{"id":7547,"date":"2024-03-08T12:43:57","date_gmt":"2024-03-08T12:43:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev-felix-global.pantheonsite.io\/?p=7547"},"modified":"2024-12-11T13:38:48","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T13:38:48","slug":"international-womens-day-spotlight-empowering-diversity-and-inclusion-with-susan-richardson-managing-director-at-felix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.felixglobal.com\/fr\/international-womens-day-spotlight-empowering-diversity-and-inclusion-with-susan-richardson-managing-director-at-felix\/","title":{"rendered":"International Women\u2019s Day Spotlight: Empowering Diversity and Inclusion with Susan Richardson, Managing Director at Felix"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"fws_6a3501b2296c0\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone\"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p>As we celebrate International Women\u2019s Day, we take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable career of Susan Richardson, the Managing Director of Talent &amp; Development at Felix.<\/p>\n<p>Susan\u2019s impressive career with Felix and IBM, where the commitment to gender diversity has thrived. Susan\u2019s coaching journey has empowered hundreds of women, creating specialized leadership programs for their advancement.<\/p>\n<p>A strong company culture forms the foundation for equality, embodying a daily dedication that resonates with the values of International Women\u2019s Day. Susan highlights our sponsorship program as a transformative initiative, leveraging diversity for self-development, promotion, and advocacy. Noting that positive client feedback demonstrates tangible results, including enhanced retention and promotion rates, contributes to creating a more inclusive workforce.<\/p>\n<p>In the spirit of empowerment, Susan offers invaluable advice to aspiring female professionals:<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 style=\"font-size: 22px;color: #000051;text-align: left\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" >1. Be in control of your career:<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p>Susan emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of your professional journey. By setting clear goals and actively pursuing them, women can navigate their careers with confidence and purpose.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 style=\"font-size: 22px;color: #000051;text-align: left\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" >2. Seek feedback as a gift:<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p>Constructive feedback is a powerful tool for growth. Susan encourages women to view feedback as a valuable gift that can help them refine their skills and reach new heights in their careers.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 style=\"font-size: 22px;color: #000051;text-align: left\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" >3. Build a strong network early on:<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p>Networking is a cornerstone of career success. Susan advocates for women to cultivate a strong network of mentors, peers, and allies, as it can provide support, guidance, and opportunities for advancement.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p>As we proudly mark #IWD2024, Susan Richardson\u2019s impact on gender equality, inclusive leadership, and career empowerment inspires us all. Let\u2019s continue to champion the cause of women\u2019s empowerment, fostering a workplace where every woman can confidently pursue and achieve her professional goals. \ud83d\udcaa\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83d\udcbc<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  vc_custom_1733921393316\" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><strong>\u201cYour voice and network are your greatest assets!\u201d<br \/>\n&#8211; <\/strong><\/em><em>Susan Richardson<\/em><\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"divider-wrap\" data-alignment=\"default\"><div style=\"height: 25px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div><h2 style=\"font-size: 38px;color: #9102cc;text-align: left\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" >Q&amp;A with Susan Richardson<\/h2><div class=\"divider-wrap\" data-alignment=\"default\"><div style=\"height: 25px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggles\" data-br=\"none\" data-starting=\"default\" data-style=\"default\"><div class=\"toggle extra-color-2\" data-inner-wrap=\"true\"><h3 class=\"toggle-title\"><a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" class=\"toggle-heading\"><i role=\"presentation\" class=\"fa fa-plus-circle\"><\/i>Q: In your career, what milestones or achievements related to gender diversity and inclusion are you most proud of, particularly on International Women\u2019s Day? <\/a><\/h3><div><div class=\"inner-toggle-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p><strong>SR<\/strong>: I have been fortunate over the years to work for organizations like Felix and IBM that have valued diversity &amp; inclusion and have always promoted a gender-diverse workforce. As I entered my second career in coaching and leadership development 18 years ago, I recognized how having a diverse workforce was only sometimes the norm. As I built my coaching practice at Felix, I started gravitating toward working with women. Over the years, I have coached hundreds of women and developed leadership programs specifically to support the advancement of women. I am proud of my small impact on moving the dial on gender equality and helping leaders understand what inclusive leadership looks like along the way.