On Wednesday, many of us were reeling from the results of the election. The realization that Donald Trump would be the next president of the United States came as a shock. Among Hillary supporters, there was a feeling of profound loss — and the idea that we would still be expected to show up for work was unimaginable.
But somehow, we made it through the workweek. And then, something happened: We started to hear the most inspiring stories about CEOs at major corporations across the country — from Apple to Google to Starbucks — sending remarkable messages of comfort, hope, and support to their employees.
While the content of the emails varies, nearly all of them emphasize unity and strength. And nearly all take the opportunity to reaffirm their company's commitment to diversity, an especially important message right now, when so many people feel unsafe or unwelcome in America.
We asked our network of friends, family, and fellow members of the workforce across a variety of industries to share the emails they received from their respective organizations with us. Ahead, we've published 12 of the most extraordinary, in full.
In the words of PepsiCo's Indra Nooyi, "[N]o matter what we look like or where we come from, no matter what faith we practice or what political party we support, we are, first and foremost, Americans."
Did your CEO or company send a message of support following the election? Please share it with us in the comments or forward the original emails to us at heythere@refinery29.com.
Miki Agrawal, CEO Of Thinx
Dear Thinx family,
Well, that sure didn't go as planned...
As we waited with Champagne bottles ready to be popped along with the glass ceiling, the unthinkable happened.
The last couple of days have been a haze, sleeping very little, as we pieced it all together. Ultimately, it came down to the fact that not enough of the Democratic Party made it out to vote. Sadly, there were not enough inspired people to back her and millions simply opted out. And all of his supporters went out and voted. In droves.
So he won.
As we pick up the pieces in the coming months, either we can continue to create a greater divide and point fingers at the racists, bigots, misogynists, homophobes, and the women who all voted for him (because, let's be honest, I can go on for days about that, too), or we can finally start to ask ourselves: Why is half our country so upset?
This is not about Trump or Hillary, this is about the people who voted.
Maybe we do live in a comfortable bubble and can't imagine why anyone would vote for a narcissus like Trump, but maybe there are reasons that are simply so far removed from our minds that it's not even on our radar... Might we be missing something? I will, of course, never tolerate racism, bigotry, sexism, etc., but we have to look closer at what's going on and, more importantly, what we can do to bridge the divide.
Yesterday, we held an all-hands team meeting at Thinx HQ and we discussed what we can each do as individuals and as a company, and we came up with the following:
1. We will not unfriend those that voted for Trump on Facebook, but rather choose to have open discourse with them (without the bitch face) (i.e. with true open-mindedness).
2. We will go to the red states and host Thinx pop-ups there, and get to know the people that we may not encounter often and talk taboos. Maybe we can open up their hearts and minds in those convos.
3. We will genuinely listen. Even when it's infuriating and confusing. I am going to open up my ears and heart to my dad, who voted for Trump. We haven't spoken in a while because of it, and I plan to build a bridge over Thanksgiving to really try and understand his side.
At Thinx, we are faced with changing hearts and minds every day, talking about the oldest taboo in the world: our period — and sharing a new "period underwear" concept that might be hard to grasp at first (because it's totally different to what people have known for so long), but we change hearts and minds through education, inspiration, and inclusion and by facing and answering the tough questions earnestly (yes, they really work, and yes, you feel dry, and no, they don't smell, and yes, periods are cool because it creates human life, and no, you shouldn't be ashamed to discuss it, etc.). By just speaking to those who already "get" the blessings of periods (and period underwear :-)), it defeats the whole purpose; we want to change the hearts and minds of those who may NOT get it.
I am not trying to compare periods to what's going on in our country, but there is an inextricable link to the shame and frustration that we feel all around.
The only way we can create true unity is if we ALL get off our high horses (me included!) and humble ourselves on both sides and listen to each other. And let's not wait for them to do it first. It always starts with us. Yes, we have a right to be angry and scared (I am, too, and even more so after seeing who's on his shortlist for cabinet members, etc.), but the best thing we can do is build more good businesses and programs that improve the world, educate people by doing it in a caring, non-condescending way, and participate in the discourse around us positively.
We have a choice. As corny as it sounds, I know deep in my bones that we all want to choose love. It always trumps hate in the end.
In blood we trust,
XO
Miki
P.S. Also, full transparency: Part of our plan is to find and groom a strong, smart, humble, authentic, tolerant candidate to run for office in 2020. Any ideas?
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Howard Schultz, CEO Of Starbucks
Dear partners,
Last night, like so many of you, I watched the election returns with family and friends. And like so many of our fellow Americans — both Democrats and Republicans — I am stunned.
