KFC’s Post

UGI is proud to celebrate Black History Month, a time to honor achievements of past generations of Black Americans and recognize their contributions today. UGI’s Black Organizational & Leadership Development (BOLD) group is an employee resource group focused on inclusion, equity, education, and empowerment for Black employees and their allies. BOLD focuses on professional development by creating mentoring opportunities, increasing exposure through networking and career development events, as well as broadening our outreach to Black talent. At UGI, we are committed to providing a safe space for all employees to connect, support, and have open and transparent conversations around professional development, cultural transformation, allyship, and community impact. Learn more about our employee resource groups in our most recent ESG report: https://ugiesg.com/

In our final spotlight in celebration of this year’s Black History Month, we’re highlighting a leader who has spent his career in the food and service industry: Charmers Redd. When asked what Charmers loves about the food & beverage business, the answer was simple: the people. He believes we are in the people business, serving food — not the other way around. Keeping that in mind, it’s extremely important to form genuine connections and foster environments where people feel valued and understood.    For anyone looking to enter the F&B industry, Charmers’ advice is this: “Prioritize empathy and understanding. Recognize that every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impact on someone's day. Treat each person with respect, kindness, and attentiveness. Also, never underestimate the power of relationships. Networking within the industry can open doors to new opportunities and provide invaluable support and guidance along your journey. Remember, in our industry, people are at the forefront of everything we do. By putting people first and fostering meaningful connections, you'll not only succeed in your career but also contribute to the heart and soul of our business.” 

It’s time for the first of our new winner spotlight feature, showcasing past winners of the Ethnicity Awards. We’re kicking off with Leon Donald who works within Tesco’s commercial teams and leads the Black Action Plan across the Tesco Group. He was our Inspirational Leader award winner in 2022. Q: Who has inspired you most? A: Martin Luther King. Q: What’s your proudest achievement? A: Shaping and leading the Tesco Black Action Plan. Q: What for you have been the most important moment for progress/quality? A: The George Floyd tragedy was devastating, but represented a significant tipping point throughout society. Q: What message would you give to your younger self? A: Embrace everything that makes you unique and who you are. Q: What gives you hope for the future? A: There is momentum and a real shift in focus, from being great leaders of business to even better leaders of humanity. This shift in focus towards humanity gives me hope.

As we step into Black History Month, I reflect on the profound contributions and enduring legacy of Black individuals in every sphere of life, particularly in the realms of business, psychology, and leadership. This month is not just a time to celebrate the monumental achievements and breakthroughs of Black leaders and thinkers; it's also an invaluable opportunity for us as professionals to recommit ourselves to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organizations and communities. I believe that the stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership that are highlighted during Black History Month hold powerful lessons for everyone. They remind us of the importance of creating spaces where diverse voices are not just heard but are also valued and leveraged for the greater good. As a consultant and psychologist working with senior corporate officers across the country, I've seen firsthand how embracing diversity drives creativity, innovation, and growth. It's about more than just doing the right thing—it's about building stronger, more vibrant, and resilient organizations. Let's continue to work towards building stronger, more vibrant, and resilient organizations by embracing diversity and inclusion. Happy Black History Month! #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityandInclusion #LeadershipLessons