Leading Indicators

We’re surrounded by signs that help us navigate our way in the world. Market indices. Bellwethers. Barometers. What are the signs—the leading indicators—that amplify strong, sustainable leadership? Or further diverse leadership? Who are the pioneers—firms or individuals—with the courage and conviction to push forward new thinking and drive measurable change?

For nearly three decades, Toigo’s leading indicators have been our Fellows and Alumni, diverse professionals demonstrating the skill, commitment and ambition needed today. And those standout organizations that have taken the first steps to forge new paths toward greater education and awareness around the merits of diversity, equity and inclusion in their institutions to achieve improved outcomes and serve as role models for our industry.

2018 was a year of robust dialogue on the importance and value of inclusion and how an organization with history and perspective can serve as an essential partner to drive key initiatives forward.

Why Toigo?

Toigo’s record of achievement is reflected in the placement and increasing advancement of its leaders in roles of influence and impact. In 2018 we proudly witnesssed the growing recognition of Toigo Alumni in industry publications and national news outlets for their investment success, business growth and placement on boards. As Toigo leaders grow and have greater impact, so does the Foundation. We are entering a new phase where our experienced talent is taking their place as sector experts and industry leaders—all proudly rooted to their Toigo family.

As an organization, Toigo has always had a strong sense of accountability to our partners and those we serve. In working with organizations—from finance firms focused on fostering and sustaining a culture of inclusion to industry groups focused on advancing leaders—we approach the work with a solutions mindset. Often that means collaborating to identify the real need, then a focused, results-driven solution. It also requires an open exchange of ideas, of assessing impact and a willingness to continually refine efforts to remain relevant.

Industry Engagement

Leading Indicators provides an ideal—and needed—platform for diverse professionals to amplify their stories and their valuable lessons of the past. While the power of social media and online exchange is great, we believe strongly in the value of in-person interactions. Through a series of events, from half day sessions on the investment environment to our landmark evening Gala event, the Toigo touch was strong.

We view the personal narratives and sharing of experiences and wisdom as a core tenet of successful leadership. It’s also a trusted exchange that many diverse professionals have not fully benefited from. Finding and providing a platform for individual leadership stories to be shared is part of Toigo’s mission—as we know those stories provide a model of what is possible.

That is one reason why in 2018 we paired a rising activist with one who brought seven-plus decades of experience and social change to the stage at our annual Gala. Yara Shahidi and Harry Belafonte were proof that a willingness to listen and conviction to act spans generations. That message serves to encourage our multi-generational environment within finance to believe in their convictions and continue to push for change. In this pairing and with other speakers during the evening, Toigo provided a richer, more in-depth framework for issues surrounding inclusion and fairness. Driving change requires tackling long-held views and opening minds to the idea of what is possible. It’s a role Toigo takes to heart—and values deeply.

Governance & Leadership

The disciplines of sound governance have been a long-standing practice of the Toigo Foundation.

The board and staff maintain openness for healthy discourse and come together quickly on matters of strategic priority to the organization. Toigo values its Board of Directors and its deliberate mix of viewpoints and experiences that present a picture of diversity across all constituent groups we serve. Together, they exchange, challenge and stretch their thinking around Toigo for the future.