Culture of Inclusion. The Impact of a Women’s Network

Image: Leaders of Saint-Gobain Digital Team

Pride and Gratitude

As I look back on my career to date, I’m filled with pride and gratitude for the opportunities I've had. One that particularly stands out is developing Saint-Gobain's first Women’s Network. At the time, it was a traditional male-dominated organisation within the building and manufacturing sector; with a strong, longstanding culture that, while rich in history, didn’t always lend itself to progressive discussions around diversity and inclusion. It was in this environment that I saw the need for change, and it’s where my journey in driving positive transformation began.

Turning Vision into Action

The idea of creating a Women’s Network was born from the understanding that, despite the company’s successes, there was a gap in supporting women and ensuring their voices were heard at all levels. Saint-Gobain, like many traditional organisations, faced challenges in promoting diversity and creating spaces where minority groups could thrive. But I knew that change was possible. By bringing people together and focusing on key areas such as attraction and selection, ways of working, and coaching and mentoring, we could start to break down barriers and shift the conversation in meaningful ways.

Although the company was traditionally male-led, being part of the newly formed digital team, which embraced a much more inclusive and forward-thinking approach meant I felt more empowered. While launching the Women’s Network wasn’t without its challenges, the response was overwhelmingly positive.People from all walks of life, both men and women, joined the network sharing their experiences and ideas for how we could make the company more inclusive for everyone.

A Milestone in Creating Lasting Change

The Menopause Policy was a truly transformative moment. It wasn’t just about addressing a biological phase, it was about shifting the workplace culture to recognise and support the diverse experiences of women at every stage of their careers and lives. The policy was developed in close consultation with network members, who brought lived experiences to the table. This wasn’t a top-down initiative it was born from the collective voices of those who had often felt overlooked or unsupported. Watching the policy become a reality was a moment of personal and professional pride, knowing that we had influenced something so tangible and meaningful. It was a testament to what can happen when you give people the space to speak up and push for change.

A Personal Transformation

Looking back, founding the Women’s Network at Saint-Gobain didn’t just create change within the organisation, it profoundly shaped my own leadership journey. It was a role that required me to be bold, to challenge established norms, and to push for something better in a traditional, male-dominated environment. In many ways, it was a defining moment in my career.

Leading this initiative taught me the importance of empathy and active listening. The stories and experiences shared by my colleagues, especially those in underrepresented groups, gave me a deeper understanding of the barriers people face in the workplace. It reinforced my belief in creating spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported: principles that are now central to my leadership style.

The challenges I faced in driving this change also taught me resilience. It wasn’t always easy, and there were moments of resistance. But by staying focused on the bigger picture and remaining committed to our goals, I was able to navigate those challenges and bring people together. It shaped my approach to leadership, teaching me the value of perseverance and the importance of building strong, diverse teams that are empowered to make a difference.

Above all, the experience reinforced the idea that leadership isn’t just about making decisions, it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe to voice their ideas, challenge the status quo, and grow. It’s about fostering a culture that celebrates diversity, in all its forms, and ensures that every individual can reach their full potential.

These lessons continue to guide my approach to leadership today. Whether I’m leading teams, driving projects, or mentoring others, I carry with me the values of inclusion, empathy, and resilience.