What I Learned from Salesforce's Ads

I play Words with Friends. I admit it. And I get the ads. Interestingly, lately I have received some ads from Salesforce. The first set were touting Salesforce's diversity programs. One talked about empowering people through technology and said "People are 2.4x more likely to be proud to work at a company that fosters inclusivity." Another (above, right) talked about the Salesforce program PepUp Tech which is "bringing diversity to tech by teaching underrepresented youth Salesforce."

Then I got the ad for a webinar (above left) - "Make Renewal Sales Easy. For Customers. For You." And the ad showed that I could learn to accelerate my sales and renewals only from 4 men. That's right, the company touting diversity and inclusivity is fielding an all male panel and bragging about it.

We see many organizations that are becoming more aware of the presence of all male panels at external conferences and events. Many are signing oaths to not participate in the so-called manels. But there also needs to be vigilance around internally-produced events too. Perhaps even more, they brand you, perhaps in a way you really don't want to be branded.

Dear Salesforce:

It's the little things you do that send big messages. While you can tout the millions spent on diversity and equity, the reality of your marketing looks different. Speaking engagements, whether internal, external, live or a webinar, are an important part of career growth. Without these opportunities, your female employees can find their careers stalled. You're also sending a message to those "underrepresented youth" you want to reach. They need to see themselves onstage AND speaking in your webinars.

According to Tony Prophet, Chief Equality Officer, Salesforce, “Inequality, in all its forms — gender, LGBTQ, racial, or otherwise — is an issue that every company must address for their own benefit and to create a better world. We believe businesses need to focus on closing the Equality gap with the same energy put into creating new products and markets.”

Maybe it is time to consider creating a "No Manel" policy at Salesforce and DocuSign.

Bobbie Carlton is the founder of Innovation Women, an online speaker bureau focused on connecting event managers and conference organizers with awesome speakers who just happen to be women.