Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender consultants
In 1994, a gay candidate inquired during the interview process how many gay professionals worked at McKinsey. Back then, there were few consultants who were out, and his interest inspired the formation of a new network in the firm: 'GLBT at McKinsey' (GLAM).
"When I came to McKinsey, I knew that we had an active GLBT network, but it wasn't a major factor in my decision to join the firm. Looking back a decade later, GLAM has been an important part of my McKinsey experience and has enabled me to be a better counselor and leader."
Parag
Partner and GLAM member
GLAM's purpose is to cultivate and recruit gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) professionals to McKinsey and to meet, support one another, share ideas, and work on issues of importance to them as a community. GLAM has grown to more than 130 gay consultants worldwide, including more than 25 partners and associate principals. Today, more than half of GLAM consultants reside outside of North America. We truly are a global community.
"It's been a fantastic experience having GLAM at the firm. It's a big reason I'm so happy here and why I came here in the first place," offers a current GLAM member.
Impact
As with all consultants, GLAM members are engaged with a broad range of clients and practices. Many have also taken an interest in pro-bono efforts aimed at improving broader societal conditions for gays and lesbians.
McKinsey was the founding sponsor of both the Reaching Out conference (a US-based, multinational gathering of more than 800 GLBT MBA students) and the Undergraduate Out for Business Conference (a US-based program to convene top GLBT talent interested in consulting and investment banking). As Brian Rolfes, Director of Global Recruiting for McKinsey and a leader of GLAM, states: "It's not surprising that McKinsey was a pioneer in our outreach to the GLBT community. Our Firm's mission is to attract, excite, develop and retain the world's top talent, and we have always recognized that the best and brightest come from all walks of life".
We are committed to supporting organizations that focus on equity in the workplace such as the U.S. Human Rights Campaign and the U.K. Stonewall Diversity Champion's Program.
Choice
GLAM members work in a range of industries and functions, and across a wide range of geographies. Like all McKinsey consultants, members of GLAM are choosing to engage in exciting work across many continents. China, Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Canada, and the United States are just a few of the places where you will find GLAM members living and working. Choices of where to travel and work are not limited by concerns of domestic partner benefit coverage, as the firm can provide these benefits worldwide.
Growth
GLAM members are invited to attend global conferences to discuss topics important to their professional development, including ways to use their capabilities as leaders and how to be most effective in building trust-based relationships with clients. A formal mentoring and coaching program from senior members of GLAM is part of the overall support that GLAM provides to enhance your professional development.
Following the spirit of McKinsey's 80-year legacy of values, we set the standard for doing what is right. We're proud that the Human Rights Campaign recognizes our firm as a place that fully supports the success of gays and lesbians. McKinsey's Human Rights Campaign score has been a perfect 100 since 2006. This reputation helps our firm attract, retain, develop, and advance gay and lesbian professionals.
Should you have questions about GLAM, feel free to contact us at glam@mckinsey.com