Innovative Thinking

A Time to Stand Together

I wanted to share with you what I shared with Intuit’s employees today. This is too important of a topic to be kept just within an organization’s own walls. To make a difference together, we must have these conversations now. *** Hi team, I wanted to reach out and share with you how I am

Written by Sasan Goodarzi
Published May 30, 2020 - [Updated Nov 9, 2022]
2 min read

***

Hi team,

I wanted to reach out and share with you how I am feeling. The senseless deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery are infuriating, heartbreaking, and incredibly painful. What’s worse is that these are not isolated incidents in the United States. This racist violence risks further tearing people apart at a time when it’s more important than ever that we come together.

I believe we can no longer be silent about the deep-rooted racism in our society. I will no longer be silent. We must openly discuss the realities that black people face. Only by having honest discussions, however difficult that may be, will we ever be able to get to a better place.

I have always believed that diversity and inclusion is a core part of who we are and what we stand for. It’s an important part of what makes Intuit so special. But this week’s events, and the unfathomable pattern they are a part of, have made me realize that we are often silent, starting with me, on the racial injustice and discrimination that our colleagues and friends face every day. Not talking openly about racism allows it to grow in the shadows and helps seed the horrific events we have witnessed.

There are no easy solutions to these problems. Racism has been with us for far too long, and its roots go deep. It’s time to start having conversations about racism. I want to learn more; we need to learn more. I don’t know yet where this journey will take us, but I do know we need to start it together. If we begin by working on awareness and acknowledgement, my hope is that we can get closer to a world where we value and cherish everyone, and stand united in our pursuit of equality, dignity and justice for all.

To start the conversation, we will host an all-employee fireside chat to check in with all of you, and to start the dialogue on how we move forward together. Stay tuned.

Until then, know that you are not alone. We are family, we care and support each other. I encourage each of you to reach out, talk to your colleagues, be open to learning, have understanding and compassion. I realize that many of us don’t yet know how to have the conversations we all need to have, but the first step is to welcome having them.

We can make a difference; we will make a difference.

Sasan

Sasan Goodarzi is Intuit's Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As a leader, he is passionate about helping the company deliver on its mission of powering prosperity around the world. He assumed the role on Jan. 1, 2019.

Born in Tehran, Iran, Goodarzi came to United States as a child and grew up in Orlando, Florida. He currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and two children. Goodarzi is also a member of the board of directors at Intuit and Atlassian.

Learn more about Sasan Goodarzi and his ongoing commitment to Intuit.

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