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle extra-color-2\" data-inner-wrap=\"true\"><h3 class=\"toggle-title\"><a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" class=\"toggle-heading\"><i role=\"presentation\" class=\"fa fa-plus-circle\"><\/i>Q: How do you believe a company\u2019s culture contributes to fostering an environment of equality, particularly for women, and how does it align with the values highlighted on International Women\u2019s Day? <\/a><\/h3><div><div class=\"inner-toggle-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p><strong>SR<\/strong>: Fostering an environment of equality, particularly for women, is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a holistic approach to company culture. Here are some ways a company\u2019s culture can contribute to promoting equality and aligning with the values highlighted on International Women\u2019s Day:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"color: #000051;font-size: 16px\">Inclusive policies and practices<\/li>\n<li style=\"color: #000051;font-size: 16px\">Diverse leadership representation<\/li>\n<li style=\"color: #000051;font-size: 16px\">Supportive work environment by offering Sponsorship and Mentorship<\/li>\n<li style=\"color: #000051;font-size: 16px\">Investment in DEI initiatives internally and partnerships with external resources<\/li>\n<li style=\"color: #000051;font-size: 16px\">Regular assessment and improvements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By embodying these principles and practices, a company can foster an environment of equality that aligns with the values highlighted on International Women\u2019s Day, not just on that day but every day throughout the year.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle extra-color-2\" data-inner-wrap=\"true\"><h3 class=\"toggle-title\"><a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" class=\"toggle-heading\"><i role=\"presentation\" class=\"fa fa-plus-circle\"><\/i>Q: Can you speak to any mentorship or support programs you\u2019ve been involved in that aim to advance women\u2019s careers and how they have impacted individuals within the organization? <\/a><\/h3><div><div class=\"inner-toggle-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p><strong>SR<\/strong>: Over the years, we have spoken to clients and recognized the need for specific programs and initiatives to support the shift our customers are trying to make in advancing women and supporting minority populations. One critical program Felix offers is our Sponsorship program, which harnesses diversity. It fosters an environment that encourages self-development, promotion, and advocacy. It provides sponsors access to senior executive networks, high-impact projects, and strategic guidance. Finally, based on client feedback, it has increased retention and promotion and built a more inclusive workforce.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle extra-color-2\" data-inner-wrap=\"true\"><h3 class=\"toggle-title\"><a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" class=\"toggle-heading\"><i role=\"presentation\" class=\"fa fa-plus-circle\"><\/i>Q: As someone passionate about building women\u2019s careers, what advice do you have for aspiring female professionals, and how can they navigate their challenges? <\/a><\/h3><div><div class=\"inner-toggle-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p><strong>SR<\/strong>: I have had the opportunity to work with many talented and successful women over my career. There are three pieces of advice I continually give to women. First, ensure you are in control of your own career and in the driver\u2019s seat. Have a voice on what you are looking for and what development you want to focus on over the year. Second, ask for feedback; feedback is a gift. And finally, I encourage women to build a strong network early in their careers. Look for mentors and sponsors as you advance your career in and outside of your industry; they will be invaluable!<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_6a3501b22ad54\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone\"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element  vc_custom_1733924050621\" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p>For more information on any of the topics discussed by Susan, please visit<a href=\"http:\/\/www.felixglobal.com\/fr\/\">\u00a0www.felixglobal.com\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As we celebrate International Women\u2019s Day, we take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable career of Susan Richardson, the Managing Director of Talent &amp; Development at Felix. Susan\u2019s impressive career...","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5794,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[222],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-featured"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.felixglobal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7547","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.felixglobal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.felixglobal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.felixglobal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.felixglobal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7547"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.felixglobal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7547\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.felixglobal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5794"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.felixglobal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7547"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.felixglobal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7547"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.felixglobal.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}