Happy International Women’s Day!
Across the globe, we have celebrated this week with special events in-person and virtual, featuring best-selling authors, Experian leaders, and topics to further our team’s professional and personal growth. Volunteer events to brought us together and provided opportunities to give back to our communities.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Inspire Inclusion” could not be a better fit for Experian.
“At Experian, we understand that promoting gender equality is not just a core principle; it’s a strategic pillar for nurturing our growth. We remain firmly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The contributions of women are fundamental to our success, underscoring the importance of creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to thrive,” says Jennifer Schulz, North America Chief Executive Officer and Global Ambassador of the Women in Experian employee resource group (ERG).
Global and business unit ambassadors from our Women in Experian ERG share how to Inspire Inclusion every day.
Helen Emmett — Chief Financial Officer for Global Financial Services
I inspire inclusion by consciously ensuring that every talent, performance and recruitment review is undertaken with a diversity and inclusion lens. I won’t recruit any role without a diverse shortlist and with goals for each job level. Actively mentoring and sponsoring female talent is important, as is calling out teams where diversity is not at acceptable levels.
Charlotte Gillan — Global Head of Tax
Our diversity is a very visible value at Experian; inclusion is tougher to get right, particularly post-pandemic.If we just have a diverse team, we won’t win.To win, we need people to bring different thoughts and experiences to the table, call or meeting. If we are inclusive, we need to ensure people are listened to and heard. One focus area for me is to really listen and then ask what people think and why. Sometimes this can lead to new ideas, new processes and innovations
Marcela Velasco — Spanish Latin America Vice President of Human Resources
I generate spaces for continuous and open communication, recognize and celebrate individual differences. I create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. Inclusive leadership is not only a responsibility, it’s also an opportunity to create a more enriching and productive work environment.
Maria Pou – North America Senior Director of Consumer Information Services Product Operations
I inspire inclusion by actively seeking differences in views and perspectives from a place of love and wanting to understand. I want everybody I come in contact with to feel valued and respected.
Rodrigo Rodrigues — Vice President of Experian Information Technology Services
Invest in science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for girls and underrepresented communities. To build a more inclusive future in technology, we must start by addressing the pipeline. Encouraging participation in STEM from an early age is crucial. I advocate for companies and organizations to support programs that expose girls and students from underrepresented communities to technology, offering scholarships, internships, and mentorship programs to help them pursue careers in tech.
Maryam Damavandi — North America Senior Vice President and Controller
You can develop an inclusion mindset by being open to differences in ideas, viewpoints and way of thinking and asking difficult questions when having authentic conversations with diverse individuals. Educate yourself with challenges that diverse individuals face. Being aware can go a long way but having a voice, especially when something isn’t right can make a difference.
Sumeeta Maxwell — Chief Human resources Officer for Experian Global Technology and Software Solutions
Support the women around you and speak up for them if needed. Remind colleagues in real time of the actions that aren’t inclusive like when they interrupt. Be clear on how you want to be treated. Seek feedback – and do something with it. The women who have your back will tell you the truth!