Preston Taylor Talks About His Role as Co-founder and Co-Chairman of the RS SPECTRUM Community
Diversity and inclusion are one of the top priorities at RS Components. We talked to Preston Taylor, a Trans man professional, Co-founder and Co-Chairman of the RS SPECTRUM community to find out more about his role.
He shared some of his ideas and advice both for professionals seeking a work environment where they really feel comfortable in, as well as for LGBT+ officers.
Preston runs the LGBT+ network at RS Components, namely the RS SPECTRUM community and describes himself as a “Driven innovator and problem solver, with a proven track record of inspiring and implementing change at an individual and company level. I have a strong passion for influencing growth in others by supporting, mentoring, developing and streamlining processes”.
We started off by asking him to give us some tips on how to start an LGBT+ Network.
Preston: First, you need to decide what your network mission is.
Then, you have to gain insight on what others in the community want from the network.
You need to research other businesses and ask for their experience.
You also need to seek out support from leaders in the organization.
Finally, you need to choose a name that not only makes a statement but allows everyone to feel included.
Question: And after you have started an LGBT+ network, how do you run it?
Preston: You need to ensure the community gets a say in how the network is run and gain their feedback every step of the way.
It is essential that you show your passion, beliefs and vision, inspire the community and its committee.
Always seek out engagement and support from senior leaders, ask for an official sponsor to help you achieve your vision and strategy.
Ensure it is not only a support network but a place of education, help others feel safe enough to ask questions when you aren’t sure.
Finally, dare to dream and think big!
Question: How do you recruit members for your LGBT+ network?
Preston: You start off by making a call to anyone who is interested.
You need to ensure that everyone feels welcome to join your network, especially Allies.
Always find people who are passionate, people who want to make a difference and people committed to making things better.
Question: How do you think being an LGBT+ officer is linked to being a role-model?
Preston: When I became lead of this community, I stood up and showed everyone who I really was. I stood up and spoke out for those who felt they couldn’t. I think you become a role model because you are leading change, you are leading engagement and diversity. The way you conduct yourself is vital to your success, you want people to see you and think, I want to be part of this, whether they are a member of the community or not. I always say I want to inspire people to stand up and be counted.
Question: How have you celebrated Pride this year and what activities have you planned for the following month?
Preston: RS Components is a headline sponsor for Kettering Pride this year, it is only their 2nd year and so far, will be their biggest. It’s a huge statement for our SPECTRUM community, we are showing our support within the local community and showing other businesses diversity and inclusion are our priority. I could not be any prouder of everyone involved from our F1 sponsor, our head of diversity down to the people within SPECTRUM who have made this happen. It’s just the start, but we plan to be involved in more Prides globally. On a personal note, I am looking forward to celebrating all the hard work we have put in over the past few months and seeing our employees and community celebrate who they are.
Question: Do you have any sponsors from the management team? What would be your tips to get funding?
Preston: We have an F1 sponsor who reports directly into our CEO she’s a huge advocate and supports us greatly. My tip would be, just ask. Have a clear vision and strategy, show them what you aspire to achieve, how you will get there and ask them to support you.
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