What’s at stake if we don’t get more women into leadership positions? The innovation, progression, and longevity of a company. Gerald Schotman, former EVP Innovation and R&D, Chief Technology Officer, Royal Dutch Shell, says: “It’s very important for me to advance more women in leadership positions because I do believe in diversity. Innovation and technology advances really are the result of diversity. Having diversity in your business is the key to success.”
Schotman also shared what he believes are the obstacles that women face when they’re trying to move up the corporate ladder, the importance of sponsorship, and what men can do to help women succeed in the workplace.
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More “Men Who Get It” Videos:
Watch Doug Conant, retired President & CEO, Campbell Soup Company, explain the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Watch Gerald Lema, Chairman and President, Japan, Baxter International Inc., and a member of Catalyst’s Board of Directors, discuss how he supported a woman colleague during a challenging transition.
Watch Alistair Fraser, Vice President, Health, Shell International Ltd, describe the biggest obstacle working women face.
Watch Dino E. Robusto, Executive VP, The Chubb Corporation and President of Personal Lines and Claims, explain how when women lead, businesses benefit.
Watch Harjiv Singh, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Gutenberg Communications, share the secret to shaping the future of business in India.
Watch Jim Turley, retired Chairman & CEO, Ernst & Young (EY), and Honorary Director and former Chair of Catalyst’s Board of Directors (from 2009–2013), tell how to confront hidden biases.
Watch Anthony Mitchell, Former Senior Membership Manager, Atlanta, Catalyst, explain why he’s passionate about gender diversity.
Watch Millennial Bryant Daley, a Budget Analyst at Forest Laboratories, Inc., tell how men who “get it” can help break barriers for women.
Watch Joan Buccigrossi, Director of Global Inclusion & Engagement, Rockwell Automation, discuss the importance of dialogue in creating organizations where diverse talent thrives.
Watch Lee Tschanz, Vice President, North American Sales, Rockwell Automation, discuss the company’s culture change.
Watch the video introduction to Catalyst’s report, Anatomy of Change: How Inclusive Cultures Evolve, and read more about the study. For a summary of the data, view the infographic.
More “Men Who Get It” Blogs:
Changing the Game for Women, One Male Executive at a Time
When Women Lead, Companies Win