How Schindler inspires inclusion in vertical transportation

Schindler Elevator Corporation is proud to champion equality and equity in the workplace, not just today but every day. Our commitment to nurturing inclusivity runs deep through our Employee Inclusion Networks as well as numerous career development and leadership programs.

We firmly believe that every individual, from our outstanding employees and customers to industry fans, deserves access to the resources and opportunities that will empower them to reach their personal and professional goals.

Today, we are spotlighting just some of the remarkable women within our organization who #inspireinclusion and motivate us at all levels.

Stephanie Kaminski on Authenticity

For me, inspiring inclusion happens in everyday moments. Smile, make eye contact, invite different perspectives and experiences to the table, celebrate successes, and facilitate moments where everyone feels heard, seen, and valued.

I admire women who lift up other women—collaboration over competition—but people who inspire me show authenticity, vulnerability, passion, and excitement. Servant leaders, my kids…especially my 4-year-old. If everyone viewed the world through the lens of a 4-year-old, the world would be a much better and kinder place.

If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be, “Stop comparing yourself. Flowers are pretty but so are sunsets and they look nothing alike.” Comparison here goes beyond the physical—we all have our gifts. There is enough space for all of us.

In an industry with historically fewer women, representation matters. Fresh perspectives, ideas, and solutions only make us better.

Beth Benevenia on Inclusion

Inspiring inclusion, to me, is helping everyone understand the power of feeling included and how it can completely change what a person is capable of and willing to do. Being heard and considered can be the difference between success or failure. If everyone feels included, and you add all that individual success together, think of what that can mean for the entire organization.

I once read that being excluded mimics the same impact as physical bodily harm on someone’s brain—think about that! I try to inspire inclusion by listening, keeping an open mind, and valuing the difference in perspectives that people bring to the table. I am inspired by authenticity, kindness, and more than anything, perseverance. When I see those traits in someone, I want to know that person.

To all of the women who are looking to join Schindler, I want you to know that on the surface, if you just look at statistics, we have a long way to go to get to diverse representation across all under-represented categories. However, we have leaders that are committed to moving the needle, and we have the type of culture where everyone is considered and included. We have a distributed workforce with teams all over the country, making for a diverse culture, and the people in this industry absolutely love what they do.

Chelsea Payne on Change

In my experience, inspiring inclusion when looking through the lens of a woman has been inviting others to contribute who may have initially been overlooked. I have worked in a number of traditionally male-dominated fields and have seen the benefit of women echoing other women’s suggestions and opinions during the course of a meeting to ensure their opinions are truly being considered.

As a new mom, I have a newfound appreciation to those who have given birth and/or are raising children and don’t “shut off” being a mom, but instead allow it to expand their perspective in the workplace as well.

Overall, I have been most inspired by the women in my career who have been confident enough to share when they did not have all the answers. Additionally, trailblazers in my life have been those who have taken a stand and proclaimed that just because something is the way “it’s always been done,” doesn’t mean it’s the way it always needs to be done—that there, in fact, may be a better way. Those are the most inspiring women to me.

If I could tell my younger self one thing, I would tell her that choosing one career or hobby over another doesn’t mean that you must abandon every other career or hobby. Growing up, I felt like I could only really excel at one thing, when often being well-rounded is even better.

Schindler is an environment designed for ALL associates to thrive. Our workplace environment is authentically inclusive. We see you as a full person because we know that we as a company are not a monolith—our individuality contributes to a stronger and more agile team that anticipates our customers’ needs and drives innovation.

Tenzing Chonzom on Teamwork and Kindness

To me, the basis of inclusion is rooted in kindness. It’s not always easy, and sometimes it’s not our natural reaction. However, kindness is a choice we are able to make. It takes courage to be kind, to uplift others, to see the good in people, and to root for their potential rather than critique what they lack. I try to practice kindness by being open and as authentic as I can. It helps me build trust and connect with others on a human level, which is why I would tell my younger self that being kind to yourself is equally as important as being kind to others.

Teamwork is also very inspiring, seeing a project or deliverable come together from a group of individuals who are equally invested in the vision and the success of the outcome. A team that demonstrates kindness and compassion with each other while achieving that shared goal inspires me to keep going!

I'm a 1.5-generation immigrant, so I witnessed my mom uproot her entire life and re-build it from the ground up in a new country. She demonstrated the importance of hard work and perseverance, and I attribute my success to everything she’s taught me.

If you’re a woman who is looking to join Schindler, I want you to know that it’s a people company, and I’ve had the opportunity to engage in so many different groups and organizations that are geared towards elevating me and my career.

Ashley Jones on Listening and Understanding

I strive to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment. It is important for me to create a space that promotes open communication and actively listening to others' experiences and viewpoints. I always say, listening is very different from hearing! Especially when you are viewed as a leader, it becomes more important and impactful to demonstrate those qualities, as others will naturally begin to follow.

My biggest inspiration was my stepmother. She was the first woman in my life who showed you can have a demanding corporate career, achieve great success, and still prioritize the people in your life, the activities you enjoy, and have fun along the way! From a young age, she instilled the core values of hard work, accountability, and independence. I truly believe those values are a huge part of what has shaped me today and how I have been able to achieve success myself.

Whether it's streamlining traffic, facilitating accessibility for individuals with disabilities, or contributing to the construction of skyscrapers or stadiums, the industry is a constant source of new and exciting developments. Being part of a sector that is integral to the functionality of various structures and having friends and family associate me with Schindler through their travels, sending pictures when they spot Schindler equipment, adds a unique and rewarding dimension.

Considering the myriad of lessons life unfolds, especially for women, I realize that knowing more at that time might not have necessarily been advantageous. Life's journey, with its blend of ups and downs, is invaluable. The importance lies in experiencing the spectrum of life's challenges and triumphs. From the toughest situations, you gather the most valuable lessons.