Pay It Forward

“Be the change you want to see in the World.”

Four years ago, following CAT’s inaugural Women in Leadership Conference in Peoria, I issued a challenge to our dealer attendees: How would you ensure that this was not a point in time experience – i.e. two days of thought-provoking, inspirational speakers and great discussion that ended upon your return to your business?  I felt strongly that we were fortunate to attend this Conference, fortunate to have a few days “away” from our daily jobs to reflect and grow as leaders, and as a result, it was our responsibility to pay it forward for others. Often I think we are dissuaded that an action won’t be “big enough” – and will not have the intended change the world effect.

 I also knew first-hand how easy it was to become absorbed in the day-to-day drive for results (nonetheless, the fire drills) and that it would take a special focus to not only cascade the messages from the Conference but also pay them forward in action.   For my part, I committed that I would cascade the message: to my team, to my peers, and to our Latin America region through the WIN employee resource groups. I committed to using my platform and network.

 RELIANZ took the challenge not only to heart but to action, in a major way, by creating the first women’s professional organization in Colombia. RELIANZ WIN, an employee-led group, brought customers, suppliers, associations, and the industry together with a common focus: increase gender inclusion and advocate for women in our industry. The group identified and trained “He4Shes,” celebrated where women are visible in our business and welcomed more women in, and began dynamic and candid conversations with men and women at the table.

 There is no doubt that the one, simple action of creating an employee resource group has made a tremendous impact on the industry and even the country as a whole today – but also for many years to come. Take the time to watch this video commemorating their journey of paying it forward and embodying the change that these leaders desired to spur. And I challenge you, in your own way, to pay it forward.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n69rEZzD-YE&feature=youtu.be