As Pride Month comes to a close, we’re reminded that visibility and inclusion aren’t about checking a box or posting a rainbow for 30 days — they’re about how we show up all year long. At Elovate, our commitment to equity and belonging extends far beyond June. It’s reflected in how we lead, listen, and build a safer world for everyone.
We sat down with Rob DeSanti, our General Manager, to talk about what Pride means to him personally, how his career has shaped his views on leadership and inclusion, and how he’s working to elevate every voice across the company and the communities we serve.
For me pride month is about celebrating how far we’ve come as a society while being conscience there is still work to be done for full quality and inclusion. It helps shape the culture within Elovate by reminding us that everyone deserves to bring their authentic self to work and be valued for who they are.
That’s a great question and unfortunately, I have seen this in my career, and it still occurs on occasion. I think because of these experiences I’ve grown very sensitive to when this happens. It’s our responsibility to ensure everyone is heard as this bread is a great culture of continuous improvement. What I mean by this is simple, the more diverse opinions the more collective thought goes into decision making.
To me, being a “people-first” and “people safety” company means creating an environment where every person—regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation—feels seen, respected, and safe to be themselves. For LGBTQ+ folks, that goes beyond just acceptance; it means actively working to remove barriers, challenge biases, and ensure equity in how we hire, promote, support, and celebrate our people.
This is another question. There are many times I’ve been humbled by simply taking a step back and listening to what someone “needs” versus preparing an answer to what I “want”. We often forget that as leaders, our role is not only about driving results but also assisting those we lead to become the best version of themselves. So, if you don’t take the time to listen to the guidance you provide, never be specific to an individual. We’re all built differently and that’s an amazing thing.
Simply put, continue to provide platforms and support to the individuals around me. This could be with employees, managers, or personal friends and family. Some subjects should be discussed often and loudly, and the topic of inequality should remain a speaking point all the time in my opinion.
Elovate Team at Modaxo 101 – Boston, September 2024
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