The number of women-owned businesses in Canada is on the rise, and there’s a lot to celebrate on this International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. However, research from our partners at the Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub shows that women in business—especially those with intersecting identities—still face numerous challenges.
In this article, you’ll hear from AWE client Erin Davis, the owner of Erin Davis Co. and an award-winning expert dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace.
In celebration of International Women’s Day and in support of diversity in leadership, we’ll cover:
Why diversity in leadership is critical to our society’s future
How DEI training can promote the development of women entrepreneurs and leaders
How AWE can support you in implementing DEI practices in your business
Diverse Leadership Fosters Growth and Trust
Diversity in leadership has a ripple effect throughout entire organizations, helping to foster trust and build strong relationships in the workplace. A diverse team of leaders brings varying perspectives and knowledge to a company, which makes for more sound decision-making and opens doors to new opportunities. Erin Davis knows this well, and she’s made it her life’s work to help create more diverse workplaces.
We know DEI is integral to business success, but leaders can face major challenges when trying to implement DEI training initiatives, such as:
Implicit Bias: Unconscious biases can influence decision-making processes, leading to the underrepresentation of certain groups in leadership positions.
Lack of Representation: Limited representation of diverse voices in leadership positions can perpetuate the status quo and hinder opportunities for advancement.
Systemic Barriers: Structural barriers within organizations, such as discriminatory hiring practices, unequal access to opportunities, and limited pathways for advancement, can impede the progress of individuals from marginalized backgrounds.
Stereotypes and Prejudices: Preconceived notions and stereotypes about specific groups can lead to discriminatory treatment and bias in the workplace.
Lack of Inclusive Policies and Practices: Without clear frameworks for diversity initiatives, accountability measures, and opportunities for diverse leadership development, progress towards achieving diverse leadership may be slow or stagnant.
This is what professionals like Erin aim to address, with the goal of creating environments that foster inclusivity and innovation, and give every woman and woman-identifying professional a seat at the table, and the opportunity for their ideas to be heard and considered.
How DEI Training Amplifies More Voices
In her business, Erin adopts a multifaceted approach to advancing DEI within organizations. She collaborates closely with executive teams, HR departments, and employees at all levels to understand each organization's unique needs. Drawing on her expertise in inclusive leadership, unconscious bias, and psychological safety, Erin designs and implements comprehensive DEI strategies tailored to address these needs effectively.
“I started my own consulting practice in 2021, so I’m still new to entrepreneurship,” Erin says. “But I was asked to do a 30-minute session on DEI when I was a participant in AWE’s Strategic Edge program. It goes to show that you can be both a student and a teacher.”
With a corporate background prior to entering entrepreneurship, Erin has seen various cultural shifts in workplaces over the course of her career.
“Some spaces don’t move as quickly when it comes to creating inclusive workplaces,” she says. “And since the pandemic, I think more women are realizing that with a great plan and the right support, they can enable themselves to find success and share their unique gifts with the world.”
Research has shown that with more diversity in leadership, innovation can thrive. And that benefits everyone. According to a Forbes article on The Wall Street Journal’s 2020 corporate ranking, which studied diversity and inclusion among S&P 500 companies, findings show that these organizations have a competitive edge.
“[Education around this] is a big part of my practice,” Erin explains. “The work I do with companies is a bridge to getting more women into leadership. As a result, more voices can be heard, and more inclusive spaces will begin to blossom.”
Inspire Inclusion this International Women’s Day
The theme of this year’s International Women's Day is "Inspire Inclusion." It underscores the importance of fostering environments where everyone feels valued, respected, welcomed, and confident to be themselves. And it’s tied to the concept of diversity in leadership, as diversity is the foundation upon which inclusion is built.
“I think a lot of women struggle with confidence, based on a world that wasn’t always built with them in mind,” Erin says. “Even myself.”
As entrepreneurs, we can lead by example in our own businesses by welcoming a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences to the table. The result? Your business will be better equipped to tackle the challenges that will inevitably come your way and adapt to rapidly evolving market dynamics. Diversity of thought means more fresh ideas, and big breakthroughs.
With AWE, you can build a new network of women with diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences. And as you go through the programs, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge to infuse diversity into your business. AWE works with intentionality to support you in this.
“With AWE, there’s someone who’s been there, done that. And they can help you see the issues through,” Erin says.
AWE's programs are specifically designed to empower women entrepreneurs and provide them with the resources, tools, and support they need to thrive on their leadership journeys. Our programs offer a holistic approach to leadership development, encompassing areas like strategic planning, digital transformation, and growth strategy.
Uncover Your Leadership Potential
Great leaders are the people who can empathize with others and inspire inclusion and change. You are already there. Now, you need the right community around you to support your growth and your journey to success.
“I knew there were groups out there that could support me in this new entrepreneurship journey,” says Erin. “When I reached out to AWE, I explained my goals and business, and they helped me find the right program. I’m currently in Strategic Edge, and I’ve also decided to join Bold Leadership.”
If you’re ready to find a new level of success in your business, AWE has programs to support you. Check out our programs through our website, or reach out to our advisors to help you find the right program for you.
