Up and Out: A Conversation with LGBTQ+ Leaders at BlackRock

What does being a Managing Director and out LGBTQ+ leader at BlackRock mean to you? 

Brian Grossman (Head of Americas Product Strategy for Alternative Solutions Group): For the majority of my six years at BlackRock, I did not consider being openly gay as integral to my professional trajectory or contribution to the firm. My path to becoming a Managing Director, however, changed my perspective. I am proud and appreciative of the opportunity to represent the LGBTQ+ community. I feel a responsibility to mentor and be a role model for younger professionals, and to use my leadership position to help shape how BlackRock approaches its social impact – particularly with the development of our market-leading investment programs. I am excited and passionate about continuing to work alongside incredibly talented younger professionals across the firm and to help unlock growth opportunities for BlackRock. 

Kirsty Craig (Head of the Data Strategy & Solutions Team): It’s really important to have diverse senior leaders in the LGBTQ+ space who represent all parts of our community. It’s important to acknowledge the intersectionality of people’s identities and ensure that we have that level of diversity in senior ranks. As I advanced my career at BlackRock, I didn’t personally see people that looked and felt the same as me. So for me, being a Managing Director and a leader for the LGBTQ+ community now is about being a visible role model for everyone at the firm, to give people the chance to see that you can belong at BlackRock. 

How have you seen the level of industry acceptance of the out LGBTQ+ community change from when you began your career to now? Were there any LGBTQ+ professionals in leadership positions that you looked up to? If not, how did that influence you? 

Brian: The level of industry acceptance and focus on DEI has changed drastically since the beginning of my career. Authenticity and vulnerability were not as embraced when I started working as an Analyst. At the time, it felt like conformity was more of the norm. This influenced my level of comfort in coming out and being out at work. I had concerns for how being out would negatively impact my career potential. At BlackRock, I feel not only safe, but encouraged to be my authentic self. I also recognize how being both authentic and vulnerable allows for personal and professional growth. 

Kirsty: I’ve seen a massive shift in industry acceptance, although depending on where you are in the world or how you identify, that experience can be very different and is something we should acknowledge. 

2022 has been a great year for increasing female-identifying LGBTQ+ representation in leadership positions at BlackRock. The firm is also focused on building a very exciting bench of junior LGBTQ+ talent, thanks to partnerships like Out 4 Undergrad, Out & Equal and Lesbians Who Tech. That was something that didn’t exist when I started my career. 

How important has it been for you to have mentors or advocates throughout your career? 

Brian: Having mentors and advocates has been incredibly important to my career. My personal community of mentors has been diverse. That said, not all diversity is diversity that you can see, which is just one of the reasons why the work that the Out & Allies Network does to build a supportive community and make mentorship connections is so significant. 

Kirsty: I’ve had different mentors at different points of my career and depending on the challenges I was facing at the time. A concept that I embrace is having a personal Board of Directors – a group of three to five people whom I meet with frequently to discuss my career and challenges. This network of internal BLK sponsors and mentors has helped me navigate challenges like my career path and what opportunities I should be thinking about, and coached me on how to handle difficult issues. 

What advice would you give to members of the LGBTQ+ community, whether out or not, to navigate their careers while also showing up as their full authentic selves? 

Brian: Self-acceptance and confidence in being your true authentic self in a professional setting is a journey. That journey is unique to each person, and everyone should do what is comfortable when it makes sense for them. I believe, however, that being your authentic self provides you with the ability to better explore your full potential. 

Kirsty: This may sound cheesy but bring your whole self to work and be proud of who you are. I have made lifelong friendships with people I’ve met at BlackRock by being my true, authentic self.