As organizations strive to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace, it is important to consider the unique perspectives and experiences that different groups of people can bring to the table.
A study by the Peterson Institute for International Economics (2015) found that companies with more women in leadership positions had a 34% higher return on equity than those with fewer women. Furthermore, research by “Boston Consulting Group” (2021) found that companies with more diverse leadership teams are more likely to have better performance, more innovation, and more effective decision-making. We talk about women’s representation in leadership roles, but it is important to acknowledge that there is large ethnic diversity that must also be represented. One group that is often underrepresented in these leadership roles is brown women.
As members of both a racial and gender minority group, these women have a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that come with diversity and inclusion. As a result, they can offer insights into the intersectionality of race, gender, and other identities and how they impact the workplace. This can help Human Resources and Diversity Leaders understand the complexities of creating an inclusive environment and develop more effective strategies to support all employees.
Research has shown that ethnically diverse women are underrepresented in leadership roles across industries. This is problematic not only because it perpetuates a lack of diversity at the top but also because organizations are missing out on the valuable contributions that these women can make. McKinsey & Company’s “Why Diversity Matters” report (2015) found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and racial diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their industry mean.
Having a woman from diverse ethnic backgrounds speak at an event can help raise awareness of this issue and inspire more organizations to actively recruit and promote diversity in leadership roles. This also acts as a powerful role model for other minority women in the organization. This can help increase their visibility and confidence and can also inspire other members of the organization to support and advocate all women. Additionally, this can benefit the organization as a whole, as it can create a more inclusive and supportive culture.
These women often face specific challenges in the workplace, such as discrimination and microaggressions. They can speak to these challenges from a personal perspective and offer insights into how organizations can support and advocate for all women. This can be particularly beneficial for leaders, as it can help them to understand the specific issues that minority women face and develop effective strategies to address them.
Research has shown that having diversity in women leadership can lead to improved organizational outcomes, such as increased innovation, creativity, and financial performance. Furthermore, a study by Deloitte (2018) found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive teams were 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability than companies in the fourth quartile.
By unlocking the potential of all women, your organization can take a step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace. One individual who embodies all of these qualities and would make an excellent speaker for such events is Harpreet Kaur, a first-generation leader in the tech industry with over 20 years of experience, currently holding a leadership position at Microsoft. In a world where you hear about blending in, Harpreet wears her turban and stands out in the crowd. She preaches and embodies the mantra of “Why Blend In When You Are Born To Stand Out”. Harpreet’s personal background as an immigrant, her understanding of the struggles that women face in the workforce, how she overcame all these challenges to be a successful tech leader, and her story of humble beginnings can add a unique and valuable perspective to any event. In addition, Harpreet can not only inspire and motivate your team but also help them to unlock their own potential through her leadership and coaching frameworks.
Don’t miss the opportunity to have Harpreet Kaur speak at your next event and take a step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace.