Diversity Exchange

The Netherlands - 'Talent to the Top' Event

On the 28th of May, TopBrainstorm organized the event ‘Talent to the Top’. During this event a large number of employers from profit and not-for-profit sector and the Dutch Government signed the Charter Talent to the Top. These organisations commited voluntarily to actively undertake steps to stimulate more female talent in topmanagement. The event took place in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands and several members of the Dutch Government and Corporations a.o. the CEO's of Heineken and KPN.

TopBrainstorm was set up in May 2007 to stimulate government, corporate business and women themselves to introduce more female talent at the top. On the 30th of October 2007 TopBrainstorm presented, in the presence of the Prime Minister and other members of the government, a number of proposals to engage and nurture this female talent. The Charter Talent to the Top and supplementary plans should lead to the intended increase of the number of women in (the run-up to) top positions.

Considering the sharp rise in the aging population, the shortage in the labor market, and especially the need for The Netherlands to distinguish itself in the area of innovation, TopBrainstorm headed by former Secretary of State Sybilla Dekker strongly believes that the use of all talent is essential for the future of Netherlands Inc..

TopBrainstorm has asked leading business women and politicians in the Netherlands to serve as role models for any future female talent. I have been honored to be asked to serve as one of these role models. Other role models included Alexandra Cook-Schaapveld of Royal Bank of Scotland, Joanne Kellerman of De Nederlandsche Bank and Former Secretary of State Annemarie Jorritsma (former Secretary of State).

The website launched for this initiative - www.talentnaardetop.nl - provides more information on the Charter and TopBrainstorm but also on recent developments in the Netherlands and other European countries as well as contains various case studies of large global companies such as Shell, DSM, Akzo Nobel, ING etc on Diversity.

Marguerite Soeteman-Reijnen
Managing Director/Head Broking Excellence
Aon EMEA
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Networking Tips

For several months Corbette, Denise and others have been asking me to write an article about networking.  As we launched the 2008 WIN activities in the Midwest, I finally have taken the time to share my learnings on networking

So what is networking?  I suppose all of us have our notions of what is means to network.  I want to share my definition.  Networking is the action of meeting others in order to give back to them.    I will briefly discuss the basic rules and give you an idea on how to get started.

Rule Number 1
Most people think networking is supposed to be all about you.  You selling, you getting opportunities, you getting exposure, networking has nothing to do with you.  Networking is about giving back.  You don’t get if you don’t give.  The best networkers give first.

Rule Number 2
Networking is built on mutual respect and trust.  You don’t get respect or trust without sincerity and a genuine desire to help others.  Poseurs need not apply.

Have a Plan
So now that you know the rules, how do you do it?  First, you need to think about your motivations for networking?  Are they personal, professional, to advance your child, to learn?  Write down your reasons to network.  Then take a look at your current network.  I attended a seminar on how to network where the instructor talked about making 12 circles of influence, written below.

     Friends           Colleagues                      College
     Neighbors      Charity                              Religious affiliations
     Family             Spouses of Friends       Professional Orgs
     Sports             Clients                              Industry

In each circle write down 10 people you know that can help you in your goal.  Make a plan to contact them.  Keeping your network alive takes time, you can’t call someone you have not spoken to in years and expect them to help you.  Think of ways to give back to these folks. 

Another visual approach I have used is to make a map, almost like a family tree of the people I know in my network.  Either way works, the point is to write it down, think about how you have given back, and keep those connections alive.

Email is the greatest gift for a networker, it takes 30 seconds to send someone a quick note to check in and ask how you can help them.

Plan your network, what do you want, why?  Where can you give back in order to grow?

Ok, so let’s say you don’t have that many names in the boxes that align with your goals.  Where do you go to meet people.  What is your goal?  Is it professional, join a group, attend a luncheon, ask your friends. 

