Walk the Talk: ANFAO Puts D&I at the Heart of the Eyewear Supply Chain

The new free training program dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion kicks off on 9 October in Milan.

The Italian eyewear industry is opening a new season of dialogue and growth. After the success of the 2024 training program on inclusive language, ANFAO – the National Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers is launching a new edition of “Walk the Talk”, the free training program on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) developed in collaboration with Tack TMI.

The goal is to support member companies in embedding inclusive behaviours into their daily practices, strengthening both organizational culture and sector competitiveness.

The first session is scheduled for Thursday 9 October, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., at ANFAO’s headquarters (Via Alberto Riva Villasanta 3, Sala Consiglio). This will officially mark the start of the Milan edition of the World Cafés, experiential workshops designed to foster dialogue, idea sharing and the co-creation of inclusive strategies.

An Experiential Journey Towards Real Change

Running from October to December, the program combines virtual sessions with in-person workshops held in Milan and Belluno. Targeted at HR managers and DEI representatives from member companies, it involves small groups to ensure direct interaction and active participation.

Through inspirational testimonies — including that of entrepreneur Marco Ottocento, founder of Più di un Sogno and Valemour — and collaborative methodologies such as the World Café, Walk the Talk provides practical tools to strengthen inclusive workplace cultures. The main focuses are Self Awareness and Team Development, culminating in the creation of a real “Inclusive Behaviours Manual” built from shared insights.

Inclusion as a Strategic Driver

With Walk the Talk, ANFAO aims to generate tangible impact on multiple levels by:

• Promoting an advanced and responsible organizational culture, aligned with international ESG best practices.

• Enhancing the association’s service offering, providing member companies with a high-value training path.

• Strengthening companies’ competitiveness by fostering fairer, safer and more welcoming workplaces.

Inclusion, equity, empowerment and innovation thus become concrete levers for the growth of the eyewear supply chain.