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Farren, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, on a career of making a difference
I come to work each day to learn new things and to use my skills to make a difference in the world. Qualtrics has diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in its DNA so I am able to get support from the company, from leadership, and my colleagues to drive progress.
What attracted you to Qualtrics in the first place?
The opportunity to go where few have gone before and be instrumental in growing the experience management (XM) category, a category created by Qualtrics.
What was the turning point where you 'had to have the job'?
What closed the deal was reading the Brand Book and our goal to “hear every voice.” This really spoke to me and was a signal that I would be working for a company that held the same values that I do.
What does your day look like?
Lots of variation and never a dull moment! I get to work on exciting projects across the company that aim to increase representation of underrepresented groups. I get to participate in our processes that are geared to eliminate inequities, but I also get to work on small incremental projects geared at creating everyday inclusion.
What is your favorite part of your role?
I love the people of Qualtrics. They are the ones that truly make it special. Every day I learn and am inspired by some of the smartest minds in technology.
We understand you moved to Seattle. Can you tell us your story of moving here?
I moved from Johannesburg, South Africa and have been living in Seattle for almost 5 years now. It has been a wonderful surprise and nothing like I have expected. It’s taught me that “you don’t know what you don’t know” and inspired me to be more of a risk taker.
Any tips for someone who is considering a role at Qualtrics?
Follow your passion. Most people who excel here are passionate about the company, our technology, our culture and serving customers.
What surprised you most about working at Qualtrics?
How easy it is to take on projects and initiatives that make a difference to customers or our people. That may sound obvious, but in many other companies you get lost in a process. At Qualtrics, if you see an opportunity to drive positive change, you are empowered to take ownership and be a leader.
What made you want to get into DEI?
Growing up in apartheid South Africa and being a minority. It instilled a desire in me to create equality in the world.
What are your aspirations in career/life?
To never stop learning. To be a person of action. To make the world more fair.
What is your top #LifeHack?
Try to be just a little better each day.
How have you become involved in the community at Qualtrics?
I am a big fan of our employee resource groups, otherwise known as our QGroups. I am a member of the group for people of color and LGBTQ+ and a proud ally for the QGroups for people with disabilities, veterans, and women.
Qualtrics is growing, and if you're ready to find your "why" at a place like this, you can explore our open opportunities at any time by visiting our career page or by joining our talent community.
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Farren is an alumnus of University of Johannesburg and University of South Africa. He started his career at Clover SA. He is obsessed with traveling and has an irrational fear of finding raw onions in his food. |
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