Workplace Diversity
Ralph Izzo is the CEO of Public Service Enterprise Group.
PUF's Steve Mitnick: Tell us why are you here at the American Association of Blacks in Energy Policy Summit.
Ralph Izzo: We have had, and continue to have, a major effort underway at PSEG around diversity and inclusion for a variety of reasons and, in no particular order, I offer them as follows. New Jersey is arguably one of the most diverse states in the nation, if not the most diverse state. The talent pool that is most immediately at our disposal is one that has to feel welcome, has to feel comfortable that they're going to a company that values them and appreciates them.
I come at this from a business imperative point of view, in a very practical way. When I look at the opportunity to work with suppliers or vendors, the opportunity to hire new talent, why on earth would I want to limit myself in any way, shape or form from all that's available? Whether that's a gender limitation, an ethnic limitation or a lifestyle limitation.
I want to be able to choose from one hundred percent of what's out there, to be able to benefit from the richness of different perspectives and identification of different priorities and solutions to various problems, as well as the fact that you simply have more to choose from when you look at everything that's on the table.