Making Connections
Some of us are natural conversationalists, it may come easy to strike up a discussion with a stranger.  Most of us are not.  When you go to some place you don’t know anyone.  Be prepared, what are you going to say to people?  How will you start a discussion, how will you end one?  Plan your questions and elevator pitch in advance.  Decide what you want people to remember about you and be sure to make those points. 

Think about ways you can give back in advance.  There are many ways to give back, supporting a charity, inviting people to functions, referrals to others in your network, employment assistance to them or their children. 

Just do it.
Networking becomes easier and easier the more you do it.  It can be intimidating to some, but it is well worth overcoming any fears you have as it is the most effective way to get things done period.  Whether it is a personal, professional or charitable goal, networking is the way things get done.

Nadine Moore
Vice President
Aon Risk Services
Chicago, Illinois

HBS Dynamic Women in Business Conference

Last weekend I was fortunate to attend, for the second time, the Harvard Business School Dynamic Women in Business Conference in Boston.  Thanks to Janet Hanson, the founder of 85 Broads, the last Saturday of every January will be a staple on my calendar. 

The conference provides timely discussions on issues that are important to women professionals in the form of keynote speeches, panel conversations in break-out sessions.  It attracts a broad array of distinguished speakers from various industries, academia and non-profits, not just HBS alumni.  This year the panels included industry specific discussions from Technology, Private Equity to Social Enterprise and Enterpreneurship and non-industry topics such as Women in Negotiations, Managing as a Woman, Working Abroad.  I wished I could be in 5 places at the same time!

Janet was the opening keynote speaker. Even though this was the fourth time I heard her tell her story, I listened with great interest and to some degree with anticipation of seeing her heal from her recent wounds.  Just like in our GNY WIN event, everyone laughed when she told the story of her working with her ex-husband across the trading desk and picking up phone calls on his behalf from his “new” girlfriends.  The crowd cheered when she opened a new chapter in her life with a new husband and brought to life 2 beautiful children.  “Not so fast” she replied.  “Wait until the end of the story” .

She then delved into her favorite subject of achieving a high ROI in this global business world.  After all, she owns a large asset management firm.  Her advice to companies was this:” invest in an undervalued asset class: women! Just like those who invested in clean energy 15-20 years ago, companies who not just hire but invest in women will reap huge benefits.”  She added that the war for talent is making smart companies truly human capital focused.  VCs and PE firms are having difficulty finding talent for their portfolio companies. 

Aon was among the few companies she specifically mentioned as partnering with 85 Broads and trailblazing in their industry with respect to women talent.  I was very proud!  Remember, 800 dynamic and talented women were listening to her speech.  I can’t imagine a better PR for our company.  In fact, I strongly think we should be one of the sponsors for this event next year.  No one from our industry was represented.  Just like the Hidden Brain Drain Task Force, we would create incredible brand awareness for our firm and industry among 400 HBS women and 400 working women every year!

“When your husband of 20 years leaves you, launch a magazine!”…..  85 Broads is coming up with a brand new maganize in April. 

After the speech, surrounded by a sea of women, Janet was courageous to talk about her struggles trying to find a new meaning in life.  Three women were in tears sharing their version of a similar story.  That moment turned into an incredible networking opportunity: one of the women pitched to Janet the idea of creating a stand-up comedy gig teaching divorced women in their 40s and 50s “how to go back into the dating game”!!! She loved the idea, and I think a new business was born…

Nilüfer Durak
Managing Director
Aon Mergers & Acquisitions Group
Boston, MA

Coloring Outside the Lines-Point 3-Practice your Elevator Pitch

When I first started I was receiving the women's networking emails and one email contained the piece that Corbette Doyle put out on "Coloring Outside The Lines".  I have this on my wall and really try to remind myself of these 10 points to live by in my career. Recently, at lunch, I was reminded of the importance of a well rehearsed elevator pitch.  Point 3. 

