In a press release from Out Leadership, an organization that describes its goal as “cultivating LGBT and ally senior leaders to create global business opportunity and drive equality forward”, a number of Fortune 500 executives are applauding Apple CEO Tim Cook’s decision to identify himself as gay publicly.
“Out Leadership’s member firms, including the executives below, join me in congratulating Tim Cook on his historic step forward. We thank him for his leadership and hope his example will inspire LGBT business leaders around the world to claim their identities with pride. We wish him the very best.”
Cook published an essay in Bloomberg Businessweek yesterday confirming his sexual orientation for the first time publicly and noting that “the public figures who have bravely come out have helped change perceptions and made our culture more tolerant.”
Among the executives applauding Cook’s decision are Jacques Brand, CEO of Deutsche Bank North America, Lloyd Blankfein, CEO and Chairman of Goldman Sachs, and Pat Burke, President & CEO, HSBC USA:
Jacques Brand, CEO of Deutsche Bank North America. (Deutsche Bank will host the third annual Out on the Street: Europe Summit at its headquarters in the city of London on 10 November 2014):
“Apple has inspired us yet again. We applaud Tim for his personal and powerful message and Apple for its long-standing commitment to diversity.”
Lloyd Blankfein, CEO and Chairman of Goldman Sachs and member of the Out Leadership Advisory Board:
“His words resonate, especially the importance of a workplace that embraces people’s differences.”
Lord John Browne, Managing Director of Riverstone Holdings and member of the Out Leadership Advisory Board:
“Significant moment for Tim Cook, Apple and LGBT people everywhere. He’ll change the corporate world.”
Trevor Burgess, CEO C1 Financial:
“Tim Cook is an American Dream story – he serves as a shining example that you can be who you are, you can be gay, and become the CEO of the most valuable company in the world.”
Pat Burke, President & CEO, HSBC USA:
“Tim Cook has taken a bold step and should be congratulated for doing so. His action raises the importance of leading from the front and robustly paves the way for others.”
Dan O’Connell, CEO and Founder of Vestar Capital Partners:
“Tim Cook is brave, unselfish and caring…his decision to come forward is already having a huge positive impact…not only is he a great CEO but he is a great leader and true American.”
John Roberts, Partner, Denver Investments and founder of the Workplace Equality Index:
“Tim Cook’s eloquent statement reinforces what many now call the ‘return on equality™.’ His character and truthfulness are traits that tend to shape corporate performance, especially among equality-minded corporations like Apple. Put simply, Cook’s example mirrors Apple’s own commitment to global equality.”
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He’s a classy guy and a true leader. I think Jobs knew exactly what he was doing. Tim Cook is the perfect CEO for today’s Apple and he’ll continue to be. I’m glad to support a company with such fearless leaders. People have the right to believe and feel as they do and we shouldn’t judge them for it. The fact that his preferences have become such a big story are telling in itself. Let’s hope he succeeds in helping others find similar courage.
word love me my iPad air chinggggg lol
It’s not like he was hiding. Never understood the label ‘coming out’, it’s really nobody’s business what one’s sexual orientation is. I don’t believe public acceptance is something anyone should care for. Everyone should be confident in their own shoes. I mean, is pride awarded socially now? Carry yourself like a being with the freedom and power to do and be whatever you want, don’t let others hold you back.
Can we stop talking about this now? What does it have to do with Apple.
Mr. Cook’s statement is about leadership and setting an example. We associate Apple with innovation and pioneering new paths for society, not just for cool products. What Mr. Cook did in publishing this article was to follow the very example set by Steve Jobs in thinking different. He took a big chance in declaring his identity, one that has traditionally come a great individual cost. But that is how you change the world.
I strongly suggest that you and others reading this watch Mr. Cook’s recent two-part interview with Charlie Rose (http://www.hulu.com/watch/686851). It is time well spent if you want to understand Tim Cook, Apple and where the company is going. Tim Cook has been castigated and found guilty of not being Steve Jobs by fans and critics alike. But in this interview, and again in his recently published declaration, Mr. Cook has defined who he is as a person and as a business leader.
Before Steve Jobs passed away, he urged his followers not to base their decisions on the question, “What would Steve do?” Among his many contributions to changing the world was putting in place a team at Apple who could carry on his legacy with outstanding performance and the confidence to act on their own. It’s what Steve wanted. And I am more certain than ever, especially after reading Mr. Cook’s article yesterday, that Steve Jobs knew his successor would follow his heart as well as his head in moving Apple, and the world, forward. Steve Jobs would want no less. It was a gutsy move on Steve Jobs’ part, and an equally gutsy move by Tim Cook.
THAT is how you lead. And that is how you change the world.
Do you have any idea of the reality of this is to the business world..huge!
I really see no reason for someone to make a, “decision” regarding telling the public their sexual orientation.
I can see how this would have a positive effect for others struggling with their sexuality as he’s very successful and not the cookie-cut pop culture homosexual type.
To those in the gay community saying, “about time”, no one should be required to divulge their sexual orientation, regardless if they are common person or highly successful and in the media regularly.
I see the “about time” in a different light: its about widening the horizons and showing that all walks of life are available to that minority… of course LGBT can be hairdressers, actors, waiters, etc. but they can also succeed and make careers in business, manufacturing and technology.
I wonder what is happening to America. How can you applaud someone declaring he is gay? How can you applaud a self-infected disease? very soon people will declare themselves to be serial rapists and will get applauded for that in America. A man sleeping with another man? This is disgusting to the highest order. How miserable, pathetic and crazy can it get more than this?
I think you belong to a previous century of bigotry, hate and lack of understanding. Something like the middle ages would be better suited to you.
Totally agree with you! It’s sad that nowadays it’s actually good to have mental illnes and be homo.
I guess only in America is something like this news.
Just goes to show how far America still has to come as a democracy.
That’s nice. Do I get some sort of notoriety if I come out that I prefer ketchup over mustard?