We cannot know what the precise impact will be on our country and the rest of the world. I am hopeful that we will overcome the vitriol and division of this unprecedented election season.
As Americans, we must honor the democratic process. We have a president-elect in Donald Trump, and it is our responsibility as citizens to give him the opportunity to govern well and bring our country together.
Whether you are pleased or disappointed by the outcome, we each still have a choice. Today and every day, we have a choice in how we treat one another in our homes, in our neighborhoods, and of course in our stores. We can choose to answer the challenges of the day with kindness and compassion.
We can choose to listen, to understand, and to act with respect. We can choose to live by the values that reside in each of us, and honor our commitment to nurture the human spirit with love, and offer everyone in our stores and communities a place of inclusion and optimism.
Today, I trust you, and I trust all that is good in our country. Let's take care of each other and the people in our lives. I believe we will each find the best version of ourselves to help our country move on in the direction we all deserve. Together is where our collective power lies, as partners, and as Americans.
I am so very proud to be your partner.
Onward,
Howard
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Indra Nooyi, Chairperson & CEO Of PepsiCo
Dear fellow associates,
Yesterday, across this country, Americans turned out in record numbers to make their voices heard. I want to congratulate president-elect Donald Trump on his victory, and I wish him all the best as he begins the work of stewarding this country in the months and years ahead.
It is perhaps unrealistic to expect that the strongly held views — and deeply felt emotions — that have marked this campaign season will subside overnight. We’ve held those views and felt those emotions for a reason, and they’ll likely linger for a while.
But I do hope that starting today, we can begin the process of healing, the process of overcoming the divisions that have been exposed during this campaign. I hope that starting today, we can refocus on the work of forging a partnership with one another to build our common future.
And as we take up that work, I can think of no better model for us to follow as a country than the PepsiCo society each and every one of you is working to advance.
After all, our associates in this country reflect all races, faiths, political perspectives, and backgrounds. They are Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, members of other political parties and no political party, men, women, African-Americans, Hispanics, whites, Asian-Americans, Native Americans, gay, straight, transgender, disabled, not disabled, believers, and non-believers.
Around the globe, the breadth of our PepsiCo society is even more staggering. We serve more countries and territories than the United Nations, and our associates encompass virtually all of the world’s nationalities, cultures, and faith traditions.
That diversity is a source of strength, an engine of creativity, dynamism, and prosperity. And it reflects the simple recognition that no matter what our differences, each of us is committed to doing our part for one another and this company that fills us with pride. Each of us is committed to ushering in a brighter future all of us can enjoy.
That spirit of tolerance, unity, and common purpose — that love we have for one another — is what we need to reclaim in America today and in the days ahead, recognizing that no matter what we look like or where we come from, no matter what faith we practice or what political party we support, we are, first and foremost, Americans. We are, first and foremost, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, who want a better life for ourselves and our families. And the only way of ushering in that better life, the only way of moving forward as a country, is by walking together, hand-in-hand.
Indra
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Team,
I spent much of yesterday talking with employees and leaders throughout LinkedIn about the U.S. election results and what it means to them personally and for us as a company. I wanted to briefly share what I heard and the implications for us going forward.
As might be expected from this long and sometimes brutal election cycle, the emotional responses people expressed ran from shock and sadness to grief and mourning; some telling stories of celebratory outreach from colleagues; and yet others feeling nothing at all. I heard women driven to tears of frustration over the fact a highly qualified woman was passed over once again for a leadership role, and saw men choke up as they recounted their stories; was told of how a highly talented and deserving co-worker, here from another country on an H1-B visa, was filled with dread over whether he and his family will have the opportunity to remain in the U.S.; and saw tears of joy from a mother recounting how her young son stood up in class, boasting how proud he was that his mom had voted.
The last eighteen months sharply divided the country. We saw far too many attacks on people vs. problems, and overzealous passion for candidates displacing compassion for one another. The polarization and open hostility was sustained for so long that people with opposing views became more caricature than actual human beings.
Let's make sure to provide one another the time to process everything that's just transpired. As leaders and achievers, many of us have a natural tendency to solve other people's problems as soon as we hear them. However, we need to be sensitive to the fact that some members of the team don't need or even want immediate resolution. They don't want to hear rationalizations or participate in endless debates about why this unfolded the way that it did. They may just want someone to listen.
Others are ready to engage; to share their fears and anger, their hopes and dreams. It's imperative to the healing process that we create a space where every individual at the company can feel safe when doing so; that everyone feels heard; and above all else, that every single employee of LinkedIn feels as if they truly belong here. This dynamic must transcend race, religion, gender, creed, and country of origin. While we have always aspired to make this the case, it will be more important than ever given the misogynistic, racist, and xenophobic language heard at times throughout this election. That language and behavior has not and never will have a place at LinkedIn and we will continue to do everything within our power to create a safe and productive work environment for all of our employees.
