When a colleague called him out on gender-biased language, Ray Munday immediately took steps to promote diversity and inclusion in his team.
Ray Munday, Senior Manager of Vehicle Evaluations and Regulations at Toyota, has always supported gender equality and diversity in the workplace.
But when a trusted colleague pulled him aside after a team meeting to raise concerns about his language use, he realized he had work to do:
“She pointed out to me that I had been using very gender-biased language in the meeting. I considered myself an unbiased person, but after having a deep discussion with her, I realized how many areas of our team could be improved to be more inclusive.”
Company-wide policies promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion often focus on improving opportunities and supporting underrepresented groups at work—but as Ray discovered, these policies are only the first step.
Below, Ray shares five more actionable steps he’s taken at Toyota to create a more inclusive workplace.
Step One: “It all starts with a simple conversation.”
Ray knows that his experience as “white, male, heterosexual, Australian-born, Anglo” means he hasn’t faced the same challenges in his career as those from minority groups. After being pulled up on his language use, Ray knew it was up to him to make changes and to set a positive example.
“I knew we needed to do more. With the assistance of an action team in our division, we made improvements in our job recruiting methods, reviewed our travel procedures, and made many changes to make it more inclusive and to ensure all team members have equitable career development opportunities.”
Toyota “values input from all,” and everyone is encouraged to speak up. Ray welcomes feedback and suggestions from his team—especially if they support inclusion:
“I was very happy that we had a safe space to raise these issues, and I’m proud of the work we have done to improve inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated area – and it all started with a simple conversation.”
Step Two: Can you look your team in the eye and honestly say you have stood up for them?
Ray’s team at Toyota designs vehicles for highly complex and diverse driving conditions. Australia has almost all the world’s road conditions and is recognized as an ideal place to develop vehicles for global environments. To do this, his engineers and technicians speak directly with people who live and work in those areas to learn about the challenges they face.
“Our work involves a lot of genchi-genbutsu, which is Toyota speak for going to the source and talking to our actual customers in their actual environment. It is very rewarding to see how our products help customers and communities go about their daily life safely and reliably even in very harsh conditions – from a park ranger in Australia supporting remote communities to farmers in Argentina and villages in Africa.”
By listening to the first-hand experiences of those who live and work in the environments they serve, Ray’s team knows they can better understand their unique needs and create the technology to support them.
Ray finds this applies in the workplace, too. By talking directly with colleagues from different backgrounds, we can learn about the barriers they face and find ways to overcome them together.
“When it comes to people, asking questions – and reaching out to a wider group – is the most effective tool to break down bias and create a more inclusive workplace.”
It can take confidence and bravery to challenge the status quo, so if Ray ever finds himself wavering, he reminds himself of all the people and communities that Toyota has served.
“It helps to think back to the customers I have met who rely on our products and ask myself if I could look them in the eye and say that I have stood up for them – this has given me strength to make more noise in the workplace too.”
Did you know 19 dads took up to 14 weeks of primary carer leave at Toyota this year?
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Step Three: Provide space for everyone to be themselves.
Ray’s number one piece of advice is to always be true to yourself. This can teach you so much about yourself, both professionally and personally.
“Be yourself and follow your passions. Your passions and experiences outside work can help shape and guide decisions in the workplace, so show up with your whole self every day.”
Ray’s passion for all things motoring extends beyond his 9–5. He races radio-controlled electrical vehicles with his son and daughter, regularly competing in competitions worldwide!
“It’s a challenge, but it’s essential to book leave early and stick to it. It helps that I have a hobby with fixed date competitions – it helps me focus away from work.”
Through international competitions, Ray and his family have experienced many different cultures, which in turn has given Ray a greater understanding of other people’s backgrounds.
“We race at national and international level and have traveled and raced all around Australia, Asia, Europe, and the USA – it has introduced us to so many people around the world! I love to hear about other people’s experiences and to share my own.”
Step Four: Use your platform for good.
As a manager, Ray takes his leadership role seriously. It wasn’t always on his planned path, but he’s found his position in senior management rewarding beyond simple career progression:
“I started at Toyota as an engineer, then spent 12 years as a manager – ranging from performance to environment to durability. In January 2023, I was promoted to Senior Manager. My original plan was not to become a manager – I found people management very difficult and stressful – however, I’ve learned to embrace the rewarding nature of management: being able to help others, mentor others, and, as a Senior Manager, have a wider sphere of influence.”
Ray now heads up a team of forty highly skilled people from various backgrounds and uses his position to help and support others reach their potential.
“I’ve always had strong support from management and strong mentoring to ensure my voice can be heard in the correct way. I continue to support my team in the same way. The Toyota Way is a common language that allows everyone to have a voice. Toyota is truly a people-focused company.”
Step Five: Be inspired by those around you.
Ray is inspired by the people around him to continue fighting for change and asking questions:
“I am inspired by people who have passion, persistence, and a desire to overcome obstacles, whether large or small. If you don’t know something, take yourself on the journey to find out. Ask around, read up, work it out – it’s what separates leaders and brings a lot more satisfaction.”
Although Ray and his team have made great strides to improve diversity and inclusion at Toyota, they know they’re always learning, and it’s a path that will benefit them all.
“It’s been a massive area of personal growth for me, too – and I am still on the journey.”