Our offices are on the third floor of a three story suburban office building primarily occupied by Xerox on the 1st and 2nd floors. On the first floor we have a small deli frequented by the people in our building and the rest of the office park. The second floor of our office building houses many of the Xerox executives including the Vice President of HR, the Global Chief Diversity Officer and the President of Xerox, Ursula Burns. (Recently ranked by FORTUNE as "Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Business")

http://www.xerox.com/go/xrx/template/inv_rel_newsroom.jsp?ed_name=Ursula_Burns&app=Newsroom&format=biography&view=ExecutiveBiography

http://money.cnn.com/popups/2006/fortune/mostpowerfulwomen/27.html

At noon, I was getting my lunch at the deli and guess who walks off the elevator and into the deli? Ursula Burns.... We briefly talked about the weather and the weekend while waiting for our lunches. Once we both paid we collected our lunches and walked back towards the elevator. As we are waiting for the doors to open she turns to me and says "What's your name and who do you work for?"  I replied,  "I'm Mike Griggs and I work for Aon".  Her reply was, "I think I have heard of Aon, what is that you do again?" My reply was, "We are the leading provider of risk management consulting services, commercial insurance and reinsurance brokerage services as well as human capital, and management consulting."  Her reply was, "Wow, I didn't know that!" I mentioned that I thought that Aon currently handled some of their risk management & insurance programs. Just then the door opened and she got off the elevator and said "Hey great talking to you." "See you at lunch on Monday!"

Thanks for sharing this.. It really has helped!

Michael Griggs
Rochester, NY

Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) 30th Anniversary Gala

On November 17th, along with six other members of the API busness networking group, I attended the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) 30th Anniversary Gala held at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown Chicago.  It was an event where the Chinese Americans in Chicagoland gathered to celebrate and honor the achievements made by Asian Americans.

Founded in 1973, the OCA is a national non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization of concerned Chinese Americans. OCA is dedicated to securing the rights of Chinese American and Asian American citizens and permanent residents through legislative and policy initiatives at all levels of the government. OCA aims to embrace the hopes and aspirations of the nearly 2 million citizens and residents of Chinese ancestry in the United States as well as to better the lives of the 10 million Asian Americans across the country.

Among the various programs, the featured speaker of the night, Marine Corps Capt. Bruce Yamashita, shared with the audience his fight as an Asian American that touched me deeply.  A third-generation American of Japanese ancestry born in Hawaii, a graduate of Georgetown law school, and a delegate to the Hawaii Constitutional Convention, in 1989 Bruce sought to qualify as a Marine Corps officer. He was denied the chance because of his race and ethnicity. Instead of giving up, Bruce waged a lonely, five-year battle against the Marine Corps, unexpectedly uncovering evidence of widespread discrimination that rocked the Corps.

Bruce’s story is depicted in the documentary, “A Most Unlikely Hero”, and the companion autobiography, “Fighting Tradition: A Marine’s Journey to Justice”.  The film “A Most Unlikely Hero” traces his struggle, culminating in his commissioning ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.  It is a personal history, told through the eyes, voice, and presence of those who lived it.  This film has been featured at the Smithsonian Institution, the Japanese American National Museum, at colleges and universities, government agencies, and nonprofit and community organizations across the United States and in Japan.

Randy Liu
Senior Risk Analyst
Aon Re Services

Inspiring Across Generations

I would like to share some comments about a conference I attended in October,  "Inspiring Across Generations,” hosted by NAASA/ASCEND Midwest Chapter held at the Swissotel in downtown Chicago.  API Business Networking Group National Co-Chair, Jennifer Chuang from Aon Center, and I, API Chicago Local Chair, represented Aon.   NAASA/ASCEND is an organization aimed at enhancing the presence and influence of Asian Americans in the accounting and finance fields, with their vision and mission being the development of future business leaders.  There were more than 400 attendees that include young and seasoned professionals with different backgrounds and experience levels, grad students and mentors: accomplished business executives of Asian descent from the Chicago Metro area.      

