Your Shape Talent LinkedIn newsletter – January edition

January is the perfect time to ignite action and momentum. This month, we’re exploring innovative strategies for advancing intersectional gender equity, tackling the big questions about the value of diversity, and opening up impactful conversations to help you drive progress in your organisation.

Here’s what you can look forward to in this edition:

• New blog: We address the business case for EDI by examining one of McKinsey's most critiqued reports. With credible references and fresh perspectives, we explore how to effectively position the importance of EDI within your organisation.
• January’s LinkedIn Live: The intersectional lens and why it matters for gender equity – join us on Wednesday 29th January at 2:00 PM GMT.
• February LinkedIn Live - save the date: Wednesday 26th February from 10:00 - 10:45 AM GMT – for a very special session with Mary Ann Sieghart as we approach International Women’s Day.
• Recap on our latest Three Barriers research: Explore how these new insights can empower your complex multi-national organisation to advance gender equity.
• Meet the team: Jessica Lazarczyk shares her take on tackling assumptions, managing the mental load, and why now is the time to double down on gender equity.

New blog

Are we asking the right questions about gender equity? Scrutiny of McKinsey’s research continues to reignite this conversation on the link between diversity and business performance. But this misses the bigger picture. Diversity was never meant to be about profit alone. So why are we still framing EDI’s value so narrowly? Read or listen to our latest blog exploring these questions and more.

?

Our first ‘Live’ of 2025!

On Wednesday, 29 January 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM GMT, join us for our LinkedIn Live event - 'Beyond representation: Designing workplace systems through the lens of intersectionality'. Here we’ll explore why understanding the interplay of intersecting oppressions is key to creating equitable workplaces for all women.

Factors like race, ethnicity, disability, age/life stage, and sexual orientation shape unique challenges and opportunities. When we understand these diverse experiences, we unlock new pathways for inclusion, innovation, and progress. We’ll be joined by inspiring special guests: Arlene Rahn, Joulie Gindi, Simon Houghton, and Shape Talent’s own Ailish Breen.?Their expertise and lived experiences will add richness to our discussion as we explore:

• How intersectionality shapes career progression.
• Strategies to advance equity across all dimensions of identity.
• Practical actions leaders can take to drive lasting change.

??

Don’t miss this one! Advance notice of our February LinkedIn Live with Mary Ann Sieghart

If you’re committed to making 2025 the year of transformative impact in EDI, this session is not to be missed. We know that even ahead of the UN’s International Women’s Day 2025, gender equality is still unfinished business. Join us on Wednesday, 26 February, 10:00 –10:45 AM GMT for a special LinkedIn Live with Mary Ann Sieghart. We’ll discuss the persistent gender equality gap, its impact on leadership, and the practical steps organisations can take to drive real progress. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from one of the world’s leading voices on gender equity. Follow our LinkedIn posts to get all the details in the coming days!

?

Have you read our latest research? The reality gap: Three Barriers to women’s advancement in European corporates

Expanding upon Shape Talent’s 2022 corporate UK study, this new report uncovers both common and distinct challenges across geographies. Explore how these insights can empower your complex multi-national organisation to advance gender equity with a targeted, data-informed approach.

?

Meet the Team?

Get to know a little bit more about one of our newest team members, Jessica (Jess) Lazarczyk, and the rich experience she brings. When she’s not doubling down on efforts to challenge assumptions and support meaningful progress around gender equality, you’ll find her enjoying her love of literature and belting out Disney classics!

Follow or connect with Jess on LinkedIn here.

?

Let us make 2025 the year we turn intention into impact.? Contact us today to explore how we can support your diversity goals.