Unlocking the Power of Diversity: In conversation with the UNFOLD board

Diverse perspectives are fundamental to shaping successful, sustainable businesses – and research has underlined this time and time again. However, in a climate that can often favour extreme viewpoints over nuanced thinking, advancing DEI policies may prove challenging. This raises urgent questions for Corporate Affairs (CA) professionals: How can they effectively attract and nurture diverse talent? And what steps can the industry take to better reflect the society it serves? UNFOLD board members Saskia Kapinga (Vice-President External Relations, Shell), Anita van de Velde - Rayat (Founder and Managing Director, DeVelde Leading Talent), and Sarah Campbell Donia (Global Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Randstad) share their perspectives.

How do you see the current state of diversity in the CA role and the broader business landscape?

Saskia: There’s no doubt that the diversity within our function needs significant improvement. When I meet with peers, I still notice a predominance of the traditional demographic – often white men over a certain age. There’s a noticeable underrepresentation of women, people of different socio-economic backgrounds, and even people in different age groups. By diversifying our teams, we can better connect with the communities we aim to serve. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it's also the smart thing to do.

Anita: Leaders must take more responsibility for building and nurturing diversity. However, I believe it's important to reflect on how we define diversity. For instance, considering women – who make up half of the population – as a ‘diverse’ group seems misaligned. The focus should be on ensuring broad representation in business, encompassing all segments of society. Does our function include perspectives from all socio-economic groups? Are we considering diverse educational backgrounds? There’s still a lot of work to be done in these areas.

What strategies can CA professionals use to attract and nurture diverse talent?

Sarah: At our company, where our ‘product’ is our people, diversity is viewed as a competitive advantage. The CA function has a crucial role in supporting our strong diversity agenda, establishing clear objectives, and elevating awareness of these goals through consistent communication. I'm fortunate to work with a fabulous, dedicated ED&I team and leaders who really walk the talk, including a CEO who’s a member of the LGBTQ+ community. His openness and willingness to share his story empower other leaders to become positive role models and encourage allyship throughout the organisation.

Saskia: My approach involves identifying individuals who might be interested in our field, even if they don't have direct experience. For instance, offering traineeships allows young people to explore CA and see if it’s the right fit for them, while we assess if they’d be a good addition to the team. It’s important to welcome new voices, give them a chance to explore what we do, and not limit ourselves to outdated notions of who fits into these roles.

Anita: Equity and diversity are good business, and as we know, drivers of business performance. CA professionals can play a key role in highlighting the importance of creating workplaces that support everyone, thereby enhancing productivity and potential of people and organisations.

The UNFOLD mentorship programme is building the next generation of CA professionals. What role do you think mentorship can play in encouraging inclusion?

Sarah: Mentorship is critical in promoting diversity and inclusion. Personally, I've found a lot of satisfaction in mentoring young parents returning to the workforce. The return to work after having children can be challenging – individuals undergo significant life changes and may feel uncertain about their place in the workforce, including how they can advance in their careers. It’s also the time when pay inequality often begins to emerge. Mentors provide much-needed guidance and support, helping to retain diverse talent within the CA function and shaping the next generation of leaders.

Join the conversation in the comments below, or reach out to learn more about UNFOLD and our work to maximise the potential of purposeful business!