Credit Suisse

Advancing Equity and Leadership Development for Black Professionals

Credit Suisse sought to deepen its understanding of the workplace experiences of Black professionals across business units and functions. Despite ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives, the organization recognized the need for a targeted, evidence-based approach to uncover barriers to advancement and identify opportunities to better support and retain Black talent. The goal was to inform future talent strategies and foster a more equitable and inclusive organizational culture.

Challenge

Cora Group led a comprehensive diagnostic assessment to explore the lived experiences, perceptions, and career trajectories of Black professionals within the firm. Through confidential interviews, surveys, and focus groups, we gathered insights on systemic challenges, success factors, and the effectiveness of existing D&I and talent management efforts.

Key outcomes of the diagnostic included:

  • Identification of patterns affecting retention, advancement, and workplace belonging

  • Discovery of underutilized opportunities for mentorship, sponsorship, and recognition

  • A data-informed foundation for leadership development and systemic change

In response to the findings, Cora Group partnered with Credit Suisse to design and deliver a year-long Leadership Intensive specifically for Black professionals. This program focused on:

  • Elevating leadership visibility and influence

  • Building peer networks and support systems

  • Strengthening self-advocacy, strategic communication, and executive presence

  • Creating pathways for advancement within the organization

Solution

The diagnostic and subsequent Leadership Intensive empowered both individual participants and the organization to advance equity in a sustainable and strategic way.

Results included:

  • Deeper organizational insight into the experiences of Black professionals

  • Stronger leadership pipeline through targeted development and support

  • Improved alignment between talent strategy and diversity goals

  • Increased engagement and morale among participants and their sponsors

The initiative served as a model for inclusive leadership development and demonstrated the impact of intentional, data-informed investments in equity and talent.

Outcome