Beyond the healing, all of us should be prepared to channel this energy into action. Though human nature will dictate that we try and find one unifying theory for everything that transpired, the truth is that this outcome was the byproduct of multiple dynamics. Most relevant to the work we do at LinkedIn: The growing sense of disenfranchisement among tens of millions of Americans.
We've said for years that the realization of our vision -- to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce -- has never been more important. That when people no longer have access to opportunity, when they don't feel heard, society is at risk. Whether through the growing skills gap, widening socioeconomic stratification, the increasing displacement of jobs by new technologies, or rising youth based unemployment, there are a growing number of people in the U.S., and around the world, that no longer feel as if they have a chance to make a better life for themselves and their families. It's one thing to talk about this as part of a corporate narrative; its quite another to watch it unfold. That's where LinkedIn can make a meaningful difference. By developing the world's first economic graph, our newly launched learning and development tools, LinkedIn Cities, LinkedIn Placements, and many other similarly themed products, we can increasingly extend the power of our platform to help those middle skill workers beyond the core of our professional membership gain better control over their economic destiny. This work matters more than ever before.
As the election results were coming in, and it became increasingly obvious that Trump was likely to be our next President, my daughter asked what was going to happen next. I told her that no matter who was President of this country, her mom and I would always take care of her, that she would be raised with the same values we've always had, that we are fortunate to live in a country that enables every citizen not only the right to vote but to openly disagree with the views of the candidates, and that despite those disagreements, once we have elected a new President, recognize we're all in this together.
I'm not certain what a Trump administration will mean for the country. If Brexit and this process have taught me anything, it's how unpredictable seemingly predictable outcomes have become. What I am certain about is my value system, both as an individual and member of our team. I will continue to treat others, regardless of who they voted for, in a way that's consistent with those values. I hope the same holds for everyone at our company -- that no matter what our political leanings, our race, religion, gender, creed, or country of origin, we treat each other with respect, with compassion, and above all else, we take care of one another. No election should ever change that.
Jeff
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Devin Wenig, CEO Of eBay
Global Team,
The United States has chosen its next president. This has been an historic and emotionally charged election.
Just a few months ago, voters in the U.K. made a similarly historic decision regarding their relationship with the European Union. People are expressing sentiments that economic progress has not been distributed fairly. We’ve also seen a sense of fear and disruption caused by the impact that changing economic trends, including technology innovation, are having on people’s lives.
While I’ve avoided commenting directly on candidates or elections through this period, it’s clear to me that as a global technology leader, what we say and what we do matters. eBay was founded by an immigrant to the U.S. Pierre built our business on the belief that people are basically good, and this enduring heritage is one of the reasons I’m proud to lead this company.
From the beginning, eBay has worked to create a marketplace that is inclusive, fair, fostered by global trade, and empowered by small business entrepreneurship. As I travel to our offices around the world, I have the privilege to interact with people of countless nationalities and backgrounds. This diversity is one of the most valuable assets we have as we drive our business forward.
While we are a technology leader, our platform is centered around people -- buyers, sellers and our employees. We connect people through the power of a global marketplace. In an era where technology can be miscast as dehumanizing and disruptive, we represent a philosophy where technology can lift people and create opportunity at all levels. We will continue to advocate for principles and policies that support the needs of the global eBay community, and I will continue to speak publicly about inclusion, trade, and the positive role that technology can play in peoples’ lives around the world.
For now, we have a lot of work to do, and an approaching holiday season. We must stay focused on the task at hand. Our company is on the right track, but it will take all of our efforts to ensure that we finish what we started in 2016, and position the company for acceleration in 2017.
While political seasons come and go, we will remember who we are, why we exist, and who we serve.
Devin
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Rebecca Minkoff, Cofounder Of Rebecca Minkoff
This was obviously not the outcome we were expecting, but there is a great quote which is 'hell has no wrath like a woman scorned.' At a time like this, we need to remember that what makes us different is also what makes us great. If we have to march and rally to protect what we all value, then we’ll do it as a team. As your leader, I will continue to fight for each of you and for all that we believe in – and we won’t stop.
We also bought some wine, which I hope helps everyone through the rest of the afternoon.
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP/REX/Shutterstock
I'm still trying to reconcile my own worldview with the overwhelming message that was delivered last night. Clearly there are a lot of people angry and scared as the antithesis of every modern presidential candidate won and will be our next president.
