Leading The Way Forward With DEI In The Tech Channel
Donavan Hutchinson, Former CRO for Trustmarque drives the focus on DEI at the inaugural Fusion Event. Leaders from Microsoft, HPE Aruba, Cisco, Dell, IBM and Forcepoint all gathered together to discuss the importance of DEI and inclusion in the workplace setting the tone for Trustmarques new EVP Launch
Having recently been recognised as one of the Top 10 Trailblazing Leaders Making an Impact in DEI for 2023 awarded by CIO Views Magazine and presented with the ‘Industry Achievement Award’ for tirelessly championing LGBTQIA+ causes by CRN, Donavan believes that leaders who actively champion DEI initiatives set the tone for organisations he represents, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Furthermore, Donavan is a vocal advocate for equity and accessibility in the workplace, while recognising diversity as a strategic advantage for tech organisations.
He believes that a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture bring a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and ideas that can drive innovation and creativity. These diverse ideas can be an enormous advantage in the technology sector.
Donavan’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all employees is evident in his work, and he believes that creating an inclusive culture starts with removing barriers and biases.
Donavan Hutchinson- Top 10 Trailblazing Leader Making an Impact in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Former Trustmarque CRO Donavan Hutchinson was awarded the accolade as one of the worlds top 10 Trailblazing Leaders for DEI. See the below link for more information
Throughout Donavan's career journey that has already spanned over 20 years in the technology industry, where he has had the privilege of working for various Technology VARs (Value-Added Resellers), Donavan consistently focuses on driving equity for all and creating a culture of inclusion and diversity in every organisation that he is part of.
One of the driving forces behind his commitment to diversity and inclusion was his upbringing and the strong support system of his family and friends. “They have inspired me to be the best version of myself and have instilled in me the value of uplifting others. I firmly believe that a workforce where individuals could be their most authentic selves would lead to a happier and more productive environment, ultimately driving business success,” Donavan maintains.
During his professional journey, Donavan encountered several roadblocks that not only provided valuable lessons but were also influenced by his identity as a proud gay leader. One significant roadblock that he faced was the prejudice and discrimination he encountered in certain professional settings due to his sexual orientation. These experiences and unique challenges taught him the importance of resilience, authenticity, and the power of representation, and further fuelled his vision to inspire individuals from marginalized communities to be the best version of themselves.
Navigating these roadblocks reinforced Donavan’s belief in the necessity of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, and motivated him to create a work environment that not only embraces and celebrates individual differences but also actively supports and empowers those from marginalised communities.
Becoming a Catalyst for Positive Change and Growth
Donavan strives to be a ‘catalyst’ for positive change and growth, both within the organization and the broader industry. By driving revenue growth, fostering inclusive cultures, and championing diversity, he aims to ignite transformation and inspire others to reach their full potential.
He points out that education and awareness play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and equitable society, and one way in which he aspires to contribute is by providing educational resources, actively engaging in speaking engagements and events focused on DEI and engaging with educational institutions to promote DEI. By sharing his insights, experiences, and knowledge with his 10,000 plus followers on LinkedIn, Donavan hopes to influence industry conversations and encourage organisations to prioritise DEI as a strategic imperative.
“I am vocal in this space and it’s for good reason: through thought leadership articles, blog posts, or social media content, I strive to raise awareness, challenge biases, and promote best practices in DEI. Recently, I joined Microsoft UK for a special Pride Power Hour where I represented the Microsoft Partner ecosystem in a panel discussion tackling key topics in the community,” he shares.
Diversity and Inclusion in the Channel- Disrupt Podcast with Donavan Hutchinson and Hayley Roberts (CEO, Distology) July 2022
Donavan Hutchinson joins Hayley Roberts, CEO, Distology, a leading security Value Added Distributor. Donavan and Hayley discuss the importance of DEI across the Tech channel in the Distology Disrupt series.
Click on the link below