Diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces are becoming increasingly challenging in today’s business environment. Recruiting and retaining transformational talent, particularly from underrepresented groups, is becoming increasingly difficult. In many organisations, not only is it difficult to increase representation, but it is also challenging to ensure that this representation leads to a meaningful change in the culture and leadership.
A crucial part of the solution lies with Green Park. A boutique, minority-owned company, Green Park has become a leader in diversity and inclusion at the executive level. Founded with a mission to drive change in leadership by promoting diversity, Green Park stands out in the market due to its unique approach and commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful solutions for its clients.
Green Park places between 200 and 225 main board members every year, with an impressive 90% first-time fill rate. Notably, 52% of these appointments are women, and over 33% are from ethnic minorities. This success is a testament to the company’s deep understanding of the challenges organisations face in attracting and retaining diverse talent. Green Park doesn’t just provide services; they bring a wealth of lived experience from both the top and bottom of organisations, allowing them to offer insights and solutions that genuinely make a difference.
Helped by co-founding Race Equality Matters, an initiative that reaches 5 million people, consults 5,000 companies, and engages a vast network of 2,000 chairs and 20,000 individual change-makers. This expansive reach enables Green Park to have a unique and deeper understanding on what is making a difference, what is tokenistic and what will provide meaningful change for organisations.
Green Park’s client base is diverse, ranging from 19 of the 50 largest companies in the world to startups and government departments. The firm’s primary focus is on helping clients overcome challenges related to attracting and retaining transformational diverse talent. Many organisations struggle with disparities in retention, promotion, pay, and advocacy, even after increasing representation at the entry level. Green Park addresses these issues by providing technical interventions and long-term strategies that drive real change, rather than just ticking boxes.
One of the key differentiators for Green Park is its innovative approach to executive search. Unlike larger firms that may rely on traditional methods, Green Park believes in doing things differently to achieve more diversity. The firm is proud of its ability to affect leadership behaviors, making them more inclusive, and has trained over 3,000 leaders in cultural intelligence and inclusive leadership over the past 18 months. This training is part of a broader effort to help organisations align their culture with their diversity goals, ultimately leading to better retention and advocacy.
Green Park’s impact is evident in the success stories of its clients. For instance, a global bank faced challenges with Afro-Caribbean or Black Heritage retention and attraction. Green Park provided a roadmap to improve the bank’s brand perception and attract top talent, resulting in 35 senior bankers of Black heritage interviewing for positions with the bank, none of whom would have been considered for such roles previously. Another client sought Green Park’s help in designing and delivering a culturally intelligent coaching program for their senior team. The program, which included inclusive leadership skills and live insight exercises, was so successful that the client expanded it to a broader range of leaders within the organization. This led to increased retention and advocacy for women and ethnic minorities within the company, demonstrating the tangible impact of Green Park’s work.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, Green Park expects significant growth in its board and executive search practices, particularly in the private sector. The firm has made strategic investments to ensure it maintains a competitive edge while continuing to operate as a boutique business. One of the key initiatives is the creation of a diverse consortium of minority-owned firms, which will provide a marketplace for clients.
Green Park is a consulting organisation that offers services beyond CEO search and diversity. For companies that are committed to bringing about change and achieving tangible outcomes, it is a valuable partner. Green Park is still in the forefront of advocating for diversity and inclusion at the highest corporate levels thanks to its established track record, dedication to innovation, and attention to long-term effects. Green Park provides the know-how, connections, and flexibility that organisations seeking to build a more inclusive future need to accomplish their objectives.