This years International's Women's Day theme #ChooseToChallenge represents the idea of challenging norms related to gender equality to create change. At DSJ Global, we choose to challenge and promote gender diversity and inclusion.
Axis Rutledge, Head of West Coast Procurement & Supply Chain Recruitment, shares her thoughts on this year's theme, and how she chooses to challenge in her role.
What does the #ChooseToChallenge message mean to you?
The #choosetochallenge message means challenging norms or biases that already exist and getting rid of stereotypes. For example if you join a new company and men have primarily been the leaders or top performers what is stopping you from outperforming them? You should be able to challenge anything you see as a barrier and rise above it.
What sort of conversations around gender equality do you have with your clients in your role? Has Covid-19 had an impact on gender equality?
The supply chain industry definitely makes a push for gender equality. With clients and candidates I have actually seen an uplift in women hires as I believe that the remote flexibility is something that is making it easier for women to make job transitions.
What role can recruiters play in challenging norms and creating change?
Recruiters can challenge norms by consulting our clients with information on where talent is coming from and what they could be missing out on or harming themselves with by not having diverse enough teams. Some of the changes we have seen with companies we are working with is having members on a team launch a D&I initiative.
What advice would you give to a company trying to create a diverse hiring strategy?
Launch a D&I initiative. Have a diverse interview panel. Be open to hiring someone who might need a bit more training in the short term but long term could be a better investment.
As a female leader, what advice would you give to other aspiring leaders in overcoming potential gender biases and achieving career success?
I would give the advice of look at whose success or what job title you perceive is "unattainable" for you at this moment. Then put on your blinders to everything else that could stop you from getting there. If you focus purely on yourself and your own goals you will be able to achieve career success. Setting measurable short term goals will allow you to achieve what you want faster.
About Axis Rutledge
Axis Rutledge is the Leader of DSJ Global West Coast focusing on Procurement and Supply Chain recruitment across all industries. She joined DSJ Global after graduating in 2017 and has since then been one of the fastest women in Phaidon International, DSJ Global's parent company, to be promoted to Vice President and now the fastest employee to achieve the promotion of Senior Vice President in 3.5 years.
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