We often tout that variety is the spice of life. We love all things that are brimming with multidimensional flavour. We thrive in environments that have an element of complexity because it makes us grow and evolve beyond the proverbial sandbox.
We strive for diversity because it enriches us. Diversity is a bond that gives strength and makes us resilient to adversity. Diversity is progress, and accepting it means loving the beautiful, multicolored collage that is humanity.
This month, we celebrate the vibrant, deeply interwoven fabric of our community – the one that comprises a multitude of identities, individualities, and ethnicities.
One of our biggest values at Fleet Complete is People. People who enrich our vision, innovation and the human rapport with our customers. We strive, as a company, to celebrate our People – staff, customers and partners – every day.
Here is what diversity, inclusion and equality mean to our colleagues around the world.
“We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion.” — Max de Pree
Michelle Hardy, Regional Sales Manager, GEM & Healthcare, USA
“A company that has made an investment in its self by seeing all its employees as equally important in the critical and constant pursuit of success. Understanding that not only is every person from every different culture equal, but that they all have a unique perspective and value to bring to the table that enables our business to thrive. Pooling all aspects, opinions, perceptions and cultures into one effort to achieve greatness means all people are equally great, as they all had a hand in achieving it.”
Chase Hunter, Regional Sales Manager, USA
“Whenever I think of equality and inclusion, I think of basic human rights that we all deserve. A diverse culture ensures that such awareness is spread and encourages more people to stand against inequality, instead of having each group separated and only focused on what affects them.”
Osama Rabea, Senior Software Developer, Canada
“A culture of diversity, inclusion and equality means that I can be myself and not feel threatened or judged. I feel that workplaces like Fleet Complete foster that kind of environment. Also, as a woman, I have never felt discriminated against nor have I had to play stereotypical roles in order to succeed. It’s an amazing feeling to work at a place where I feel safe and accepted without having to put on an act!”
Kelly-Ann Hewko, Executive Assistant, Canada
“Pride is a celebration of all the things that make our community unique and diverse. I feel that Pride month encompasses all that this great city has to offer. I am Irish and still consider Ireland as my first home, but Toronto is home for now, and I think that part of the reason why I stayed is because Toronto really is one of the most welcoming cities that I have ever lived in. It is the epicentre of culture and inclusion.
Even though I have been here for four years now, I am still blown away by the number of cultures and languages I experience each and every day, and what really amazes me is that Toronto, can, in fact, be a home for everyone who is lucky enough to live here. It is a melting pot of different cultures, languages, colours, thoughts, hopes and dreams, where everyone is different, yet we are the same because we all choose to call Toronto home.
Growing up in a small Irish town where the majority is, in fact, Irish, one would inevitably stand out if they happened to be from somewhere else. We are known as the land of “Céad Mile Fáilte” (which means a thousand welcomes) and the welcome that one receives back home is typically wonderful. Nonetheless, for the large part, most people come from similar backgrounds or cultures, i.e. Irish.
Living in Toronto has opened my eyes to many diverse cultures and stories, which I might not have experienced had I not come. Take the Training Team at Fleet Complete for example, we are Canadian, Irish, Indian and Mexican, yet all consider Toronto home. If that’s not diverse then I don’t know what is.
Ultimately, the culture of diversity and inclusion is where everyone is different; but it is these differences that form and nurture the foundation of our great city. Let’s celebrate and be proud!”
Helena Cotter, Bilingual Training Consultant, Canada
“Diversity is a journey that requires continuous commitment, self-assessment and work within the teams. Success in business is driven by diversity and inclusion of people from various backgrounds and cultures. Furthermore, making sure that every voice is heard and every thought is captured and employees feel they are treated equally. We believe that capitalizing on the diversity of our people and the inclusion of different ideas is a foundation for a successful business, satisfied customers and happy employees.”
Heli Sepping, Marketing Manager, Estonia
