According to an aggregator head, promoting diversity is a not only a “game changer” for the health and performance of a business, but one that is done in a “sustainable way.”
Earlier this week, Finance & Systems Technology’s (FAST) annual Women in Business luncheon was held in Sydney. CEO Brendan Wright kicked off the event by calling on leaders to “step up” and “seek out” ways to intentionally introduce diversity into their businesses.
Citing the examples of strong leadership exhibited throughout his childhood by both his mother and grandmother, Wright said, “My perspective and view on leadership has foundational themes that have evolved over time given what I’ve experienced.”
“The game is changing, appropriately so. [We’re seeing] a better balance in gender. Diversity and inclusion is not just about gender, but it’s a damn good way to start.”
Keynote speaker, humanitarian and author Rabia Siddique, encouraged the brokers in attendance to get involved in actively reshaping the industry rather than passively observing the gradual change.
After having survived a hostage crisis in Iraq, Siddique successfully sued the British military for celebrating her male colleagues involved in the ordeal while simultaneously ordering her to never speak of her role.
Siddique said, “A message I remember getting after is, ‘Rabia, if you as one person, a woman, a foreigner, could take on the might of the British government and impact change, you have inspired us to take a stand in our lives and in our workplaces and in our communities.’
“That’s when it dawned on me: the power of the one. The power that we all have to create ripples of change. Waves come from ripples. And it takes one stone, one person to create that. Why should it not be you?”
“Stand when others remain seated. Speak up when others remain silent. Challenge behaviours, conduct, policies, practices, language that is keeping the underrepresented and voiceless where they are and keeping the powerful, the ones with the loudest voices, where they are.”
To Siddique, the level of trust and reliance placed on mortgage brokers holds them to an even higher standard when it comes to building a healthier, more inclusive environment.
She said, “Every day people are coming to you to help them facilitate their homes, their futures, their businesses, their livelihoods, their aspirations. You are quite literally helping people realise their dreams. What a responsibility.
“How are you going to continue to embrace that privilege and responsibility? As people that others look up to, how are you going to go forward and empower diversity in more meaningful ways? How are you going to change things in the future?”
