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ULI SG Leadership Lunch with Laura Hines-Pierce, co-CEO, Hines
An exclusive fireside chat with Laura Hines-Pierce, co-CEO, Hines
8 March 2023
Michelle Wong, ULI Singapore
In the lead up to International Women’s Day on 8 March 2023, ULI Singapore with its Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) Steering Committee ran three Powwow dining sessions on 28 February 2023 for ULI members who were keen to gather and discuss about what #EmbraceEquity meant to them. These sessions were hosted by the Steering Committee members and a couple of our Champions of Change. These sessions were deliberately kept small to allow for candid and authentic sharing of personal experiences, values and perspectives about equity.
What Our Members Shared
Equity is about offering what is appropriate for the individual as opposed to offering the same thing to everyone. The corollary is that equity is in the eye of the beholder. How equity is embraced would therefore also be different between geographies, culture and even age groups.
Considering the many ways equity is perceived and embraced, there is a practical challenge for a business to meet all the different needs of its employees. We have seen more organisations supporting hybrid working which has enabled a fairer playing field for those that hold a dual role as caregivers. Leaders are also more conscious about looking for a talent that is best fit for the team as opposed to a talent with the best capabilities.
It is well accepted that a workplace that embraces equity would enjoy the benefits of talent attraction and retention; higher levels of service delivery to global clients; greater value creation when reviewing investment opportunities. Equity and diversity should therefore be celebrated at the workplace rather than be regarded as an obligation or for compliance.
“Make people feel like what they do truly matters.”
While leaders can be seen as the role models or influencers to create a supportive culture, it is more important for everyone to adopt a mindset of kindness and being respectful.
ULI Singapore thanks all hosts and participating members and encourage you to join us as a Champion of Change. Click here to find out more about it and to take on the pledge.
The WLI Singapore Steering Committee has also shared with us their personal views on what #EmbraceEquity means to them. Click here to enjoy the short clip!
We wish everyone a Happy International Women’s Day!
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