orangeblock

Respecting Diversity translates into strength and greater business success

18 September 2015 | People and Companies | Events | AIG

Seen at the function from L to R : Annelot Schrijver, Chairperson of the GWII Diversity Focus Group, Dr Simone Honikman, Perinatal Mental Health Project and Jenny Watkins Head of AIG’s Global Property for Africa.

The Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII), supported by AIG and Willis, held a breakfast event in Sandton this week focussed on diversity and the empowerment of women in business.

Speaking at the event Stanley Bongwe, Founder Director of The Diversity Institute, and author of the book 100 Lessons in Diversity – learning about yourself and others, said “The real value of understanding and appreciating diversity is the enhanced corporate performance it can spark,”

The business world has generally been slow to appreciate the link between diversity and better corporate performance; too often, the issue is seen simply as one of fairness or equity. Stanley explains that the need to understand and deal effectively with diversity in the workplace applies to every member of the organisation. However, different audiences within the same organisation have slightly different needs, over and above the general principles. “If we can master diversity programmes not only limited to gender or colour but really look at increasing our awareness and understanding of our differences and treat each individual with respect then we will truly see the value of diversity for personal and career success.’” Bongwe said.

“It’s not just about treating people fairly but having a real desire and interest for your people in your teams to be stronger and more successful” he adds.

One of the more significant barriers that women face in business is the lack of role models for female success. Addressing this point Sonja De Bruyn Sebotsa, co-founded of Identity Capital Partners, shared some of her experience as a black woman in the financial services industry, and outlined the motivation behind her companies aim to particularly assist women and youth entrepreneurs secure business financing. Having held many leadership positions in the private and public sectors, Sonja discussed the value women leaders bring to business and the need to increase their participation to maximise a company’s potential.

With a practical approach Jenny Watkins Head of AIG’s Global Property for Africa, provided delegates with valuable insights about the skills that would help them achieve their goals within business, and insurance in particular. Having been in the industry for nearly 30 years Jenny has built a distinguished career in the short-term insurance industry and sees diversity as an important issue for a number of reasons. “If you take a puzzle for example it is made up of a number of unique pieces and these individual pieces must come together to create the whole picture. If we can look at diversity in the workplace in the same light each individual has its own uniqueness to contribute to the business and make it successful,” said Watkins.

Annelot Schrijver, Chairperson of the GWII Diversity Focus Group said “It is encouraging to see so many senior representatives, both men and women, from our Financial Services industry supporting this initiative.” Proceeds from the event raised over R75000 for the Perinatal Mental Health Project based at the University of Cape Town which addresses mental illness among pregnant and postnatal women and girls. For more information on this cause please visit www.pmhp.za.org.

 

Respecting Diversity translates into strength and greater business success
quick poll
Question

The Leo Cash and Carry transfer of 4405 bitcoins is a reminder to consider exchange control regulations before moving cash or crypto offshore. How do you approach exchange control compliance?

Answer