Change is on the way.. but not soon enough

Change is on the way.. but not soon enough

20 NOVEMBER 2015

This week Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand committed to being Champions of Change to achieve diverse and inclusive leadership.

New Zealand Country Head Kirsten Patterson will join other business leaders as Champions of Change as part of the Champions of Change initiative launched by Deputy Prime Minister the Honourable Bill English. Mrs Patterson said that significant change to the diversity of leadership in New Zealand businesses is a key focus for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

“A truly diverse and inclusive leadership will ensure that age, ethnicity and gender is taken into account. We know that when there is inclusion and diversity at the top there are benefits to economic and social prosperity.

“Leaders and businesses need to seek out and advance those with talent, skills and experience to stimulate leadership and foster a change of influence in New Zealand.
The World Economic Forum report Global Gender Gap released this week ranked New Zealand number 10 for gender equality, gaining 3 places.

“This shows that change is being embraced in our market. New Zealand is showing good progress but there is more to do,” Mrs Patterson said.

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand recently released a report on diversity, Fast Forward: Leading in a Brave New World of Diversity. It examined the foundational shifts in the business landscape in regards to diversity of markets, ideas and talent.

“Our research showed that leaders of the future require a special type of leadership and that success will not be achieved by diversity alone.

“The report identifies six signature traits that leaders of tomorrow will need to display if they are to make diversity work for them. Including: courage, commitment, collaboration, cultural intelligence, curiosity and cognisance,

“We are seeing other industries starting to seriously address diversity issues. Whether it’s Jennifer Lawrence fighting for equal pay or Aziz Ansari putting the spotlight on racial diversity. But we need to do more than just watch Hollywood.

“I am looking forward to being a Champion of Change and encouraging disruption across all business challenges,” Mrs Patterson said.

ENDS

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