Deb DeHaas, chief inclusion officer at Deloitte LLP, addressed more than 400 guests as part of the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) Leadership Breakfast Series, sponsored by Schwan Food Company, at NRA Show 2012.

WFF president and CEO Fritzi Woods moderated the program, which focused on the importance of mentors, advocates, and sponsors in career advancement. DeHaas shared her personal experiences and insights into Deloitte’s efforts to build an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Deloitte is marking its 13th year on Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list.

Key Takeaways from Deb’s Presentation:

• Building an inclusive and diverse workplace is not just the right thing to do; it’s also a business imperative and plays a part in a company’s ability to stay competitive in the marketplace.
• While Deloitte has made tremendous progress, the work is never done. Companies must continue to innovate in order to grow an inclusive and diverse culture.
• Setting the tone at the top and holding leadership accountable are keys to building an inclusive and diverse workplace.
• Be specific when approaching someone to be your mentor. Say explicitly why you are going to them and what you are hoping they can help you with. This will make it a more valuable, helpful relationship.

“Lessons in Leadership: My Rules to Live By”

Everyone who attended received a card with personal rules to live by from Deb, including:

• Be true to yourself. Establish and live by a core set of values.
• Do the right thing. Always act with honesty and integrity.
• Actions speak louder than words; honor your commitments and follow through on what you say you’re going to do.
• First things first. Establish life goals and prioritize how you spend your time and resources.
• Just do it. Be willing to take risks and redefine yourself.
• There’s no “I” in team. Build a great team around you and measure success by the performance of the team.
• Never underestimate the power of mentoring and networking, as sometimes you can’t make it on your own.
• Embrace lifelong learning, and maintain a high level of intellectual curiosity and a passion for personal growth.
• Follow the golden rule: treat everyone fairly and with dignity and respect.
• Leave a legacy. Follow your dreams and leave your imprint on the world.

The audience was comprised of foodservice industry professionals at all levels representing companies such as Coca-Cola, Kraft, Sodexo, and more. WFF Leadership Breakfast Series events not only provide excellent opportunities for foodservice professionals to network with their peers and build strategic connections, but they also provide attendees with valuable advice from a panel of established professional leaders.

The program took place from 7-9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 7, 2012, at the Chicago Marriott Downtown.