13 September 2024 - The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership CEO, Lindsay Hooper, spoke at Sustainability Live at the Business Design Centre in London on 11 September to hundreds of industry professionals, as well as young people starting out on their career journey.
The other speakers on the panel included Andrea Debbane, Director of Sustainability at Jaguar Land Rover; Anisa Kamadoli Costa, CSO at Rivian (US EV company); Sarah Mcdonald, VP of Sustainability, Haleon (health and pharma company); and Shirley Robertson, Head of Strategic Planning and Sustainability, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.
The panel focused on the challenges still facing women in the workforce, with less opportunity for promotion to the c-suite, the gender pay gap, and receiving greater criticism than male counterparts. Recent US research shows that although females dominate the staffing and leadership of many NGOs - the bigger the NGO and the greater its assets, the more likely it is to be led by a man.
Despite the great challenges and lived experiences discussed, panellists also spoke of the vast opportunities a diverse culture creates, with a strong need to shift mindsets to view diversity as a benefit and a fundamental right, not just compliance.
Practical solutions were suggested, such as acknowledging gender disparities and addressing structural issues, not just “fixing” women; diagnosing where issues lie (eg pipeline vs senior role barriers); addressing key career points: hiring, promotion, and visibility opportunities; assigning projects equally, not just “soft” topics to female employees; structuring meetings to ensure diverse participation; offering mentorship and training; allowing flexible working, and celebrating successes more frequently. As well as, importantly, calling out inequality where and whenever it happens.
“Focus on what you really care about and enjoy – you will need your passion and curiosity to see you through the tough times. Build on what you are good at. Be clear what value you offer, to whom. Be visible, vocal and bold from the outset. Learn – and keep learning,” advised Hooper.
“Be prepared for difficulty and challenge – if you are serious about having impact, you will need to get comfortable with challenging the status quo. No matter how constructive and well prepared you are, major change is hard. Be courageous.”
Watch the full Women in Sustainability panel from Sustainability Live 2024.
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