Curtis Baker: Championing Inclusion and Empowerment

Curtis is an #IAmRemarkable Facilitator and Regional Inclusion, Diversity and Equity lead for Dow Asia Pacific. Originally from the US, but now based in China, he spoke to us about the power of positive self-talk and how to be a good ally.

Tell us about yourself.

I have always been curious and adventurous, but not always confident.  

It took me a long time to get to know and accept who I am. Knowing who I am now, I don’t hide, I don’t shy away. By accepting and embracing who you are, you can help somebody else see themselves.

After a couple of years working in China, I took a jump and began working in the HR space, where I started the first ERG (Employee Resource Group) for LGBTQ+ people.  It started simply because I asked the question: “What are we doing for Pride?”  Those around me didn’t know what to do about this topic so it was a real journey of discovery. 

What does Pride mean to you?

Pride, to me, is a celebration of the beautiful LGBTQ+ community. It connects a colourful community together regardless of race, culture, language, age. It’s you being you and loving you!  To me, Pride is important as it brings not only the LGBTQ+ community together, but also empowers our allies to join in the celebration without judgement, fear or insecurity.

Why are inclusive workplaces important?

Inclusion and diversity is not only my job, it’s a core value to me. 

It’s about connecting it from the head to the heart, using personal stories, not labels.

Sometimes the workplace can be the scariest place to be yourself and come out.  However, in workplaces where inclusion is valued and embedded into the culture, being your true self at work can be the only place you feel safe.  

How does #IAmRemarkable help to create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people?

As a member of the LGBTQ community, #IAmRemarkable brought to light the way I talked to myself and no longer allowed me to hide in the closet, but to step out and step up.  I’m not bragging when I say I started the first LGBTQ+ ERG in all of Asia for our company.  It’s the truth. It’s a fact.

When you can tell yourself and hear yourself say ‘I am remarkable’, it builds self esteem and allows you to walk into the next room or the next chapter as a more confident person. 

Especially for the LGBTQ community, the way that we talk to ourselves is important.  People see you differently when you continuously practise that muscle of talking positively to yourself. They see that confidence, that glow, that shine. And it’s contagious! It has a ripple effect. 

What does good allyship look like to you?

Being curious and being actionable. What you don’t know, you don’t know. Let curiosity drive action. When you’re curious and willing to say you don’t know what something means, you can take ownership and find out the answer. 

We see the stickers during June that say ‘Ally’. Ok. Nice sticker. But allyship is not a sticker, it’s an action. 

And finally, the golden question: what makes you remarkable?

I am remarkable because I know who I am and I’m empowering other people to find their identity and to embrace who they are.

That’s not only a professional mission: it’s a personal mission.

Everytime I facilitate an #IAmRemarkable workshop and I hear people say it for the first time it empowers me. You see that moment of impact and it’s priceless. That’s why I keep doing it.