The Corporate Women Association of Brussels organized a panel discussion on inclusivity in the workplace and John and Mark X. Cronin from John’s Crazy Socks joined as guest speakers on the panel. The event highlighted both the need for more inclusion and diversity and some best practices on achieving this goal.
“Inclusion lies at the heart of the success of John’s Crazy Socks,” said Mark X. Cronin, co-founder. “Every day we work to show that hiring people with differing abilities is not altruism, but good business.”
The co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks joined a panel that included:
- Aditi Arora: Country Manager for Girl Up, United Nations Foundation India, and a member of the Inclusivity Advisory Board at Just A Girl Inc.
- Nhi Corcoran: A Creative Director at NHIYC Creates
- Christel Ergo: HR Director for Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services
Together, the panel shared international perspectives as well as some of the advancements made by companies large and small.
John Cronin, who happens to have Down syndrome, found the panel to be a great opportunity to demonstrate that people with differing abilities are “ready, willing and able to work.”
Monika Hoang, the Vice President for the Corporate Women Association, was pleased with the outcome of the event and said the attendees found the presentations insightful and inspiring. Speaking of the Cronins’ contributions, Ms. Hoang said, “Your input, experience and smile were extremely inspiring. It was a pleasure and honor to host you and we have learned a lot.”
Keynote and Event Speakers
John and Mark X. Cronin are frequent speakers at conferences and corporate events. They share their entrepreneurial story of how a young man with Down syndrome together with his father created what is today the world’s largest sock store all with a mission to spread happiness. Their speaking engagements bring laughter, tears and move people to see what is possible for each of us to achieve. They have spoken in person at events across Canada, the United States and Mexico and have spoken virtually at events around the world. They have spoken at events for Microsoft, EY, Bank of America, the Special Olympics and the National Down Syndrome Society among others.
Their advocacy work has seen the Cronins testify twice before Congress and speak at the United Nations. Their work has been featured on many national news shows. They are winners of many awards including the EY Entrepreneurs of the Year.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. They do this by offering socks people can love that allows an expression of one’s true self. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $450,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
