MEAMARKETS / Q1 2020 11 , Nov19067 Women Lead the Way Diversification in leadership can enable far greater andmore in-depth levels of thinking within business. So, why are organizations still opposed to it? One firm changing the game is MVP Tech G.T. LLC, named in 2019 as Best Security Systems Integrator, UAE. Upon reflection on a successful 2019, we spoke with Director Said Kiwan, to learn more about how the firm continues to give rise to an impactful wave of women in leadership. Founded in 2003, MVP Tech has since been a champion for women in leadership, supporting and encouraging diversification within companies all over the Middle East. Whilst many companies in the technology sector still do not view gender diversity as a priority, this firm is remaining resolute in its pursuit of equality and demonstrating how a diverse leadership team can hugely benefit the direction of a company. At a time where gender disparity continues to make headlines, MVP Tech is not remaining silent. With 58% of its leadership positions filled by females, there has never been stronger evidence for the power of diversity. Upon speaking with Mr. Kiwan, this mission became even clearer. “Since 2003, we have encouraged and supported women leadership and diversification as well across our organization, with equal payments and opportunities for both genders and independent of nationality. Among our proudest accomplishments at MVP Tech is the ability to attract and retain many women within our workforce. We believe the high number of women in various roles and particularly in leadership roles within MVP, has made all the difference in our success as an organization.” Surveys have found that the figures surrounding women in leadership are devastatingly low. In today’s world, women are earning more bachelor’s degrees than men, whilst negotiating salaries at the same rate. Why then, are there not more female leaders working across businesses and organizations everywhere? he explains. “According to McKinsey & LeanIn.org latest Women in the Workplace study 2019, surveying over a quarter of a million employees and close to 600 companies, only one in five senior leaders is a woman, and one in twenty-five is a woman of color. Unfortunately, it has to do with the fact that many companies still don’t view gender diversity as a priority, because they don’t see how it could benefit their bottom line.” Gender inclusivity can seriously help organizations thrive, as it has MVP Tech. During our interview with Said, he helped shed some light on three advantages that women leadership can bring to the table; the competitive edge of soft skills, better problem-solving, and building trust. Expanding upon each of those, Said outlines how women in leadership can help make their places of work a competitive force to be reckoned with in the corporate landscape. “While technical skill, experience, and knowledge are fundamental to success, organizations are now holding soft skills in much higher regard. Often referred to as emotional intelligence, soft skills refer to any ability pertaining to the way you approach others or handle your professional life. Included in these are essential leadership capabilities, including professionalism, the ability to network, collaboration, communication (both oral and written), and critical thinking. Women have key advantages in these areas - a study by global consulting firm Hay Group found that women outperform men in 11 of 12 key emotional intelligence competencies.” “People who differ from one another in gender, ethnicity, or other identities, bring a diversity of perspectives to an organization, which enhances creativity and encourages the search for information. This, in turn, leads to better decision-making, and ultimately, greater success. A study on female representation in top management found that companies that prioritized innovation saw greater financial gains when women were part of the top leadership ranks.” “Failing to uphold ethics-based behaviours can have serious consequences and negative long-term implications for any organization. On top of declining team morale, lower productivity, and internal turmoil, unethical behaviour can result in financial loss, a significantly damaged public reputation, loss of confidence from investors, and much more. In the words of Monika Wrobel, Head of Human Resources – MEA, MVP Group, “For any initiative, return on reputation - values and beliefs, as an organization and as an individual - is as important, if not more so, as return on investment.” Heading into 2020 and beyond, MVP Tech remains a shining beacon of what is possible when women in leadership are given the chance to succeed. Signing off our interview, Said highlights the reasons behind the organization’s continued success and support for female leadership in business. “From professionalism to collaboration, to a supportive management style, to a cooperative problem-solving approach, women possess skills that make them invaluable assets. When women combine these capabilities to fuel their leadership, they achieve qualitative cultural gains and win quantitative business success alike. By productively integrating and advancing both soft and hard skills, female leaders innovate the organization itself and drive sustainable growth.” Contact Details MVP Tech G.T. LLC
[email protected] www.mvptech.ae