172: Blended – The World Stage
Welcome to the fourth episode of our brand-new show, Blended.
Blended is all about opening up conversations and giving the mic to all of the underrepresented voices in our industry – women, the LGBTQIA+ community, people of colour, those with disabilities, whether they’re visible or hidden, and many more.
Today in Episode 4, ‘The World Stage,’ we’re going to be looking at diversity and inclusion from a worldwide perspective. What does it look like for our panellists; how does it vary by country, or continent; what are the conversations that are being had across the globe; and how can we join together to shape a better future.
Introductions to our Blended panellists. Jenna – CEO & Co-Founder at Shipamax, based in the UK Nissrine – Supply Chain Advisor, originally from Morocco, raised in France and living in United Arab Emirates Demostenes (Demo) – Latin America Supply Chain Business Strategist, born and raised in Panama Akta – Co-Founder & CEO at Nomadory, born and raised in India and living in the USA Andrea – Senior Economist at Export Development Canada, born in Chile and raised in Canada
The panellists experiences of diversity and inclusion around the world. How Akta’s parents broke from patriarchal tradition in her upbringing; but working in investment banking, she still found herself the only woman on the trading floor Jenna’s perspective through European eyes, and the difference between being a diverse city and having that diversity actually represented in the workplace Education bias, and its damaging trickledown effect Andrea’s perspective on integrating, accessing opportunity and thriving as an immigrant Nissrine’s contradictory experience of equality in the UAE, from a push towards gender equality to a shying away from equality in the LGBTQIA+ community Education and qualifications as a part of culture, and both the positive and negative impact Demo’s experience of being surrounded by strong, professional women and how that influenced him in the workplace
Individual experiences and the groups reactions. Jenna’s experience of gender bias in fundraising; the questions that are asked and playing the game, whether that’s adapting to or challenging, that bias How a male dominated culture has historically held back talent How an international work experience encouraged Andrea to understand the importance of encouraging openness on a corporate scale, not just a personal one The importance of advocacy and honesty Andrea’s take on the dialogue around pronouns and the danger of assumptions Why Demo created the first woman-only panel in Panama
The benefits of actively seeking out and nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment. Awareness and actively fighting subconscious bias The different perspectives that come from different industries and experiences Improved decision making, problem-solving and productivity Improved creativity and innovation Unlocking your potential and sense of purpose, and the power to be found in being – and being allowed to be – your best authentic self
How do we find a way to work together to keep driving diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity? Embracing differences Avoid associating genders with particular traits Speaking up Influencing the group you feel comfortable with, whether that’s home, work or community The power of social media Being vulnerable
The panellists sum up their key takeaways from today’s discussion. Ask – Demo Keep talking – Jenna Be accountable – Akta Empathy – Nissrine Be vulnerable – Andrea