While demeaning, insulting and ridiculing minorities, immigrants and the physically/mentally disabled worked for Mr. Trump, I want to be clear that this behavior — and these views, have no place at Grubhub. Had he worked here, many of his comments would have resulted in his immediate termination.
We have worked for years cultivating a culture of support and inclusiveness. I firmly believe that we must bring together different perspectives to continue innovating — including all genders, races, ethnicities and sexual, cultural or ideological preferences. We are better, faster and stronger together.
Further I absolutely reject the nationalist, anti-immigrant and hateful politics of Donald Trump and will work to shield our community from this movement as best as I can. As we all try to understand what this vote means to us, I want to affirm to anyone on our team that is scared or feels personally exposed, that I and everyone else here at Grubhub will fight for your dignity and your right to make a better life for yourself and your family here in the United States.
If you do not agree with this statement then please reply to this email with your resignation because you have no place here. We do not tolerate hateful attitudes on our team.I want to repeat what Hillary said this morning, that the new administration deserves our open minds and a chance to lead, but never stop believing that the fight for what's right is worth it.
Stay strong,
Matt
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Danny Meyer, CEO Of Union Square Hospitality Group
Dear USHG Colleagues,
It is a gray, damp morning in New York City and by the empty, downward looks on the faces of some of the same pedestrians I see almost every morning on the way to work, it seems that many did not sleep a whole lot last night. Other than the usual sirens and periodic honking car horns – my morning walk was far quieter and more self-reflective than usual. Like others, I am working hard to sort out my own feelings so that I can be there for my family and for you. I’m not going to sugar coat it: this is tough.
Before any of us can make sense of what will transpire in America following this election, let’s acknowledge what we do know:
1. Democracy works. This campaign was hard fought, and Americans came out in droves to make their votes count. We will have a new, democratically elected president who prevailed in the Electoral College, and the results will be accepted, even if not appreciated by the slight majority of voters who voted elsewise. Do not underestimate how important and how unusual that is among the world’s nations.
2. For those who feel completely shocked and disappointed by the election results (didn’t all the polls tell us it would be otherwise?), note that the outcome itself mirrors the very theme of the entire election: that as a country we have done an inadequate job of listening to or hearing one another, and when enough people don’t feel heard, massive change is inevitable. When will we learn that it is far more important for people to feel heard – even than to be agreed with? As a country and as a society which too often prizes shouting over respectful listening, we have clearly done a poor job at that.
3. Donald Trump will be our next president. I acknowledge that I found it hard to type those words, but there, I did it, and it was actually therapeutic. Acceptance of reality is never a bad first step to healing.
4. My dogs woke up today wagging their tails, wanting to be fed, and needing their morning walk. They slept perfectly well last night, and I believe they are fully prepared to accept the election results so long as they continue to be loved and cared for by the human beings they love: their family. I learned something from them this morning.
5. Other than feeling really tired and somewhat off kilter, I did my usual morning routine. I remembered to shave, managed to put on both socks and shoes, and got myself to work. I’ve already given five hugs today, and received five in return. They won’t be the last.
6. We are an incredibly resilient country and company, and there is no way that the results of this election are going to erode our ability to pick ourselves up and to persevere. When faced with any type of adversity, we have always found ways to end up in a better place, and this time will be no different. I feel confident that we will all see the sun shining – even before the end of this week.
As I wrote to you the night before the election – even before knowing these results – we have both a responsibility and a powerful opportunity to lead with our strongest suit: hospitality. The root of the word hospitality is hope, and hope is optimistic. I need each one of you to remember this : that every single person who chooses to dine at one of our restaurants – or anywhere we serve food, is primarily paying us to deliver the four gifts we are capable of doing better and more consistently well than anyone else:
1. Eye Contact – let people know you see them!
2. Smile – let people know you are happy to see them!
3. Hug – let people know that in making them feel good, you feel good!
4. Good food – give them the pleasure they came for!
Give those gifts with abandon, and we will show one another, and our guests why we are champions. It always works.
Enlightened Hospitality works and over the course of our company’s history, whenever we have been tested by challenges, whenever our world has been rocked, and times are uncertain – we have turned to what we know and do best: first taking care of ourselves, so that we can do a remarkable job at taking care of others. I’m holding myself accountable to that, and need you to do the same. And that begins with listening.
I am aware that many in our community may have woken up this morning feeling just as elated by the election results as others are feeling deflated. I honor that, and want to learn from every single point of view. What a privilege we have to be a company that provides tables at which people can break bread, communicate their feelings, be heard, and advance what is best about being human!
