This month (March) we celebrate women; and on March 8, 2020, we recognized International Women’s Day around the globe. Did you know that the first Woman’s Day observed in the U.S. was in the early part of the 20th century?
According to International Women’s Day, this special day, dedicated to women around the world, is a celebration of the great success of women across all spheres of life as well as shaping the future.
I have always felt that the best way to celebrate International Women’s Day, is to continue to hire and invest in women, to offer training and personal development and to provide equal pay. As a senior leader, who has spent over two decades with many public technology companies, I have been in positions that allow me to hire and build teams of people to support my organizations.
It has always been a priority to hire a diverse group of leaders and that includes women. Because, when you bring women into the discussion, especially in predominately male run technology companies, you are bringing together people of various backgrounds with different life experiences who can generate ideas or perspectives that others may not have ever considered or been aware of. It is always better to have multiple interpretations and approaches on a leadership team, rather than everyone contributing the same thoughts and conclusions.
I always think, “What if everyone who surrounded me was exactly like me, in every way? How would we think differently, generate new ideas, point of views, best and new practices that would stimulate and inspire?”
Currently, my leadership team is 30 percent women, and their thoughts and unique viewpoints are invaluable. I make it a point to always work with my HR team to look at diverse candidates and to make sure that female candidates are in positions to interview for job openings on my team.
Having a diverse team where women “don’t just thrive they drive,” is critical for the success of any organization. I have embraced this motto, not just today or for the month of March, but as a pillar for successful leadership.