Facing up to diversity to accelerate growth

Diversity has become an overused word these days, especially in the context of business and technology, says Craig Hudson. 
 
For some businesses, their processes are entrenched over years and so management might think proactive diversity is too hard to implement. 
 
However, my experience with SMEs in New Zealand is that companies and start-ups here genuinely want a good balance within their staff at all levels. 
 
At Xero we know we’re not perfect. We know we can do better. But we’re starting to see some positive change across the company, with half of our executive team made up of women, and our gender mix globally sitting at 40 percent women to 60 percent men. 
We’re exceeding the industry average in most areas and just recently we hired a Global Diversity and Inclusion Manager, whose sole role is to ensure we’re creating and encouraging opportunities for further diversity in the new jobs we’re creating, and in current roles too. 
 
But the problem we’ll face as a tech company, along with SMEs in years to come, is where to find people to fill these new jobs. Looking overseas might be our best option when we don’t want it to be.
 
One SME that’s ahead of the game is Auckland-based SME, Naveya & Sloane jewellery company. 
 
Rachel Sloane, Creative Director and Co-founder of the company says diversity isn’t a deliberate strategy, but it’s naturally the norm for a high achieving company. And I agree. 
 
When talking to Rachel, she said: “At Naveya & Sloane we believe that exclusivity is the enemy of cool. Being male or female isn’t on our agenda when we hire. Historically this has been a male dominated industry, however half of our onsite workshop team are female. 
“We focus on finding people who naturally embody our culture, which means that they’re aligned with our vision on attitude, work ethic, and passion for their craft. 
“Naveya & Sloane is a heart-led company, filled with the best of the best no matter their gender. I think this perspective allows us to benefit from an unbiased variation of outlooks, creating the best solutions for our business.” 
 
As the want and need for innovative thinkers continues to rise, so does the demand for businesses to focus on initiatives that encourage diversity. 
 
That’s the problem we’re facing in New Zealand. While people are slowly beginning to understand the value of diversity, it is slow. We need to build a knowledge economy with a variety of thinking.
 
By championing diversity in small business in New Zealand our leading SMEs will be actively contributing to the establishment of a talent pipeline for future growth. 

Craig Hudson (pictured) is New Zealand Country Manager for Xero.