3 - The Gender Equation

Blended

This is the third episode of Let’s Talk Supply Chain’s brand-new show, Blended.

Blended is all about opening up conversations and giving the mic to all of the underrepresented voices in our industry – women, the LGBTQIA community, people of colour, those with disabilities, whether they’re visible or hidden, and many more.

Today in Episode 3, ‘The Gender Equation,’ we’re going to be exploring the different experiences that men and women have in their careers, the voices of conferences, why women have traditionally been pitted against other women, and how we can all work together to make meaningful change for the future.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[03.39] Introductions to our Blended panellists.

• Sofia Rivas Herrera – Airport industry data analyst, industrial engineer and supply chain ambassador
• Henrik Kofod-Hansen – Co-founder at novosensus
• Rashmeet Kaur – Supply chain consultant
• Jonathan Kempe – CEO and founder at Verifai
• Alison Cusack – Founder and principal lawyer at Cusack & Co Pty Ltd

Why are we gatekeeping people’s passions? I just want to do what I love – and I don’t want to have to fight to do it.” Alison

[14.46] What made Henrik write his paper “How a gender balance makes business better,” a summary of the findings and the groups reflections.

• Imposter syndrome – the potential causes, and its wide-reaching impact
• Rashmeet’s perspective on the gender equation in India
• Sophia’s take on culture and gender in Mexico
• The consequences of women starting a family
• Jonathan’s view on why employers need to get creative when looking to solve problems of gender balance in the workplace.

“Good leaders acknowledge any stage of life, and give opportunities equally.” Jonathan

[34.16] The age old issue of women being pitted against other women, and the panellists experiences.

• Are women are conditioned to judge other women?
• The role of ego
• The limited roles for women, and unnecessary competition
• The power of internalized misogyny
• Why we need to be pro-active in celebrating the successes of other women.

“I learned that it’s OK for other women to stand out as well.” Sofia

[56.56] The inequality often found in panels and conferences, and the excuses that the corporate world like to hide behind.

• How do we achieve diverse panels?
• The myth that there are no women who are interested in, or able to, contribute
• Why women need to say yes to everything – even if they need to figure it out later
• Why women need to create space for each other, coach and motivate each other whenever they can
• Why diverse panels are so important – and why they need to be approached with a genuine desire to do better, not as a corporate agenda
• Don’t be afraid to call out situations that you know aren’t right.

“Stop using ‘I’m a feminist’ as a pick-up line.” Rashmeet

[71.13] The importance of allyship.

• Key things for men not to do and say if they want to be a good ally for women
• The exhaustion of microaggressions
• Why women need to give positive reinforcement for good male allies
• Listen to women – and believe them!
• The damage of the “men too” approach – don’t use women opening up about their challenges as an opportunity to talk about your own
• What do women need in an ally?
• Why we all need to get comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations.

It’s nice to want allyship, but it seems that a lot of people aren’t equipped for it.” Henrik

[88.10] The panellists sum up one challenge and solution for the gender equation.

• Stand up: the change starts with you – Rashmeet
• Self-belief: move away from coping to creating – Henrik
• Don’t be afraid to break out of your box – Sofia
• Drive honest and authentic conversations – Jonathan
• Assert your boundaries and value the relationship with yourself – Alison

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

You can connect with Sofia, Henrik, Rashmeet, Jonathan and Alison over on LinkedIn.