Campaigns | March 2024

International Women’s Day – Kristie Lester

Have you faced any challenges about inclusion within your career?

As a woman in the workplace, there have been some challenges regarding inclusion in the workplace for me, but I wouldn’t compare them largely to matters that exist in society today. We really want to take opportunities to educate employees and management on unconscious gender bias, bias against mothers and unequal pay. I feel lucky to work in the professional services industry where a degree or designation has no gender and I have a fair seat at the table. It took some work to get here but I am also grateful to have leaders that believe in me.

How do you encourage inclusion within your team and your firm?

Encouraging inclusion within my team and firm involves several key strategies. Firstly, during the hiring process, we prioritize assessing skill sets alongside how well a candidate aligns with our firm’s culture and values. This ensures that we foster a diverse and inclusive team from the outset. Once onboarded, we maintain an environment where everyone has an equal seat at the table and is held to the same expectations, irrespective of gender or background. Recognizing the unique challenges that individuals may face, such as balancing professional responsibilities with family commitments, we strive to provide support and understanding, emphasizing that everyone’s contributions are valued. Regular check-ins and accountability measures help ensure productivity while also placing a significant emphasis on achieving a healthy work-life balance, understanding that one’s personal well-being directly impacts their professional performance.

What is the business benefit of inclusion within the professional services sector?

In the professional services sector, inclusion isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s also a significant driver of business success. One key benefit is the diversity of perspectives it brings to the table. Within our team, each member is a specialist in their field with unique designations, contributing distinct viewpoints and expertise. Having worked in industries where inclusion wasn’t always prioritized, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of a welcoming work culture that values diverse opinions.

Author: Kristie Lester

Member firm name: Zeifmans LLP

Country: Canada

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