19 April 2021

Human Resources Online: How leaders from DSM, Eaton, Micro Focus, and more are tackling underlying cognitive biases and societal expectations

As part of our series of 22 stories under the overarching theme of #ChooseToChallenge, the team at Human Resources Online reached out to about 70 leaders (women and men – because we believe men play a part too) to ask “What is one action you are taking at work, and at home, to challenge the existing gender stereotypes?”

In this 18th story in our series, leaders from DSM, Eaton, Micro Focus, Poly, Quincus, and Rackspace Technology share the following:

  • Choosing to challenge certain norms and actively embracing the value of being courageous to have difficult conversations.
  • Tackling the underlying cognitive biases and societal expectations.
  • Empowerment is fundamental in overturning these deeply entrenched stereotypes.
  • Asking and expecting to get a positive response.
  • Fostering an environment of teamwork, growth and work-life balance.
  • Internal advocacy groups to promote unity, support, and growth in an environment of trust, freedom, and accountability.
Katherina Lacey, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, Quincus

For the last few years, we have seen more women in senior leadership positions contributing to steering the company culture and upending the traditional “supply chain industry” branding – and the trend is here to stay.

Whether you are moving from a different industry or coming back from a long break, I believe that things can work out as long as you have perseverance and an ever-learning mentality.

Over at Quincus, we set up Women@Quincus, a mentorship group designed to promote teamwork and mentorship among women employees, regardless of their nationality and background.

“My team and I are looking to foster an environment of teamwork, growth and work-life balance that strengthens the camaraderie and synergy among the Quincus team.”

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