Why Diversity Matters

A snapshot of Insights and Learnings from our Women of Influence 2012 Canadian Diversity Champions

LISA HEIDMAN LL.B.
SENIOR CLIENT PARTNER, THE BEDFORD CONSULTING GROUP,
NORTH AMERICAN DIRECTOR OF BEDFORD LEGAL

On November 13, 2012, in Women ofInfluence’s 2012 Winter magazine edition,and within our quarterly column “The Futureof North American Business”, we celebratedclose to 300 board directors, CEOs andsenior executive leaders across Canada as 2012 Canadian Diversity Champions.Each of these Champions were recognizedby Women of Influence for their individualcommitment and dedication to i) sponsoringand mentoring senior executive women, ii) advancing women in business, iii) leading and developing innovative diversityinitiatives and programs across Canada, iv) championing diversity in the workplace andboardroom and v) contributing significantly to thought leadership in the areas of diversityand inclusion. Without question, this has been one of themost meaningful initiatives that we at Womenof Influence have undertaken on perhaps themost important issue for Canadian business.Following the November Women of Influencerecognition, we asked these leaders to sharewith us “why diversity matters to you,yourteam, your business and to Canadian businessbroader”. The response was tremendous.What we did not anticipate, was how deeplythis initiative resonated both personally and professionally not only by the leaders celebrated within, and across corporateCanada, but that its reach would be global in scope.

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