Writing this has given me the opportunity to express myself to you, and if you’ve read this far, you’ve given me the gift of being heard. I hope you will examine your own feelings, and feel safe expressing yourself to your colleagues, and give them the gift of doing the same.
It is eminently clear to me that people who feel, express, listen, hear, and love is who we are, and what we must do for one another, and for our guests.
I promise to do that to my utmost for you.
Danny
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Oscar Munoz, CEO Of United Airlines
Dear team,
Last night, the world watched as millions of Americans went to the polls and participated in our democracy. Today, the world will observe something just as remarkable as Americans come together, despite their differing votes or viewpoints, and demonstrate that whatever may divide us as individuals is far, far outweighed by all that unites us as a people.
As a company of more than 86,000 people, representing every creed and conviction, background and belief, United is as diverse as the communities we serve around the country and the world.
I am confident the United family will display that same spirit of civility, cooperation and inclusion as we continue to work together on our shared purpose of running and building a great airline for our employees, customers and investors.
Above all, as team members, we are in this together. Inevitably, any new administration brings with it a degree of uncertainty. What remains certain, however, is our shared sense of purpose, as well as the common experiences and the cherished friendships that define us as a family. Those will endure today and always.
We all know this election has been long and trying, both for our U.S.-based employees and for our colleagues around the world.
I have no doubt that in break rooms, lounges and hangars throughout the system conversations will continue today and into the future.
This election may have strained our emotions, but not our bonds with one another. Though the state of our politics may have changed last night, our character as individuals remains the same. And so should the way we respect one another and take care of each other. That is the spirit that keeps us flying together as one, United team.
With gratitude,
Oscar
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Sundar Pichai, CEO Of Google
Googlers,
It’s been a long, tough U.S. election season and I know many of you are surprised by last night’s outcome. I want to reassure everyone that we will do everything we can to work with the incoming Administration to advocate for policies that are good for Google and the world. Our basic values remain the same:
First — we believe in building for everyone by creating products and services that are accessible to people all over the world. That notion that everyone on Earth should have the same access to knowledge -- and the economic growth that comes with it — remains core to everything that we do.
Second — we believe in social equality and the idea that people of all races, religions, genders, and sexual orientations are equal and should receive equal treatment under the law and in the workplace.
Third — we continue to believe that open is better than closed. That’s true whether you’re talking about an operating system, the free flow of information, or a reasonable immigration policy that allows us to hire the very best minds from around the world. There are many US Googlers here on some type of work visa and we will do everything we can to support their right to work in this country.
These have and continue to be Google’s values. They have made us the company we are today, and we will keep standing by them and by all of you.
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Jeremy Stoppelman, CEO Of Yelp
A few employees asked if I'd share my reaction to last night's election. I'm personally very disappointed in the outcome and know many are worried about what comes next. Hard to say of course, but we will just take it one day at a time.
I find some comfort in knowing that while we can't control national politics we do have the ability to continue to shape and define Yelp's culture. It's a good time to remind ourselves of Yelp's values, in particular "Play well with others" and "Tenacity."
We've long strived to be a place where anyone from any background, religion, sexual orientation can feel comfortable, safe, and do their best work. Nothing has changed in that regard at Yelp. We'll continue to seek out the most talented people from any and all backgrounds and let them contribute as much as they possibly can.
Yelp's continued success is inexorably linked to the tenacity of our employees. We can't allow political rhetoric to quiet our voice or waver our confidence. Yelp is a powerful tool for good and human understanding. Everyday we help millions of consumers connect with "others" that they may not have otherwise trusted with their health, homes, or stomachs. While we can't realign the country or salve it's angst overnight, we can still build positive human connections through Yelp — one by one, person to person.
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Team,
I’ve heard from many of you today about the presidential election. In a political contest where the candidates were so different and each received a similar number of popular votes, it’s inevitable that the aftermath leaves many of you with strong feelings.
We have a very diverse team of employees, including supporters of each of the candidates. Regardless of which candidate each of us supported as individuals, the only way to move forward is to move forward together. I recall something Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said 50 years ago: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” This advice is timeless, and a reminder that we only do great work and improve the world by moving forward.
While there is discussion today about uncertainties ahead, you can be confident that Apple’s North Star hasn’t changed. Our products connect people everywhere, and they provide the tools for our customers to do great things to improve their lives and the world at large. Our company is open to all, and we celebrate the diversity of our team here in the United States and around the world — regardless of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship, or who they love.
I’ve always looked at Apple as one big family, and I encourage you to reach out to your coworkers if they are feeling anxious.
Let’s move forward — together!
Best,
Tim
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP/REX/Shutterstock
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