In our latest Meet the A-Team article, we speak with Pavel Iarygin, Associate Director of Client Strategy for CIS/EU at AVOW, about their experiences as a non-binary, queer individual. Pavel shares how AVOW’s inclusive culture has fostered their sense of belonging, the challenges they’ve faced, and how the company can continue to champion an inclusive workplace.
For those who remember our 2022 article, Words of Pride: Pavel Iarygin Speaks About Awareness and Inclusion, this new conversation brings fresh insights into how AVOW continues to support the LGBTQ+ community and foster an inclusive workplace for all employees.
Interview with Pavel Iarygin, Associate Director of Client Strategy for CIS/EU at AVOW
How do you feel your non-binary, queer identity has influenced your work experience at our company?
Just like most queer people, I’ve been exploring my identity for many years, it’s a process that might take a long time or even never end. Having a positive nonjudgmental environment and working with people who react to change in a positive and optimistic way allows you to just be comfortable within yourself. Which in turn leads to a more open outwardly approach connecting with other teams, higher efficiency and productivity.
“What makes a difference is the intent and willingness to ask questions despite preconceived notions surrounding the topic.”
– Pavel on the importance of openness and curiosity in creating an inclusive environment.
Have you encountered challenges in the workplace related to your identity? How have you navigated them?
For the most part, the workplace has been open to my identity with people asking questions or accepting me for who I am. However, I have encountered a couple of negative opinions coming from ignorance and lack of knowledge regarding the gender noncomformity and gender expression. Given the fact that the company is composed of a huge number of people coming from all over the world, it’s not unusual to receive different feedback and opinions. What makes a difference is the intent and willingness to ask questions despite preconceived notions surrounding the topic. For many people it might be uncomfortable to ask questions like this but I believe that talking to someone while having an open mind is the only way towards a more open society.
AVOW’s Inclusive Workplace and Culture
How has our company’s culture of inclusion and equality played a role in your sense of belonging and comfort at work?
AVOW for me is a safe space to express my identity in various ways, ranging from gender expression through makeup, clothes to talking openly (and consensually) about my sexuality, gender identity and expression. Having like-minded people at work to whom you relate is a key component to developing a sense of belonging. A few of my colleagues have been able to relate to some of the struggles due to the intersectional nature of the issues we all encounter in our daily lives.
“Exposure is the best way to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ employees. Only through exposure are we able to understand and see things from a different perspective.”
– Pavel on how visibility leads to understanding and inclusion.
Supporting Diversity at AVOW
In what ways do you feel our company could further support and celebrate the diversity of LGBTQ+ employees like yourself?
Exposure is the best way to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ employees. Only through exposure we are able to understand and see things from a different perspective. Educational sessions that encourage questions and dialogue, highlighting the importance of correct language, themed company events. Things are changing very fast within the community, there are many developments including but not limited to new language and terms, and that could be hard to keep up with. Having a channel for open communication can be beneficial for non-queer people and those still not ready to come out and share some parts of their lives and identity.
The Impact of an Inclusive Workplace
How do you think having a diverse and inclusive workplace benefits the overall success and morale of our company?
When you see people you can relate with on a deeper level represented and supported in the company, you can get rid of things that hinder your professional progress. We are all different but still have the same goal, professionally or personally. Being exposed to a vast variety of people with different backgrounds, personality traits and identities reinforces my sense of community in general which couldn’t be more important in the current world climate.
“Being exposed to a vast variety of people with different backgrounds, personality traits, and identities reinforces my sense of community.”
– Pavel on how diversity strengthens the overall sense of connection and success within the company.
Advice for Non-Binary, Queer Employees
What advice would you give to other non-binary, queer employees who may be navigating their identity in a corporate setting like ours?
To be unapologetically themselves and if possible seek out and create a support network of like-minded people or allies within the company. Navigating identity is a lengthy beautiful process with no mistakes or errors. To take whatever time needed to feel comfortable within oneself and remembering that every small step counts.
AVOW’s Values and Inclusivity
How do you feel our company’s values align with promoting a supportive and inclusive workplace for all employees, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation?
AVOW’s current values are centered around the team spirit and broad personal merits which can include diversity, support and equality. But there’s no separate direct focus on or promotion of inclusivity. In an ideal world this is the perfect scenario, however, we are far away from achieving this on a global scale. So an active approach in making all groups feel welcome, represented and celebrated is still needed.
Cultivating an Inclusive Workplace: The AVOW Approach
Many LGBTQ+ employees are seeking more inclusive workplaces. A third of respondents to Deloitte’s 2022 LGBTQ+ survey indicated they were actively looking for a new employer. Younger generations, especially Gen Z and millennials, are more likely to prioritize diversity and inclusion when job hunting. Pavel Iarygin’s journey highlights the importance of cultivating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. At AVOW, inclusion and diversity are core values that drive our success.
Join AVOW’s Inclusive Team
If you’re looking to join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values diversity, explore exciting opportunities with AVOW on our careers page.