GLBT History Month: Profiles in business
BY SHANE COHN
October being GLBT History Month, it’s important to reflect on the progress we’ve made as a community within the business sector. Many companies are just now starting to implement policies to protect employees based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, but those are policies that didn’t even exist just a few short years ago. We still have a long way to go toward fair and equitable workplaces. In many cases, we still fight barriers to feel accepted in our places of work.
This is why the visibility of GLBT business leaders is critical for the overall well-being of our community. It provides many benefits: informal mentorship, industry awareness/insight, and sage word of advice from successful business people.
Perhaps the GLBT youth of our community will learn of an occupation they’ve not known before, and want to pursue that path. Maybe you, or another member of our GLBT community, are looking for employment in a particular industry or want to grow in your career, and want to learn more… now you have a voice.
I once heard at a business conference a while back that “if someone hands you a business card… USE IT! People don’t hand out business cards with the intent that no one will contact them. Initiative accounts for 90% of accomplishment.”
Send in your questions. Send information on your appointments, promotions, and new businesses!
The leaders we are profiling in this month’s edition have very different backgrounds and skills. Each works in a very different industry, as well. Their similarities, though, are more of character. All three of these leaders believe in being involved with the community through volunteer work, have adopted mentorships throughout their career, believe in the power of staying positive, and are also setting an example for future generations.
If leadership is about accomplishments and distinguishing yourself from others, then it is only appropriate that we profile these three GLBT professionals in our inaugural business section.
Amie NeedhamPartner-Elect, Thompson Coburn LLP
Amie Needham practices employment law at Thompson Coburn LLP, one of the region’s largest law firms. Since joining the firm in 2000, she has established strong relationships with clients and peers alike, which has led her to a corner office as soon as she was eligible for partner.
“It’s particularly interesting to work with clients on issues relating to LGBT employees since there are virtually no laws protecting LGBT rights in the workplace,” Needham said. “I have to use my personal experience as a member of the LGBT community to communicate to clients the importance and sensitivity in addressing these issues.”
When Needham started with the firm she wasn’t out, but didn’t find it difficult to share her identity with colleagues as she continued in her career there. “I attribute my ease in coming out at work to the supportive environment fostered by the people here at Thompson Coburn.”
Who are your mentors?
Susan Block, Legal Advocate, and my parents for teaching me their amazing sense of “right and wrong.”
What is your dream job?
To lead a large national advocacy organization like HRC, Victory Fund, Lambda Legal, or to be Sen. Claire McCaskill’s successor – when she decides to retire, of course.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
It could be one of two things. That I’m a huge country music fan, or that I have an entire closet just for my shoe collection.
Bryan Young
President, Catering Plus
In a surprising twist of fate, Bryan Young walked away from his first job in food services telling himself that he would never work in the food business again to only find himself years later as the president of one of the most well-known catering firms in the region.
His passion for perfection is evident in the details, and his client list reads like a “who’s who” of St. Louis. Over the last 13 years, he has turned his work into his dream job and his greatest accomplishment. “Most small businesses fail in the first five years, so I’m very proud to still be able to maintain a business – especially since the catering business is particularly competitive with great turnover,” Young said.
Young has a reputation for speaking his mind and getting things done. He believes that being a GLBT professional means that you have to be who you are. “You don’t have to wear it like a badge, but be who you are…”
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Go to business/industry conferences – not only for the education, but also to meet other people in the business.
What advice you would give others?
Realize that going into the catering or event-planning business is a lot of hard work. It’s not all glitz and glamour. It’s very hands-on and requires a lot of organization.
James Dean
General Manager, Dean Team Volkswagen
Working in a family-owned business, Jim Dean focuses his daily work on maintaining a business with good ethical practices so his daughter can also be a part of the business. He manages the daily sales, financing, and operations for the Dean Team Volkswagen dealership.
Working in a difficult business, Dean has learned to stay positive. “Don’t expect people to pat you on the back and tell you that you’re doing a good job. Keep a positive outlook and keep moving forward.” Dean said.
The best advice he gives to others:
Your credit rating is your lifestyle.
What charitable/volunteer activities are you involved in?
The MS Challenge Walk – we have raised over $500,000 in the past three years. I’m also involved with the Special Olympics since my brother has Down syndrome. Additionally, I am active in my church.
Name something not many people know about you.
I have a partner of six years, and we are happily committed to each other. This year we adopted a baby girl, Georgia, who is now seven months old.
You can e-mail Shane Cohn at citizenshane@hotmail.com.
