3M

In early 2020, Garfield Bowen was leading global R&D operations and project management for one of 3M’s largest divisions when he got a call from the chief human resources officer – a call that would completely change his career trajectory. A leadership position had been created to advance more of the company’s equity initiatives and they wanted to know if he would like to be considered. “I took some time to think about it because the emotions of the time were raw and real,” Garfield said. “I wanted to make sure that the company was really serious about doing this work and that this was something I could see myself getting behind to make a difference because I have a bias for action. If the company wasn’t serious about action, then I wouldn’t be the right candidate.”