity reporting, Michael brings deep knowledge of the evolving standards and measurement frameworks vital for embedding DEI into corporate strategy and capital allocation decisions.
Jamie Crump
Author and Specialist in Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Diversity
Jamie Crump’s expertise spans strategic sourcing, supplier diversity, and building successful DEI programs across industries including banking, pharmaceuticals, technology, and financial services. Her book, Backstage Pass: Pulling the Curtain Back on the Business of Supplier Diversity, is widely regarded as essential reading for executing effective diversity initiatives.
Key Insights From This Episode
Diversity Drives Profitability
Research consistently shows diverse groups outperform their peers financially, making DEI a clear business imperative—not just a social one.
Data Standardization Is Critical
Effective DEI strategy depends on consistent, reliable measurement and reporting standards; current frameworks like GRI and SASB aid but gaps remain.
Private Companies Face Unique Challenges
While public companies increasingly disclose ESG metrics, private firms must adopt voluntary practices or risk losing investor capital as transparency expectations rise.
Supply Chain Diversity Gains Momentum
Post-pandemic shifts and nearshoring trends enhance supplier diversity’s importance, linking sourcing decisions directly to corporate resilience.
Awareness and Advocacy Fuel Progress
The DEI movement now transcends policy, emphasizing tangible outcomes and broader cultural change within organizations and investor communities.
Access the Full Conversation
Gain comprehensive insights from industry leaders on advancing diversity for competitive advantage. This episode offers a full audio discussion and a downloadable resource deck packed with frameworks to accelerate DEI transformation within institutional finance and corporate environments.
Soundbites Worth Saving
““There are proven performance benefits when you invest in diverse and women-owned funds—allocators need to take notice.”
— Ward Corbett
“Data transparency and standardization are the foundation for meaningful diversity initiatives; without it, you can’t measure progress.”
— Michael Creighto
“Diversity isn’t just a checkbox; it’s a strategic imperative that can boost your company’s bottom line.”
— Jamie Crump
Shape the Future of Alternatives With Us
The New York Alternative Investment Roundtable brings together the brightest minds in finance—Nobel laureates, industry disruptors, Fortune 1000 executives, and leading fund managers. By joining as a member, you gain access to premium events, exclusive insights from our podcasts, and direct connections with the decision-makers shaping global markets.
Your seat at the table is waiting.
