What Out Leadership Is
Out Leadership is a groundbreaking initiative designed to harness the power of business to drive equality. Born from a simple yet bold idea in 2010, the organization set out to connect personal stories—from coming out to becoming an OutLeader—with a global mission. This movement is built on transforming individual journeys into a larger purpose: driving equality in business with a deep commitment to diversity, leadership, LGBT advocacy, social impact, and equality. The project operates within the Membership organizations industry and proudly holds a B-Corporation score of 112.4, reflecting an enduring focus on purpose and transparency. Every OutLeader’s story is woven into the fabric of a movement that advocates a future where people live authentically, love who they choose, and achieve their full potential.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
The benefits of being part of such a diverse network shine through with compelling facts:
- 700+ Member CEOs who inspire business transformation
- 21,000+ Leaders Worldwide improving corporate cultures globally
- Launched in 2010, marking the beginning of a new era in corporate equality
- Innovative programs like OutNEXT, OutQUORUM, and OutWOMEN+ driving talent development
- The world’s first LGBTQ+ B-Corporation with an unyielding focus on purpose
Developing Talent and Driving Equality
Out Leadership champions the growth of talent through signature initiatives and programs such as OutNEXT and OutQUORUM. Each program is not just about skills—it’s about creating an environment where leaders can be authentic, think boldly, and emulate courage in boardrooms and offices around the world. The focus on developing talent is interlaced with efforts to drive equality within business practices and policy best practices. With every event and every summit, the message is clear… every OutLeader’s story matters.
Inspiring Corporate Change
Business is not just about profit margins; it is a powerful tool for social transformation. Out Leadership exemplifies this by merging culture with commerce in a way that promotes inclusion and an unwavering commitment to equality. The initiative uniquely positions itself by offering equality as its only product—where conferences, talent accelerators, and collaborations with global giants like Barclays, HSBC, and Morgan Stanley create spaces for transformative dialogue. This approach encourages companies to harness their economic power for societal good, influencing board diversity policies and even contributing to landmark legal cases, such as the amicus brief filed for marriage equality.
Milestones and Pioneering Moments
From its inception, Out Leadership has continuously marked milestones that affirm its pioneering role. The journey began with the first-ever Out on the Street LGBTQ+ leadership summit in New York City, attended by top corporate figures and supported by industry giants like Citi Bank, Barclays, and Goldman Sachs. In the following years, the organization expanded across continents—from hosting summits in London and Asia to launching groundbreaking programs such as OutNEXT, designed specifically for emerging leaders. Memorably, sessions hosted by prominent figures like Lloyd Blankfein and James Gorman have underlined the importance of high-level engagement in driving change. In more recent times, Out Leadership’s events have evolved to include ESG summits in New York, and research reports that showcase remarkable board diversity trends. This chronology, punctuated with moments of breakthrough and creative energy, paints a picture of an organization always at the forefront of social progress.
Championing Diversity in Business
A central thread running throughout the Out Leadership narrative is the compelling commitment to diversity. Corporate environments are known for their rigidity, yet this initiative challenges norms by encouraging inclusivity at every level—from entry-level employees to board members. Out Leadership actively works with industries to nurture environments where debates around state climate indices, board diversity, next-gen talent, and policy best practices are commonplace. It is a movement that underscores how business success is not detached from social progress but is intrinsically linked to the diverse perspectives of its people.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – fostering inclusive leadership across genders
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – empowering professionals to achieve their full potential
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – breaking down barriers for LGBTQ+ executives and allies
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – advocating for policies that promote equal treatment
A Global Movement for Equality
Out Leadership is more than an organization—it is a global conversation that has grown into a vibrant movement. The initiative’s mission remains to harness business as a lever for societal change, transforming boardrooms and policy discussions alike. With milestones that span over a decade of pioneering work and a network that spans continents, Out Leadership continuously reinvents what it means to lead with authenticity and purpose. The collective strength of its global network, from bold summits in Hong Kong to intimate discussions in New York, demonstrates a commitment to building a better world where equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality. The conversational and dynamic energy of these initiatives leaves a lasting impact, subtly shifting corporate attitudes and inspiring a new wave of leadership that is as diverse as the world it serves.
