Last year, when Northwestern Mutual wanted to double down on its diversity and inclusion efforts, CEO John Schlifske started the Sustained Action for Racial Equity task force. He asked Leo Tucker, who heads the firm’s business in and around the nation’s capital, to spearhead work related to mutual respect in Northwestern Mutual’s 76 field network offices and 240 district offices nationally. Tucker’s work will include testing for alignment with the company’s commitment to D&I, creating inclusive cultures and adding rigorous national training for each territory. “By intentionally creating an office that reflects the marketplace we serve and being able to attract talent from a wider variety of pools, our business has grown faster than other offices. Welcoming everyone allows us to retain more talent and clients, leading to our best years ever,” said Tucker, who is managing partner of the firm.
The only field leader invited to participate in the task force, Tucker was already recognized throughout the company for his many diversity and inclusion accomplishments (see his See it Be it Role Model profile), which include hosting a bi-monthly “Forum Dinner” for African American advisers at his home to which diverse speakers are invited. Tucker also has recruited several Latinx and women advisers, as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community. His office has supported the Hispanic Bar Association, Washington Area Women’s Foundation, Women’s Bar Association, Business of Pride and DC Pride Festival, and it has hosted seminars for members of the LGBTQ+ community with partner TAGG Magazine. He is active locally and nationally in attracting women to Northwestern Mutual, and 80% of his C-suite are women.
Contact: Liz Wolf, chief marketing officer, at Elizabeth.wolf@nm.com.
— Evan Cooper