Executive Leadership Council shapes future leadership opportunities for rising black executives

Part of creating an inclusive workplace means identifying opportunities for diverse voices at every level of a company. That’s a core objective for the Executive Leadership Council (ELC).

The non-profit, membership organization was founded to increase the number of global black executives in C-Suites, on corporate boards and in global enterprises. Several executives from JLL gathered in Washington, D.C. in October to attend a special symposium held by the ELC geared toward that goal.

“The ELC is a preeminent organization for African American executives,” said Herman Bulls, Vice Chairman, JLL Americas. “Participation in the symposium offers JLL employees the opportunity to develop professional skills needed as leaders of the future while developing critical, powerful relationships with counterparts from other companies. JLL’s involvement provides an opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion and an opportunity to interact with peers and clients who share similar objectives.”

Now in its 25th-year, the Mid-Level Managers’ Symposium prepares high-performing managers from JLL and other like-minded companies for break-through career growth. With the goal of opening channels of opportunity for the development of black executives to positively impact business and communities, JLL professionals worked alongside fellow participants and inspiring members of the ELC.

“As an avid supporter of diversity and inclusion, I appreciate JLL’s investment in programs designed to uplift African Americans in corporations across America,” said Krystyn Hilliard, a Human Resources Business Partner at JLL. “It makes me even more proud to be a part of the JLL family, and I came back energized and ready to take on new challenges.”

The ELC is comprised of more than 800 current and former black CEOs, senior executives and board directors at Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies, as well as entrepreneurs at top-tier firms. Included during the week was the 2019 CEO GameChanger Conference, a catalyst for equipping organizations with disruptive strategies to advance black leaders.

The goal was to engage CEOs in practical dialogue about truly moving the needle in advancing black leaders.

“JLL’s participation in these ELC events is a critical step towards achieving greater diversity and inclusion and it’s a path toward creating an environment where all feel welcomed, valued and empowered to achieve their full potential,” said Christian Ulbrich, JLL Global CEO. “Personally, I found it a great learning experience, and I was impressed to see so many of our clients’ top leadership in attendance, like USAA, Under Armour and so many others who share the same goals.”

The event included a celebration through the ELC’s Recognition Gala, in which more than 2,000 guests and ELC members honor individuals and corporations for their support of diversity, inclusion and achievement in business. The week is an important step, according to JLL Americas CEO Greg O’Brien, toward all companies learning and adopting diversity and inclusion across their organization.

“This is one of the best events to engage our clients and to help cultivate our top talent,” said O’Brien, noting that JLL has been involved with the ELC for many years. “It also provides a great opportunity to learn from some of the best leaders on how they’re driving their businesses forward and how they’re implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives in practical and impactful ways.”

Skip Spriggs, President and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council, has worked alongside JLL for many years in their support of the organization.

“We were thrilled to have JLL participate once again in the symposium, GameChanger and Gala,” Springs said. “Clearly, JLL punches their own weight — they are rock steady in their support of advancing their high performing managers and preparing them to be the next generation of leaders. The attendance by so many of JLL’s leadership demonstrates their commitment towards our shared mission of opening channels of opportunity for the development of black executives.”

JLL’s work with the ELC aligns with our internal work to foster an inclusive workplace for senior and mid-level black talent. Eighteen members were part of the program’s first class, and events like the symposium will ensure that it continues to grow.

“There is one word to describe my experience at the ELC Mid-Level Managers Symposium…inspiring! Black professionals have very few opportunities where we can shed our Corporate America armor and connect and share our experiences with each other in a very real way. From the moment I walked in the door there was a level of pride that permeated the space, and I went home feeling inspired, charged up, and ready to pay it forward!”

Amber Bloomfield

Vice President, Regional Retail Program Lead, Chicago, IL

To learn more about JLL’s commitment to culture and employee experience, read more here.