Insights
Reflections on International Women’s Day and SFXV
Carol Mote on intentional inclusion and authenticity
To move the dial on equity, diversity and inclusion, you have to be “intentional” about changing the mix of people around the table, according to Carol Mote, Global Head of Human Resources. “Sometimes, when I go into a meeting, I’m struck not by who is there but by who could be there. If people on the outside look in to our business and can’t see themselves, we have a problem,” she says.
It’s what makes initiatives like the Stonehage Fleming XV so important, explains Carol, when we sit down to reflect on International Women’s Day’s #EmbraceEquity theme for 2023.
“The range of people involved in bringing SFXV together and the final 15 that make up our inaugural cohort are key to underlining Stonehage Fleming’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. When you look at the line-up, whoever you are, you will find someone with a personal story that affects you, that causes you to stop and reflect. For me, that is the secret ingredient for the whole project – helping people resonate with other people’s stories”.
It is in their individual stories that the SFXV bring an authenticity to what they do and say. Something, says Carol, we can all learn from.
“Over the years, I have seen many women adjust their behaviour to try and be what they think others want them to be at work. It can be exhausting, adding pressure to your whole sense of wellbeing. My advice is to be authentic. If you try to be something you’re not, it can start to erode the best of your contribution. No-one but you can deliver your vision and, as a unique person, there is real value in what you have to offer.”
In order to embrace equity, Carol urges us all to stay true to our own authentic selves. “An embrace is a warm, personal interaction that takes in everything someone is and holds it close with determination and purpose. That is what I would like people to take away from the IWD theme this year: at Stonehage Fleming we encourage you to engage with the journey to equality, bringing your unique measure of determination and purpose, to personally support equitable and continuous action, as only you can.”
The aim of the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren't enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.
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From International Women’s Day 2022 - Being a feminist doesn’t mean I’m anti-men – Natalie Campbell