Matt Hanzlik leads Nielsen’s push for workplace equity

By Ryann Brooks

Nielsen, a global measurement firm, has long been in the business of measuring data that helps to grow, develop and build stronger businesses around the globe. Now, the company is turning its attention inwards with the goal of increasing the diversity and inclusivity of its workforce.

That’s where Matthew Hanzlik (he/him) comes in.

Hanzlik, who has been working with Nielsen for almost a decade, was promoted to the role of Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion over the summer. The position was created as a new way to systemically embed inclusion in all of Nielsen’s talent processes.

Charged with creating, driving and launching a fast-moving inclusive talent program, Hanzlik said the goal is to see an increase in the overall diversity and inclusivity of the company worldwide in just two years.

“It’ll be really clear as we measure along the way if we are progressing towards that goal with representation for LGBTQ+ leaders, representation for racially and ethnically diverse leaders, and ultimately, representation for leaders who share and have diverse identities,” he said. “Nielsen is the source of truth in measurement in our industries. We can only do that when we include everyone in our measurement and have a workforce that includes everyone as well.”

A strong workforce, Hanzlik said, embraces and celebrates the unique identities and experiences of its employees both on and off the clock.

“We have to ensure that the identities and experiences that people have and hold are experiences and identities that they can fully leverage day in and day out, from the minute that they sign on to the minute that they sign off for the day,” he said. “It shouldn’t be any different when they are at Nielsen working than when they aren’t. Our identities and experiences should be the exact same when we are at home and while we are at work if we truly are doing our jobs right.”

Hanzlik said other companies wishing to follow Nielsen’s lead should start by measuring everything, from how they screen resumes to internal advancement processes.

“Measure performance, measure advancement, and look at it through all of the different lenses of diversity that we can — gender, race, ethnicity, orientation, disability status, veteran status — to make sure that the policies allow first for equality and then for equity,” he said. “By measuring, it will give you a really clear direction of where you may need to focus.”

At Nielsen, those measurements lead to some candid conversations about various aspects of diversity that are often touched on superficially or ignored altogether. Hanzlik said conversations about what representation looks like for multiple or changing identities, visible and non-visible aspects of diversity and more have been ongoing over the last six months.

And it’s not always easy.

“These can be difficult topics that people would try to gloss over or speak to at surface level, but I don’t think change happens at that level,” he said.

Effecting change at Nielsen has required commitments from everyone, including CEO David Kenny, who has also taken on the role of the company’s Chief Diversity Officer. The result is an ever-evolving workforce, where employees feel empowered to share and grow along with the company.

“That’s a unique role for him, to drive momentum and to create accountability for driving representation, and to create more sense of culture,” Hanzlik said. “The door opened when he challenged us to think big and bold. I raised my hand with ideas and I have a really supportive and encouraging boss and a strong, supportive team that allowed me to step forward and take on this role.”

It may not be easy, and companies may uncover a number of areas that need to be addressed in order to advance a diverse and inclusive workforce. But Hanzlik – and Nielsen – believe the end result will be well worth it.

“I like to remind people that facts don’t replace feelings and feelings don’t replace facts,” Hanzlik said. “Both of those pieces are important for driving forward the actions and initiatives that we’re looking to. You can’t come to the table with just one, and you shouldn’t come to the table with just one.”