We are delighted to announce the Winners of the TLC Lions Human Awards Americas 2024. The winners have been recognized for their commitment to human-centered leadership and for driving a more human working world for all. We hope you’ll join us in congratulating them and honoring the extraordinary work they’ve done to humanize the workplace.
Kate Duchene, CEO of RGP, exemplifies exceptional leadership, earning her the Human CEO of the Year award. Since joining RGP, Kate has transformed the company by prioritising flexibility and empowerment, allowing employees to thrive. Her unwavering commitment to diversity is reflected in a workforce where women and minorities excel. By championing innovative Employee Resource Groups, Kate fosters inclusion and community, enhancing workplace culture. A thought leader and advocate for systemic change, she actively engages in initiatives that bridge gender and racial gaps. Kate’s visionary approach, integrity, and dedication to people-first principles make her a remarkable CEO and a true trailblazer.
Hallam Sargeant, Chief Inclusion & Talent Officer at Avanade, has redefined the organisation’s approach to inclusion, diversity, and wellbeing. Since joining as the first Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer in 2020, he has driven significant growth in Employee Networks and increased women’s representation in leadership roles. Hallam emphasises a holistic approach to inclusion, addressing workplace stress and personal experiences through innovative workshops and toolkits. His initiatives, including the Global Inclusion, Diversity & Wellbeing Awards, cultivate a culture of empathy and engagement. Hallam’s compassionate leadership and commitment to a genuinely inclusive workplace make him a deserving candidate for the Human Leader of the Year Award.
Rachel Duncan, Vice President at Deutsche Bank, has been recognised as a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has made remarkable strides in supporting mental health and neurodiversity. As Chair of dbEnable US, she advocates for an inclusive workplace for individuals with visible and invisible disabilities. Rachel’s dedication is evident through her role in creating the NAMI-NYC Workplace Mental Health Collaborative, aimed at reducing stigma around mental health challenges. Her initiatives, including the relaunch of the Autism Internship Program and a focus on mental health awareness, highlight her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive community. Rachel’s compassionate leadership truly embodies the essence of a Future Human Leader.
Paul Phillips, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Avanade, has been awarded the HR Leader of the Year Award for his transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to a compassionate workplace culture. His innovative “Hiring for Potential” initiative has redefined recruitment practices, emphasising the importance of nurturing raw talent. Paul champions employee wellbeing through structured meetings, flexible work arrangements, and mental health resources. His dedication to inclusive leadership, demonstrated by the implementation of ‘Licence to Hire,’ ensures bias-free evaluations. Paul’s visionary initiatives and empathetic leadership have created an environment where individuals can truly thrive.
Mark Goldstein, Partner at Reed Smith, has been awarded the Human Storyteller of the Year Award for his transformative advocacy for mental health in the legal industry. His impactful article, “Scared. Ashamed. Crippled,” ignited a movement, leading to thousands of conversations about mental wellness. As the leader of Reed Smith’s global Mental Health Task Force, Mark has spearheaded initiatives like the annual Mental Health Summit and a groundbreaking Law Student Mental Health Summit, fostering a supportive culture where mental health is prioritised. His dedication is reshaping perceptions and breaking down stigma within the legal profession.
Mawi Asgedom’s journey from a refugee camp in Sudan to graduating from Harvard is nothing short of remarkable. Overcoming immense challenges – including the loss of his brother and father – Mawi shared his story in his bestselling memoir, Of Beetles and Angels, which earned recognition from Oprah and Essence and is a true testament to resilience. In 1999, he founded Mawi Learning, an award-winning organisation that cultivates social-emotional learning for millions of students. Today, through his latest initiative, Inner Heroes Universe, Mawi equips young people with essential mental health skills. His storytelling continues to inspire, making him an extraordinary Human Storyteller of the Year award.
B.Pride has been awarded the Employee Network/Resource Group of the Year for its outstanding commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at Broadridge. As a pioneering force within the organisation, B.Pride provides essential support for LGBTQ+ associates and their allies, promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding through impactful initiatives, educational events, and community outreach. Their dedicated efforts have resulted in Broadridge achieving a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for the 11th consecutive year, creating a safe and vibrant workplace for all at Broadridge.
S&P Global has been awarded the Human Company of the Year for its commitment to a People First philosophy that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. By integrating core values such as integrity, discovery, and partnership into its culture, S&P Global fosters an inclusive environment where employees can thrive. Key initiatives include comprehensive parental leave policies, flexible work arrangements, and wellness programs, demonstrating their dedication to work-life balance. Additionally, their corporate responsibility efforts empower employees to contribute to communities through volunteerism and philanthropic support. S&P Global’s focus on listening to employees further enhances engagement and satisfaction, driving sustainable success.
The 2024 TLC Lions Special Recognition Award goes to Dana Codispoti, Chief People Officer at Madison Realty Capital and Founder of the non-profit Higher. Dana embodies the essence of human leadership with unwavering courage, compassion, and authenticity. Balancing a dynamic corporate career with deep commitment to her team and family, she’s made a lasting impact on countless lives. Known for her dedication to breaking barriers and empowering others, Dana’s leadership inspires those around her to bring their whole selves to work. Her exceptional contributions to creating a more compassionate workplace make her a truly deserving recipient of this honour.