Equity & Inclusion at Aesop

Nelson Derry

When you take a close look at leaders on the world stage, and particularly over the last decade; presidents, prime ministers, company executives and CEO’s - the ones that have steered their countries and organisations time and time again through the ups and downs, through crisis and tough times - these are leaders that have led with characteristics that historically speaking wouldn’t be at the top of the pile when it comes to traits of a successful leader.

Trust.

Purpose.

Inclusion.

Empathy. 

Vulnerability. 

Situational Humility.

Psychological Safety.

Kindness.

And one Leader who exemplifies these characteristics, is an inspiration to many around the world, and who Forbes Magazine ranked number 1 in their World’s 50 Greatest Leaders list is Jacinda Ardern, the former New Zealand Prime minister. Her list of incredible achievements goes on and on, and to name just a few…

She steered her country through the aftermath of a terror attack, as well as the deadly eruption of a volcano - and all done with incredible amounts of empathy and humility. Not to mention the COVID pandemic which again she manages to lead her country with such courage, decisiveness and kindness. 

Jacinda Ardern also makes the decision to appoint the most diverse cabinet in New Zealand's history, with indigenous Māori ministers making up a quarter of it's 20-strong members, women taking several posts and the appointment of a gay deputy prime minister.

What’s interesting is that she dials up being an Inclusive Leader and building a diverse team during probably the most difficult and challenging period in our society. Which is ironic because what often happens is that when organisations are going through a tough period, diversity and building inclusive leadership capabilities very quickly drops down the priority list. 

In fact, it's during the tough times that is absolutely the right time for leaders to dial up and harness the power of diversity and surround themselves with diverse and divergent perspectives.  It takes courage and deep resilience to make the tough choices and stand up for what’s right, but as the great Martin Luther King, Jr. said,

The time is always right to do the right thing. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

It is always the right time…

To speak up.

To stand for what’s right.

To advocate for others.

To be the ally.

To be the dissenting voice.

It takes courage - vulnerability - and sometimes feels lonely – but as Jacinda Arden has shown throughout her leadership journey, it’s always the right time to do the right thing.