“You should really closely watch Julie Ertz, the way she both defends and attacks from her defensive midfield position is a great roadmap for how you can progress as a player.”

- Me, to my child, a soccer-loving, highly talented 14-year-old player.

“I totally see it Dad.”

- My child, after the World Cup final.

Oh, I forgot to mention, that child is my son.

Along with a billion other people around the world (yes, a billion, according to Fifa), the soccer-obsessed Helfrich family was captivated by the entirety of the Women’s World Cup tournament. And admittedly not disappointed by the result, as the ever-inspirational U.S. Women’s National Team took the cup in a hard-fought, fun to watch final. The entire tournament is an incredible testament to the power of sport; each woman on the pitch serving as an ambassador for her country, with unmistakable strength, perseverance, and talent.

While the attention to this year’s Women’s World Cup shattered records— approximately 15.6 million Americans watched the team win the most prestigious trophy in soccer, notably topping the 2018 Men’s World Cup audience by over 3 million viewers—this isn’t the first time. In fact, remarkably that number is down from the 2015 Women’s Final, which had the advantage of airing in prime time and delivered 25.4 million viewers. That’s all to say, given these players’ skills, unbridled intensity, and success—the fanfare is long overdue.

Soccer is in some respects a cultural touchstone for what’s happening more broadly. In fact, increasing attention to worldwide parity issues on the pitch is emblematic of a bigger call for parity for women across professions. Even as the USWNT continues their pursuit, it’s on all of us—fans, colleagues, bosses, and mentors—to advocate on behalf of equality for all.

As a proud product of a diverse family, nothing is more personal or important than promoting diversity and inclusion. I’m grateful Deloitte is committed to providing equal opportunities for individuals to grow, develop, and succeed, and do so without compromising their authenticity. Through our day-to-day activities, our sponsorship of the SheBelieves movement, as well as our commitment to working with U.S. Soccer to champion female leadership, Deloitte places a high premium on empowering the next generation of leaders both inside and outside our organization.

As Megan Rapinoe articulated at the team’s Victory Parade, we have an opportunity and responsibility for individual and collective action to be better. As I grow into my role as CEO of Deloitte Consulting, I am constantly challenging myself and our teams: How can we work with our clients and the community at large to build a more diverse, responsible society and a more inclusive future? I loved reading the reflections of my friend, colleague, and fellow USWNT fan Jen Fisher on these themes last week.

Our society has more to do when it comes to achieving true inclusivity and worldwide equality. Deloitte’s inaugural State of Inclusion survey found that while 92% of respondents consider themselves to be an ally in the workplace, only 29% actually speak up in the moment on behalf of themselves or their colleagues.

By standing up and demonstrating their impact on the sport and on gender equity, the USWNT set a new bar for diversity and inclusion, and with their win, a new bar for what can be achieved in the relentless pursuit of greatness. I’m grateful that my 4 children (2 daughters, 2 sons) got to see amazing role models compete so fearlessly both on and off the pitch. It’s on all of us to cheer each other on.

Photocredit: Brad Smith/isiphotos.com