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Deloitte’s Michele Parmelee Shares the Power of People + Purpose

Professional services powerhouse Deloitte has always believed in the power of its people to provide outstanding insights and competitive edge. Deloitte was also one of the first of the Big Four to deeply integrate purpose into its business, leading to transformational change for the organization and its clients.

To talk about the power of people and purpose, we welcomed Michele Parmelee, Deloitte Global’s aptly-titled Chief People and Purpose Officer. Michele shared Deloitte’s purpose journey, including how the organization uses purpose as a guide to reinvent itself and its services in a rapidly-changing world.

Listen for Michele’s insights on:

  • The role of purpose in Deloitte’s talent strategy, and why people choose to work at (and stay with) Deloitte because of its values
  • How purpose builds trust with clients and enables Deloitte and its people to work with integrity
  • Deloitte’s WorldClassambition and how the initiative empowers their people make an impact around the world
  • The critical importance of industry research, including the long-running industry benchmark Deloitte Millennial Survey

Links & Notes

  • (00:00) – Meet Michelle Parmelee, Chief People and Purpose Officer from Deloitte Global
  • (02:20) – The Numbers
  • (02:51) – Michelle’s Journey With Deloitte and Her Title
  • (05:18) – The Structure of Deloitte
  • (05:58) – The Company’s Leadership Position
  • (08:12) – Deloitte’s Purpose
  • (10:55) – Developing the Values
  • (14:41) – Becoming a Great Storyteller
  • (16:18) – Purpose as a Magnet
  • (19:04) – Talent As Related to Purpose
  • (20:57) – World Class
  • (23:09) – Hands-On Opportunities – Volunteering
  • (25:10) – Involving Their Clients & Partners
  • (26:35) – Helping Clients During COVID
  • (32:34) – Role of Purpose in the New Normal
  • (35:44) – Their 2020 Survey
  • (38:28) – Purpose Counseling for Clients
  • (39:38) – Themes in Action Areas
  • (42:02) – Traits for People & Purpose Officer
  • (44:51) – Final Thoughts

Business is an unlikely hero: a force for good working to solve society’s most pressing challenges, while boosting bottom line. This is social purpose at work. And it’s a dynamic journey.

Purpose 360 is a masterclass in unlocking the potential of social purpose to ignite business and social impact. We illuminate the growing impacts of purpose, from engaging employees and fostering deeper consumer loyalty to inspiring product innovation and increasing market share.

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