Lululemon’s founder, Chip Wilson, recently caused a stir when he gave an opinion on his company’s diversity and inclusion efforts in an interview with Business of Fashion.
Wilson, who stepped down from the company in 2015, was critical of the Vancouver-based athleisure juggernaut’s whole diversity and inclusion thing. “We tried…It was a disaster. All these people with their ‘Today, I am…’ posters. It was just brainwashing and customers didn’t like it. You don’t need the United Nations coming into a company with all these clichéd ideas.”
Wilson’s comments have raised a good question: how could a leader of a major apparel company, one that prides itself on its diverse and inclusive culture, have such a narrow understanding of how to support and promote diversity?
The answer to this question lies in understanding the importance of diversity and inclusion. A company that is genuinely committed to diversity is one that works to ensure that all employees, regardless of their identity and background, have the opportunity to thrive. This includes intentionally creating inclusive spaces, creating opportunities for diverse voices to be heard, and offering training and development for all.
At Lululemon, diversity and inclusion are part of the company’s mission and core values. The company works hard to ensure an inclusive environment for all employees and customers, and the company recently appointed its first-ever Chief Cultural Officer, whose job it is to lead the company’s cultural transformation.
In addition to this work, the company has implemented a variety of initiatives, such as providing diversity and inclusion mentorship programs, funding a diversity and inclusion research lab, and expanding its diversity and inclusivity training requirements for all new employees.
Wilson’s comments may have stirred up some controversy, but it doesn’t change the fact that Lululemon is serious about diversity and inclusion. The company is actively working to create an environment where all employees and customers are respected and where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to make the world a better place.