Baird | Engagement Consulting
Since 1919, Baird has been providing reliable financial guidance and services to individuals, families, and institutions worldwide. With a workforce of over 4,500, Baird is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where all employees can thrive. To enhance its culture of inclusion and diversity, Baird launched an Associate Resource Group (ARG) program featuring seven unique offerings. They collaborated with NEWaukee to expand this initiative, aiming to develop their leadership, engage ARG members and volunteers, and align the ARG strategies with overall firm goals. NEWaukee designed a customized, full-day interactive leadership summit for ARG co-chairs and their executive sponsors, allowing them to learn best practices together and set new goals and strategies for the upcoming year. The summit also provided a chance for incoming chairs to engage in the planning process six months before officially taking on their roles. Co-chairs took part in various team-building activities that fostered new relationships and open communication among ARG leadership. Fast-paced, hands-on workshops facilitated shared learning and strategic planning using tailored worksheets and resource guides that highlighted best practices for ARGs. The results included generating 1,608 new leads for talent acquisition, achieving over 73,802 social media impressions, attracting participants from 10 countries and over 30 U.S. states, and enhancing engagement among current Kohler Co. associates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NEWaukee adapted The Shift to a virtual format while maintaining attendance levels comparable to pre-pandemic results. NEWaukee also created additional public DEI programs for Kohler Co., including Leading Courageous Conversations.