Article: Championing inclusivity: Perspectives from FedEx's Suvendu Choudhury

Diversity

Championing inclusivity: Perspectives from FedEx's Suvendu Choudhury

Suvendu Choudhury, VP of India operations at FedEx, shares the company’s commitment to empowering diverse abilities, fostering inclusion, and creating a workplace where every individual feels valued and supported.
Championing inclusivity: Perspectives from FedEx's Suvendu Choudhury

In the ever-evolving world of corporate leadership, stories of purpose-driven action and inclusive growth illuminate the path forward. Suvendu Choudhury, VP of India operations at FedEx, exemplifies this commitment through his dedication to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a career marked by a deep focus on empowering individuals and creating opportunities, Mr Choudhury's work serves as an inspiring model for leaders striving to shape more inclusive workplaces.

Here we delve into Mr Choudhury's perspectives on DEI initiatives, the impact of inclusive practices, and the future priorities that will continue to guide organisations toward greater equity and opportunity.

What does inclusivity mean to FedEx, and how is this reflected in day-to-day practices and policies? Could you share an example that highlights FedEx’s approach to supporting employees with diverse abilities?

At FedEx, inclusivity is more than a principle—it’s a commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best. Operating in over 220 countries and territories, we embed DEI principles into every facet of our operations. From training programmes on unconscious bias to inclusive leadership initiatives, we strive to cultivate a workplace that celebrates diversity and fosters collaboration.

One standout initiative is the "Walk in Someone Else's Shoes" programme, which fosters empathy and understanding among team members. This initiative, combined with adaptive technologies and tailored training, enables employees with diverse abilities to excel. These practices not only strengthen our workforce but also drive innovation and collaboration across the board.

What unique programmes or initiatives does FedEx have in place to support specially-abled employees? Are there any success stories that highlight the impact of these efforts?

Our commitment to supporting individuals with diverse abilities is exemplified by the Samavesh programme in India. This initiative provides persons with disabilities (PwD) with on-the-job training and exposure to a corporate environment. In its first year, Samavesh welcomed 15 interns, four of whom transitioned into full-time operational roles.

Anil Kumar, an intern with a disability in Delhi, embodies the success of this programme. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, "My journey at FedEx has been excellent. I feel like a valued member of the family and have been treated with great respect. Whenever I faced challenges, my team was there to support me."

Through initiatives like Samavesh, we aim to create a workplace where diverse abilities are seen as strengths that enrich our organisation.

How does FedEx measure the effectiveness of its DEI programmes? Are there specific metrics or feedback systems you rely on to gauge their impact?

We measure the success of our DEI initiatives through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Diverse representation at all organisational levels is a key indicator. For example, women now represent 36% of our Board and 27% of global managers—a testament to our commitment to advancing diversity in leadership.

Additionally, feedback mechanisms such as the DEI Real Talk Series, a quarterly discussion forum for senior leaders, provide actionable insights and promote intentional inclusion. These forums ensure that our initiatives are not only impactful but also aligned with the evolving needs of our workforce.

As a leader, how do you personally advocate for DEI values within FedEx? Are there leadership practices that you believe help embed inclusivity in everyday interactions?

At FedEx, our ‘People First’ philosophy guides my approach to leadership. I focus on fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

Three pillars underpin my advocacy for DEI: ensuring equal opportunities, creating accessible workspaces, and promoting open communication. By embedding inclusive practices into daily operations and celebrating diverse perspectives, we unlock the collective potential of our team. This approach not only drives organisational success but also strengthens our culture of belonging.

Looking ahead, what are FedEx’s top DEI priorities? Are there specific areas of focus that will shape FedEx's DEI vision for the coming years?

The FedEx DEI&O vision is focused on expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups. Our priorities include increasing women’s representation, scaling mentorship programmes like LINC-UP, and enhancing accessible and flexible work arrangements.

Additionally, we aim to further our inclusive hiring practices and continue fostering an environment where every individual has the tools and support to succeed. These efforts will shape our vision of a workplace built on equity, inclusivity, and opportunity.

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Topics: Diversity, Leadership, Life @ Work

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