Nokia is launching its OUT Leaders program to provide the space for LGBT+ leaders to be safely out

Nokia is taking the next step in its OUT Leaders program globally. The OUT Leaders program provides the space for LGBT+ leaders to be safely out, empower employees to feel they can be fully themselves at work and showcase role models for LGBT+ employees to highlight their career potential in Nokia. The OUT Leaders program was first launched in 2019 and is now introducing new module for talent development. The program’s four key pillars aim to build opportunities for all and create a culture of trust, respect and diversity.

  1. Space – for senior LGBT+ leaders to be safely out & visible, both internally and externally
  2. Mentoring/networking – opportunities for these senior LGBT+ leaders, but also for emerging talent (reverse-mentoring)
  3. Role models – for all employees, to highlight that their careers aspirations can be met
  4. Talent development – to support LGBT+ members’ career paths

Jérôme Meyer, Co-President of EQUAL! (the Nokia LGBT+ Employee Resource Group), Deepfield Business Development Lead in Asia-Pacific, and co-founder of the OUT Leaders program: “Expanding the program to now include LGBT+ talent development is an important step for furthering inclusion at Nokia. It highlights the importance of authentic leadership and will help ensure all employees can contribute their very best.”

Nassib Abou-Khalil, Chief Legal Officer at Nokia and inaugural member of the Nokia OUT Leaders program: “The OUT Leaders’ program is important because LGBT+ leaders are role models – not only for other LGBT+ colleagues, but for all colleagues, by showing that it’s possible to be your authentic self and have a great career. I’m happy to be sponsoring a new module in the programme, focused on talent development.  This will build on what we’ve learnt from our existing gender equality programmes to advance their careers.  In doing so, we will further advance inclusion and diversity at Nokia.”

Nokia OUT Leaders program will organise a series of webinars starting this November for the new OUT Leaders cohort with and featuring internal and external leaders, and partners.