EmbraceEquity IWD 2023

The IWD and the 3rd anniversary of BWBW 2023 has left some notes for you...

Annabelle Roberts Founder of Certifié Sympa & President & Headwriter at Present Perfect Paris

About the rejection therapy

• Brain is wired to avoid pain and conflict. But you can only progress if you actually invite those negative emotions in your life.
• Brain doesn't know the difference between a rational and an irrational fear. Fear of rejection is actually an irrational fear.
• Through logic and emotional intelligence, fair of failure can be overcome.
• People who want to practice rejection therapy should have a rejection quota and actively working towards achieving it.
• You become less afraid when you expose yourself to your fears. It acts like vaccination.
• Opportunities will open up for you if you are actively trying to get rejected. Insecurities will no longer hold you back.
• one third of anticipated rejections turned out as opportunities for people who practice rejection therapy
• Rejection can gradually hurt less if you realise that this is an unavoidable step to reach progress.
• Pain plus reflection equals progress.
• A rejection buddy can help you self reflect and celebrate your efforts to progress.
• emotional Intelligence, spot-on communication and generosity are your toolbox to practice rejection therapy.
• Be a bold and audacious " loser ".
• Have ambitions and talk about them. An ambitious and virtuous leader is a catalyst for change.
• Be confident and smart and use your time more effectively.

If you are interested to know more, buy her book (for now in french available)

Rami Habib General Manager & SVP, Salesforce Switzerland

• Embracing equity for a company means that all employees should be provided with equal opportunities in an inclusive environment where people feel valued and respected.
• Equity is a part of success, there is actually a lot of published research to support this statement. It's a time where DEI is stronger than ever and really drives progress.
• A true inclusive leader is someone who is transparent and accountable, clear in his communication and a provider of a safe environment. Promotion and advancement should be part of the process as well as flexibility, inclusivity, and a genuine belief in the people's competences and skills. This person should proactively and gently push people to speak up and create a space where equal voices are heard and valued.

Petra Jenner General Manager & SVP Europe, Middle East, Africa, at Splunk

• Leaders have a responsibility towards addressing push-backs to equity. Zero tolerance is the immediate response but at the same time one needs to try and understand the root causes of this reaction, which in most cases is some kind of unequal experience, or cases of the person being undervalued and underrepresented. So conversation should also be fostered, benefits of DEI should be always highlighted and constant raise of awareness is required . 
• The female leaders of the future should be people who always speak up, and show themselves, are vocal of their skills and competences and are willing to work hard. They should ask for support and be supportive at the same time. Solidarity is a practice that should always be embraced. Lead by example and always self reflect.
• Feedback culture should be cultivated: Giving regular and constructive feedback, provide clarity to the peoples' progress and expectations. This is a top prerequisite for the people to feel and be involved in the decision making process.

Lisette Nap VP Global Sales Transformation & Governance at DHL

• To promote equity people need to walk the talk: create teams irrespective of gender, age, culture, ethnicity, family status, creative choices. A diverse team will help you look at things in a broader perspective. You should also dare to self reflect and challenge the status-quo.
• Life is a journey, Don't waste your time. Live the present and have no regrets. Dare to live and make the waves, embrace change, if you need to fail, fail fast and amaze yourself,
• Mentoring is a great opportunity for learning. You learn, you give, you listen to your story again and self -reflect, you listen to their stories and regain your creativity. Being a mentee is great opportunity to receive feedback , to be open, to dare and to embrace vulnerability.

Olga Miller Co-founder & CEO at SmartPurse

• Money should also embrace equity: Pocket money to kids, pay gaps, pension funds, investment should also be taken into consideration and improved. Money conversations should happen systematically and openly. A solid financial plan is always needed to be put into place.  Also part time work needs to be considered in relation to the pension scheme and how this is affected by the current Swiss pension system.
• Government-driven programs for career returners exist but Companies can also play an important part in improving the gender gap. Flexible working hours, legislative change, better and cheaper children's care and also facilitated by the companies, tax efficiency, better incentives, and financial benefits especially a strong pension scheme are essential to attract and retain female talent.
• An important issue to be addressed is the intellectual honesty and ownership. It's very important that people who do the work, get the credit for it and not just the ones who can sell the results of their work.

Fact is; leading people through common values is the foundation towards an equity organisation. Agree?

See you in a year with more topics

With gratitude

Vanessa & the core team of BWBW