Phil Verster, CEO of Metrolinx, brought his global perspective from working in the electricity and rail sectors in South Africa and the UK. “I want diversity not just because it will feel better, but because it will make my team better,” said Verster. “Diverse teams make quicker decisions and are better equipped to change course.” De Mello agreed that diverse teams look at problems differently, allowing them to create and innovate differently.
“By shifting to a performance culture, we can see the value of diverse approaches and perspectives in hard numbers,” said Lorraine Huinink, Vice President of Corporate Real Estate at Metrolinx. Huinink is responsible for a property portfolio of just under 4,000 acres and has worked on numerous development initiatives including UNESCO world heritage sites and the Pan Am Athlete’s Village in Toronto.
Anne Benedetti, Partner and member of the Executive Committee at Goodmans LLP, stressed the importance for leaders to give back by teaching, leading and mentoring. She celebrated her own mentor, Lastman, who took an interest in her unique skill set and devised ways for her to develop and demonstrate it. “Mentorship is not just coffee, it’s about making people feel empowered in what they are doing and providing opportunities for them,” said Benedetti.
In closing, De Mello called attention to the issue of intersectionality: “How can we champion women in a way that includes all women?” Verster responded, “people often challenge what they see as preferential treatment towards minority groups, but they need to understand how prioritizing a perspective that is underrepresented is in the company’s best interest.”
Following the discussion, attendees reflected on the importance of connecting issues of equality with a company’s performance metrics and bottom line. With such a sound business case to be made for diversity, industry leaders in 2019 must understand that it is possible to do well by doing good.