It was truly worth the time spent as we had the opportunity to hear success stories from Executives and Senior management of various companies, such as Deborah L. DeHaas- Vice Chairman and Regional Managing Partner of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP Midwest Region, Bruce Piller- Managing Partner of KPMG, and Rajmohan Gandhi- Reasearch Professor, South Asia and Middle Eastern Studies of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, and grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.  We also had one-on-one conversations with some of these individuals, which was very informative and a valuable experience. 

The event included a session titled "CXO Perspectives: Building & Sustaining Your Board of Advocates & Advisors," where distinguished panelists shared their insights and perspectives as leaders of complex organizations.  The mentoring component provided us with the opportunity to network with senior executives and prominent leaders; partners from major professional services firms and senior executives from well-known companies and financial institutions.

We also heard success stories from mentors, such as Tracy Wan- former President and CEO of Sharper Image Corporation, Kunal Kapoor- President and CIO of Morningstar Investment Services, Inc., Robert Der- Senior Partner at Ernst & Young's Midwest office, the Honorable Samuel T. Mok- Managing member of Condor International Advisors LLC, a Washington DC based management consulting firm, and Alison Chung- Founder and President of Teamwerks, a Chicago-based technology consulting firm.  I really like Alison’s message on how to be successful: to look at the big picture and use it to our advantage; focus on our strengths and do something we really love and do well; we should be who we want to be and always do the best in anything we do, and be happy… that just says it all.

Stephen Rhee, COO of Aon eSolutions, was also one of the mentors.   eSolutions, Aon’s technology-based arm utilizes software as a service to help large companies assess organization risk.  As COO, Stephen is also responsible for financial reporting, M&A due diligence, and scaling the organization for organic and acquisition growth.  He also plays a key role in Aon’s strategic direction and corporate initiatives.  Stephen, Jenny and I had a chance to connect and briefly discuss our API goals, which Stephen graciously offered to support.   

We also had the opportunity to attend a workshop led by Jane Hyun, author of “Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: Career Strategies for Asians”.  Ms. Hyun spoke about the importance of networking, the Power of Network, and Personal Branding. 

Through this conference, we had the opportunity to meet Ms. Alka Hariawala of Grant Thornton, and through the power of networking, we have generated some ideas that include doing a joint book club discussion with Grant Thornton.  As a result, we are now coordinating a book review of Ms. Hyun’s book, with Grant Thornton and Aon’s API colleagues, to be held this December 2007.

Over all take-aways:  Tips and techniques for building relationships with peers and superiors, creating strong mentoring relationships, building and maintaining a professional network, learning from the successes and failures of both ourselves and others, learning how to enhance our career potentials within an organization, and career best practices.

I would like to personally thank Jennifer Chuang and Corbette Doyle for giving me the opportunity to attend this event… I truly gained a lot from this conference. 

And I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to attend events like these - where we can discuss matters that will help us broaden our network, enhance our careers, and learn to improve on our expertise within an organization. 

Maria Simon, Group Leader
Consumer Service Investigations
Combined Insurance Company
Chicago, IL 60640

Midwest Asian Americans “Bundling Chopsticks”

You might have seen an entry from David Lum, President of Motorola’s Asian Business Council (ABC) that talks about the exchange of speakers between Aon and Motorola during the Asian Heritage Month celebration. These events further strengthened the relationship between Aon and Motorola, but not unlike any other affairs, relationships take time to nurture and cultivate. This leads to the next event which was the Midwest Asian American Business Networking (MAABN) meeting on June 2nd, 2007. Thanks to David and all of the staff at ABC as well as the MAABN’s leader, Pinaki Saha, the MAABN meeting took place on a Saturday afternoon at Motorola’s campus in a Chicago suburb. Representatives from many Midwest companies’ Asian diversity groups gathered at Motorola for an afternoon of fun, collaboration and networking.

