VMware, a leading innovator in enterprise software, hosted VMinclusion @vForum 2018today. The theme for this year was Inclusion in Action, where different industry experts spoke about fostering innovation and inclusion in today’s digital era, overcoming unconscious bias, creating and sustaining an inclusive workplace. Ms. Shalini Saraswathi, Deputy General Manager at First Source Solutions, adventure enthusiast, blade runner, marathoner, and inspirational speaker, was a special guest at the event. 

The session started with a fireside chat on VMware’s culture of inclusivity between Robin Matlock, Chief Marketing Officer, VMware and Jagjit Singh Arora, Senior Director, Enterprise and Government Sales VMware India. This was followed by an insightful panel discussion on Inclusion in Action, moderated by Misha Joshi Senior Director - Professional Services Organization at VMware. The panel comprised Ankit Rajiv Jindal, Senior Manager Marketing, NTT Data, Poornima Pandey Co-founder at Raining Grey, Amit Pandya, Visual Merchandiser and Jewelry Stylist at C. KRISHNIAH CHETTY & SONS PVT.LTD, Sangeeta Giri, Director Sales VMware India and Ninad Karpe CEO, Karpe Diem Consulting, and focused on key issues such as unconscious bias, representation of diverse communities, and sensitization at the workplace. The evening wrapped up with an inspirational address by Shalini Saraswathi that had the audience on their feet in standing ovation. 

Launched three years ago, VMinclusion focusses on business change by business leaders. This initiative aims to foster an inclusive culture, where employees are free to be their authentic selves and do their very best work, as well as to enhance the diverse mix of employees. It’s a mission that requires working together to achieve, and it continually inspires VMware to go further.

VMware believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive work culture helps deliver better business outcomes. A multitude of perspectives and experiences aid the innovation process and help deliver differentiated experiences for customers. A diverse and inclusive work environment is also the hallmark of a modern progressive organization that is rooted in a culture of meritocracy. VMware is focused on nurturing a work environment that ensures transparency, fair treatment, equal opportunities and respect in the workplace. VMware’s focus on diversity and inclusion has helped establish the organization as one of the best employers in the world, with it featuring in most industry awards and lists of best companies to work for. 

At the session Robin Matlock Chief Marketing Officer at VMware said “We need different perceptions to enhance the full potential of a work place. A diverse workplace with zero gender bias or discrimination on the basis of race religion caste abilities or even sexual orientation is a crucial element in modern society. Diversity and Inclusion is an essential piece of development for any organization, which will help the organization grow."

Also present at the event was Jagjit Singh Arora Sr. Director - Enterprise & Government Business who added, “In my experience diverse perspectives, experiences and opinions at the workplace usually deliver the best results in terms of creative out of the box solutioning. A work environment that is inclusive, respectful and supportive encourages people to bring their best selves to work and gives them the confidence to voice their ideas and bring them to life. A truly modern workplace capable of delivering world class innovation is one that boasts of a diverse set of bright minds in an inclusive environment.”