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Diversity and corporate performance: deciphering the issues
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"Women's Leadership: How does diversity influence the way companies operate and perform?" This was the extensive and fertile topic of debate at the round table held in Lille on 26 March, organised by SKEMA Alumni in conjunction with the Corporate Department and the Faculty.
This round table gave rise to some in-depth reflection on the evolution of mentalities, stereotypes, inclusion and diversity, and the importance of male and female role models.
The current situation
Since the 2011 Copé-Zimmermann Act, we can congratulate France on being the world champion thanks to the number of women represented on boards of directors. But, there is still room for improvement in many areas, and it's still too early to claim victory in terms of gender equality. Among CAC 40 companies, there were no female CEOs, only two female chairpersons and three female managing directors last year. Quotas were more or less met with executive committees. The Rixain Act also encourages the latter indicator, with a target of 40% women on executive committees by 2030.
Overcoming the impostor syndrome
Claire Gouat-Brunin continued the discussion with our speakers, introducing the concrete case of her business sector and her organisation, Société Générale. She criticised the still reductive discourse and still low figures in terms of inclusion, but noted a willingness to do better and the rollout of concrete actions designed to change the situation. To improve the indicators, women need to overcome the imposter syndrome induced by our society, and assert themselves as women by establishing their real skills and expertise.
Moving the lines
The key to tomorrow's leadership lies in preserving the authenticity that enables women to provide added value. For until a few years ago, women executives were no doubt unwillingly reproducing many masculine codes in a management style that did not always reflect their personalities.
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