#TeamGuidant celebrates Pride Month: Ben’s story

By Ben McGuinness, Supply Chain Consultant

In continuing the celebrations for Pride Month 2021, #TeamGuidant’s Supply Chain Consultant, Ben McGuinness, shares his experience in the world of work as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Having just celebrated my 5th work anniversary at Guidant…
I’ve never been made to feel like I couldn’t be my true authentic self at all since I’ve been here. In fact, it has encouraged me to speak up, share my ideas and thoughts – which has largely been enabled through being part of the LGBTQ+ ambassador group at Guidant.

Being my authentic self at work.
A couple years ago, the LGBTQ+ group shared our coming out stories to the wider business on our internal social media platform. It was scary at first, but many of our fellow colleagues who watched it flooded us with so much love and support. I love watching it back and we still receive so much positive feedback on National Coming Out Day every year.

I have worked at places before where I have been made to feel I couldn’t express my true self which resulted in my not being comfortable to really make many friends or talk about my life, which is the complete opposite at Guidant, where it’s celebrated for us to be who we are.

Use your voice and speak out.
Being a part of the LGBTQ+ ambassador group, I’ve had the chance to attend various events and meet amazing people from our diversity programme. I’d love to see more companies being more inclusive and allowing people to bring their true selves to work. For anyone who feels like they can’t speak out, please do! Your voice is powerful. We need to continue to make change happen.

In 2021, the world is starting to open its eyes and be more accepting of diverse groups. Especially when facing a global crisis like the pandemic, we need to come together and love one another. Love who you want to love, be who you want to be.

As legendary American drag queen, RuPaul Charles, once said, ‘if you can’t love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else?’

Come be a part of our inclusive team and celebrate work diversity #ABetterWay >