MAABN is adopted from NAAAP (National Association of Asian American Professionals) concept and it started out with trying to get 10-15 for-profit organizations to share best practices related to affinity groups. We started the event with some networking and playing the Prisoner's Dilemma game. This game is based on game theory and was used to help build collaboration - topic of the day - among the attendees.

The game was followed with a panelist discussion on the topic of collaboration. The panel included representatives from Chase, Exelon and of course Motorola. The panelist shared their vision on how to increase visibility of affinity groups within their own organizations as well as how to further collaborate with each other toward our common goals.

To put what we’ve learned to use, the meeting ended with a case study with an Asian individual who is faced with how to deal with management’s view relating to volunteering activities. Each team caucused among themselves trying to come up with solutions to these individuals’ problems and presented to the group at large. It is interesting to hear varied perspectives from each of the groups. The sharing of ideas will not only help each organization to develop solutions that are suitable for their own organizations, but the idea of presenting to a large group will also allow individuals the opportunities to get some practice in public speaking. This is certainly talent management in motion. 

There is an old Chinese saying that basically states, it’s easy to break one single chopstick, but it’s difficult to break one group of chopsticks that are tied together. The message behind this saying is that as a group, much more can be achieved through collaboration than as a single individual. The MAABN event certainly drove this message home!

Jennifer (Jenny) Chuang, ARM
Senior Account Executive - Aon Global Client Network
Aon Risk Services, Inc. of Illinois

League of Black Women: There's Power in Numbers

I recently attended the Women of Color in Management Consulting Forum sponsored by the League of Black Women with support from Deloitte and the Association of Management Consulting Firms. This event was the most beneficial professional development opportunity that I have had since graduate school. The Forum was an intense interactive day of career strategy, networking techniques and rigorous case studies that provided a framework for professional success. The nationally recognized, multicultural speakers’ panel brought insightful perspectives and information. 

Because my practice is spread out across the country, I have often felt isolated since joining Aon. However, the Forum provided me with the techniques to connect to the broader organization. I implemented most of them immediately. Moreover, the speakers supported that loyalty to your organization and the strength of your personal brand will provide you with opportunities and influence to improve your overall job satisfaction. For me this is true, I have had opportunities since joining Aon that have been transforming not only professionally but personally. The Forum provided a sense of connection that I am not alone and what I am doing is very important. I have established life-long personal and professional relationships as well as a personal career advisory board of peers, mentors and two sponsors (one internal to Aon and one external to Aon). Events such as this Forum are a powerful retention tool.

It is imperative that individuals from diverse backgrounds are continuously provided with opportunities to connect in a culturally sensitive, professionally beneficial manner. I am excited to have had this opportunity.

Highlights from the Forum include:

• The Business of Consulting: Understanding the Trends, Competitive Landscape and Metrics for Success
• Owning Your Client's Success: Keys to Successful Client Relationship Management
• Client Round Table: Three case studies were evaluated in small groups.
• The Google Effect- Building Your Own Personal Brand
• Are You In The Game: Understanding How Leaders Work and Play
• 20 Strategies for Successful Leadership- Steps That You Can Take Today
• The Sister Circle- Creating a Peer Network

Kathryn L. Harris, PharmD, MSHCM
Vice President, Pharmacy Consulting Practice
Aon Consulting

Aon's WIN Organises Business and Networking Breakfast at FERMA (October 2nd, 2007)

"Thanks for this great idea, we all truly benefit from having more diversity in our industry. I have forwarded your mail to my colleagues and asked them to get back to you directly"  was the reaction we last week received from Thomas Huerlimann CEO of Zurich Global Corporate on the "save the date" announcement of the Women's International Network Breakfast.  It was one of the many positive reactions which we sofar received and also underlines that diversity is again another subject which enables us to reach out to our customers and insurers.

