Women leading with a human-centric approach

Adriana: 

What are the benefits to having women in leadership?  

Today, the world's female workforce is increasing, and women often need to give more effort to work towards their career goals. Women bring benefits in all areas and can show advantages in creativity, interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, among others.  

What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful leader?  

For me they are empathy, understanding that team development is part of the process as well as flexibility, focusing on balance, problem solving and a business vision. 

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing female leaders today?  

I believe that many times it is having the same space in the business world as male leaders to implement, provide and revolutionize the way of managing teams. 

How does HH Global support and encourage female leadership roles like yours in the business?  

HH Global supported me by providing the space for my development and application of leadership. This includes my multi-cultural skillset as well as constantly supporting me by involving me in strategic opportunities so that I continue to improve my strategic thinking and applications. 

Nadia: 

What are the benefits to having women in leadership?  

There is still significant disparity between men and women in leadership. Having women in leadership supports greater gender equality, closes the gender wage gap and influences and inspires the younger generation to further break down barriers and do the same. In addition, women in leadership statistically have a measurable impact on an organization’s profitability. Women demonstrate passion, enthusiasm, empathy and a capability to take command of a situation when need be. However! I firmly believe that lack of women in leadership is not simply a representational issue. Focusing on getting more women in leadership positions not only treats women as token hires, but it also excludes men who are made to feel as though engaging in diversity and inclusion is a win-lose fight for a seat on the leadership table. Improving representation will not fix the culture and environment that has created inequality in the first place. The real aim should be for leaders to create a culture that values, rewards and supports individual differences and achievements. In a work environment where differences are valued, everyone has an opportunity to advance, which is why both women and men are more likely to rise to senior leadership positions when achievement is recognized, regardless of gender or diversity. 

What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful leader?  

The ability to share a clear vision, manage complex initiatives, deliver stakeholder value, empathy, make hard decisions, lead by example, recognize success and empower others. A successful leader should also be able to create a high-performing cohesive team, act with integrity, have a good work ethic and the ability to attract top talent. 

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing female leaders today?  

Unconscious bias, unequal pay, equal opportunity, gender specific labels, sexual or gender-based harassment, maintaining a work life balance and isolation. 

How does HH Global support and encourage female leadership roles like yours in the business?  

HH Global provides equal opportunities for all, and achievement is recognized and rewarded regardless of gender. We encourage females in leadership through: 

-Female Group Management Board leadership 

-Opportunities for leadership progression based on achievement and value generation 

-Strong female representation at all levels of the business 

-A transparent and equal performance management program 

-Empowerment and accountability across all employees 

-Frequent and clear communication of values and recognition