Profile
Magic Johnson: Putting People in the Game
Kellye Whitney, 11-21-2008
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Many thought leaders and practitioners in the diversity and inclusion space have commented on the lack of progress in the industry in the 20 or more years since the issue first entered business conversations. That might be related to a disconnect between a belief in the value of diversity and tangible actions to carry it into practice, Johnson said.
“There’s a lot of lip service out there about diversity, but I get upset when I don’t see companies really believing it, executing on it and making sure the employees buy off on it as well. It’s not just putting somebody in the diversity role. It’s actually doing something about it.
“There’s contracts for vendors and suppliers, making sure there’s advancement for those who deserve it and have earned it and making sure you have enough minorities working inside your company — and not just anybody, but minorities who are qualified.”
With an expanding list of businesses under the Magic Johnson Enterprises umbrella, Johnson said he plans to focus his energy on sustaining the viability of his various companies.
“My model in ’09 is to grow the business that we have. I’m not looking to take on anything else right now. I’m looking forward to growing what we already have, which can be unbelievable — and a lot — so that’s where I have everyone’s mind set: to get ready for the first quarter of next year,” Johnson said.
“It’s unfortunate we still have to talk about [diversity]. This should be something that is just a part of what we do. Diversity is a plus for everybody. It’s a plus for those who will be employed. It’s a plus for those who get the contracts. It’s a plus for the corporations that hire them or that give them those contracts.
“Hopefully, in the next five years or so we won’t have to talk about it like this. It will just be a natural thing, that, ‘Hey, these people do a great job. They deserve to have this opportunity, and it’s just a part of business.’ People better look up because it’s going to have to be.
“The minority community is growing seven times that of the general population. In the next 20-30 years, or 20-40 anyway, half of America will be minorities. Companies and corporations have to look at it now. They can’t wait until then or they will be behind.”
– Kellye Whitney