In addition to the succesfull networking events already organised earlier this year in New Orleans (RIMS), London, etc WIN is pleased to advise that as part of Aon's inclusive leadership programme also during this year's FERMA conference in Geneva a networking breakfast will be organised. Every two year the Federation of Risks Managers Associations organises this conference which is attended by risks managers, insurers, brokers etc.

Panelmembers for our breakfast invited are a.o. Eileen McCusker, (COO of XL Insurance (UK and Ireland)), Mirella Visser (President European Professional Women's Network and Supervisory board member Royal Swets & Zeitlinger) and Claudia Funke (McKinsey).

During the breakfast women and those who work with women will be offered an opportunity to not only network but also to participate in the discussion of how women are getting ahead in the European risk world.

Female participation in the working process at all levels including leadership is required in the European Union. Research and extrapolations show that there will be a drop of 24 million in the active workforce by 2036 if the female employement rates do not change. This drop might have a serious implication for the economic position of Europe compared to India, China etc.

The breakfast is organised on October 2nd from 7 am till 9 am and will be hosted by John van der Steen, recently appointed Chief Diversity Officer of Europe Middle East Africa. It is open to any one interested, however registration is required with Monique van Collenburg (monique_van_collenburg@aon.nl)

Looking forward in welcoming you in Geneva!

Marguerite Soeteman-Reijnen
Director, Insurance Relations
Aon International/Aon Holdings
Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Global Summit of Women

From June 14 to 16,  we attended the Global Summit of Women in Berlin, also referred to as “the Davos for Women”. This three day conference – which is annually organised- was this year celebrating its 17th anniversary. 

During the Global Summit of Women,  female executives from business and government gather to showcase and strengthen the power and impact of women on the global economy. This year’s conference was attended by over 1000 women from over 95 countries, a. o. more than 40 female government ministers including the president of Latvia and the vice-presidents from Vietnam, Croatia and El Salvador attended, as well as ministers from Afghanistan and Iran. 

In addition various senior executives (CEO’s, CFO’s etc)   from companies such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Glaxo SmithKline, Accenture, ITT, Cisco, MCM gave their view on the current position of women in the economic marketplace. Pfizer was strongly represented with over 125 colleagues, as well as representatives from Microsoft, IBM, DaimlerCrysler  etc.etc  The largest delegation came from the US, followed by the UK and Vietnam.

As this year’s theme was Women – the drivers of the economy in the 21st century,  it was discussed how the Global Marketplace brings opportunities and challenges. Key topics included best practices for leadership and career development, entrepreneurial opportunities for women in a globalised economy, as well as the challenges and tends affecting economic development in different parts of the world. The wide range of topics discussed included also innovation and business management, entrepreneurship development, work/family balance as well as corporate social responsibility and diversity in a competitive global economy.

Irene Natividad, President indicated during her presentation that “Women account for around 50% of the paid workforce, run approximately 40 per cent of small business and make 80 percent of buy decisions in the US and Western Europe." The Global Summit accelerates the success stories through exchanges of women’s innovative and winning solutions that affect society as a whole.

The summit was a truly inspiring and enriching experience.  It makes clear that the challenges women face may differ from region to region, but the fact that all present are looking forward to progress is a important common factor in whatever position they are in. As the number of female entrepreneurs is growing by the day, we noted that the female business community may for Aon be as interesting an affinity partner as many other, more traditional affinity groups.

"Power will never come by itself, you need to grab it," said Navitidad in one of her presentations. This statement underlines  that only by professional outstanding behaviour and by taking the chances once they come along,  you will be able to achieve the goals you want to reach.

For us, attending this Summit was such an opportunity. Next year's conference will take place in Vietnam and attendance will, once again, be limited ot the first 1000 registrants. We hope Aon will have one of the largest constituencies there.

Marguerite Soeteman-Reijnen
Aon Holdings
The Netherlands

   

   

Nicole Hartmann-Rathert
Aon Jauch & Hübener GmbH
Germany