COUNTRY STAR CHELY WRIGHT LANDS CORPORATE ROLE WITH ISSWright, the celebrated country singer, makes a groundbreaking move to the corporate world as she takes on the position of senior vice president of corporate social responsibility and new market growth at ISS. This new role brings Wright’s journey full circle, highlighting the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, and she shares how this transition impacts her music career.
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Chely Wright, known for breaking barriers in the country music scene by coming out as gay in 2010, recently unveiled her new role alongside an adorable addition to her family, a Cavapoo puppy named Lucky. Embracing her evolving identity, the 54-year-old star is enthusiastic about her latest venture in the corporate arena at ISS, a facilities management company.
Despite her musical background, Wright is no novice to the corporate sector, having previously served as the Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer at the global design firm Unispace. Her entrepreneurial spirit dates back to her early days, managing business ventures in her hometown of Kansas and founding the Reading, Writing and Rhythm Foundation to support music education in schools.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a significant shift for Wright, halting her music tours and leading her to explore new opportunities. Leveraging her experience as a consultant for corporate culture initiatives, she found herself uniquely positioned to drive conversations on leadership, belonging, and inclusion in corporate spaces amidst societal movements like Black Lives Matter.
Taking on a full-time role at Unispace, Wright is determined to enhance inclusion and belonging through storytelling, drawing parallels between her passion for music and her newfound corporate mission. With a strong focus on promoting diversity initiatives, she aims to create safe and inclusive environments for employees, particularly in the face of challenges from political forces.
While transitioning from a renowned musician to a corporate leader may seem like a leap, Wright’s unwavering commitment to advocating for diversity and inclusion remains steadfast. Her background in music continues to influence her approach in the corporate world, where she finds common ground in fostering connections and amplifying voices.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Wright reflects on her journey of self-discovery, including her public coming out and subsequent personal growth. With a positive outlook, she acknowledges the progress made towards LGBTQ+ representation in the country music scene and remains dedicated to both her music career and her corporate responsibilities.
Looking ahead, Wright is not only focused on excelling in her current role but also exploring new creative avenues, including a musical adaptation of her memoir. Her resilience and adaptability shine through as she embraces this new phase in her life, embodying the spirit of transformation and embracing the opportunities it brings.
In conclusion, Chely Wright’s bold move from the music industry to the corporate world signifies a powerful evolution in her career trajectory. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion resonates in both her music and corporate endeavours, reflecting a narrative of growth, resilience, and continuous reinvention.