Diversity and Inclusion, otherwise known as D&I, are often referred to in the same breath, going hand in hand. But how visible is “inclusion” on the D&I stage? Are we giving inclusion equal billing, and if not, how can we best put the “I” back into the D&I equation?

As D&I practitioners know, the strength of having a diversified corporate environment lies with inclusion: actively tending to what each employee brings to the table, be it experience, knowledge or new ideas. It is in the diversity, or the contrast, of talents where some of the most innovative ideas originate. While diversity often gets top billing, keeping the same attention and focus on inclusion ensures the full benefit of having a diversified workforce.

If, as this month’s Thought Starter suggests, D&I is nothing short of a business enabler, then D without the I represents, at best, a mark of potential just waiting to be filled.

Best wishes,
Catalyst Europe AG Team

Catalyst study reveals women break "glass ceiling" from above

On the 23rd of July, Catalyst released its latest study – Advancing Women Leaders: The Connection Between Women Board Directors and Women Corporate Officers – which shows a clear and positive link between the percentage of women on a company’s board and the future number of women in its senior management ranks. The research found that companies with 30 percent women board directors in 2001 had, on average, 45 percent more women corporate officers by 2006, compared to companies with no women board members. Not only does this compelling research indicate a way to increase the number of women in leadership, it further supports Catalyst’s research on the financial implications of gender diversity at the top.

Catalyst Europe to speak at women’s network

On September 9th, Catalyst Europe General Manager Eleanor Tabi Haller-Jorden will speak at McDonald’s Women’s Leadership Network event in London. At this internal event, Catalyst Europe’s presentation will focus on how to capitalize on the skills and expertise of women in management.

Media Corner: New Catalyst study takes front and center stage

Catalyst Europe’s Second Symposium: Registration now open! (London)

Conference: Catalyst Europe dives into the business case for D&I (Iceland)

Catalyst Europe’s Eleanor Tabi Haller-Jorden will be the keynote speaker at an international conference organized by Bifrost University on 19 September in Kopavogur, Iceland. The conference, which is open to the public, will focus on women on corporate boards, why female representation is so low and what can be done to change this reality. If you are interested in attending this event, registration will begin on the 18th of August. To register, please visit Bifrost’s website or call +354 433 3000.

New regional event: Calling all Swiss women’s networks

Catalyst Europe’s new European Research Forum on the table

Global membership: Gaining traction on the global front

Texas Instruments Inc. and BP p.l.c. are just two of the latest companies to recently sign on as Catalyst Global Members. With access to Catalyst’s tailored global membership services, global members are able to address diversity and inclusion on both regional and global levels – at special membership rates. Feel free to contact us for more information.

Defining the “I” in the D&I equation

The aim with this approach is to see a mind-set change. It’s not enough to only focus on the measures. If you do this, you may totally forgo why people leave the company and miss out on the key levers and drivers involved. While it is crucial to have women and local nationals in leadership positions, it’s not enough just to hire them; you want to make sure that they stay in the company as well. Most importantly, by obtaining a mind-set change, all employees benefit from the environment.

Our aim is to seek out the best talent for the job. By including all talents, we can obtain a broader pool and higher bar. Better talents translate into stronger leaders, and this in turn gives Shell the profiles needed to deliver in the changing world we operate in. In short, we see D&I as a true business enabler in today’s global world.”

About Josefine van Zanten: As the Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion since 2006, Ms. van Zanten is responsible for Shell’s global D&I policy. Prior to her current position at Shell, she was the Diversity Director for Europe and Middle East at Hewlett Packard.