How can you #InspireInclusion in 2024?
How can you #InspireInclusion in 2024?
"I never assumed ever that because I was a woman that anything was off limits to me." - Christiane Amanpour
March 8 is International Women's Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s not only a day of celebration but equally a call to action for propelling women's equality further into the 21st century. This year's theme is #InspireInclusion, and it couldn't be timelier. Inclusion isn't just a buzzword; it's a necessary blueprint for businesses and society.
What does inclusion really mean?
At the heart of inclusion lies the inherent belief that every individual, irrespective of their background, sex, race or other social identification, deserves a seat at the table. It demands that we cultivate a workplace environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. True inclusion means embracing diversity not as a token gesture but as a crucial driver for decision-making processes. It's about ensuring that different voices and ideas can contribute to the ecosystem of innovation and progress.
Inclusive businesses understand the importance of fairness and equity, creating a sense of belonging for all employees. They work to create a culture where diversity fuels creativity, and everyone has the opportunity to shine and achieve their full potential. It's about moving from merely opening doors to actively inviting people through them.
Breaking new ground in tech: my career journey.
In my role as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Ateliere, I have a front-row seat to the evolution and revolution of inclusivity in a field that is often viewed as a male-dominated fortress. My role extends beyond driving revenue growth and aligning sales — it's about championing people, our greatest resource.
Throughout my technology career, I have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of inclusion. By integrating various perspectives, we unlock innovation. This experience has fed my resolve to blaze a trail for others, especially for women poised to make their mark in technology.
I’m a working mom, the breadwinner of our family, with a stay at home dad who has moved all over the world to support my career. While I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of my family, I consider myself very fortunate to have worked for companies that have also shown remarkable support. Plus, one good thing came out of the pandemic; I get to spend more time at home with my family, friends, and animals — and I hope that continues to be the new normal. Women are held to such impossible standards. How can we be the best mothers, friends, and workers without sacrificing a part of ourselves? My family and my interests make me a better person and a better professional. It’s so hard to find companies like Ateliere who value the whole person — not just who you are inside the workplace. I strive to be someone who highlights the need not just for more women in tech but to let women and the underrepresented be uniquely themselves, use their voice and get that seat at the table.
Inclusion drives innovation.
The ranks of women joining tech companies have increased but there is still a long way to go. It’s also important to broaden this conversation to include minorities and other underrepresented categories as they are also sorely outnumbered in tech. There is still not enough true inclusion in leadership across board rooms, C-suites, engineering and product development teams.
And this lack of inclusion is a big miss. According to a recent McKinsey study, companies with greater representation of women on their executive teams are more likely to outperform financially. Their 2023 report found top-quartile companies had an impressive 23 percent greater likelihood of financial outperformance versus their bottom-quartile peers.A quick Google search will reveal many additional studies that demonstrate the numerous benefits of including women in leadership positions, ranging from improved financial performance and innovation to better decision-making and employee engagement and retention. For example, research from Boston Consulting Group suggests that companies with diverse leadership teams produce 19% more revenue due to innovation. So it’s not just the right thing to do, it’s the profitable thing to do.
There are many ways to ensure the needs, interests and aspirations of women, girls, and those who identify as female are valued and included. Companies can #InspireInclusion through action in areas such as recruiting, retaining and developing female talent and designing infrastructure that meets the needs of women and girls.
At Ateliere, I make it a personal commitment to help forge a more inclusive workplace. That’s one reason why I am so proud of our team for practicing open dialog, supporting each other both in the office (virtual and other) and at home. Actively respecting each team member and finding opportunities to connect on a personal and professional level is what makes all the hard work so much more fun.
Conclusion
As we strive to make 2024 a banner year for inclusion, remember that each of us plays a vital part in this collective journey. By fostering a culture that prioritizes diversity, equity, and belonging, we don't just #InspireInclusion; we become architects for a fair and thriving future. Let's continue to harness our collective energies to empower every woman to reach for the stars and beyond.
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How can you #InspireInclusion in 2024?
