Thursday, October 31, 2024

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Plenary Room

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Details

Numerous studies have shown companies with diverse leadership teams and boards perform better, particularly in innovation-oriented businesses. A 2022 report revealed that gender diverse companies in Australia experience higher gross profit margins when comparing the top 1/3 of firms vs bottom 1/3 of firms in terms of gender diversity. The underrepresentation of women in biotech leadership roles presents a unique opportunity for the industry. By increasing female leadership, we can harness diverse perspectives that drive innovation and enhance problem-solving capabilities, ultimately leading to ground-breaking advancements in the field. With only 11% of CEOs in Australia’s biotech sector being female; how do we send the ladder down and bring others up? This panel discussion will explore: • The benefits of diversity of leadership in the biotech sector – how diverse leadership reduces groupthink, improves decision making, and supports diversity and inclusion, in turn fostering a more inclusive workplace culture that reports higher employee satisfaction, increased engagement, and lower turnover rates; • Emerging support networks, development of tailored programs, and support for women entrepreneurs; • Role models and success stories who have made significant contributions to biotech can inspire and motivate the next generation; • Opportunities for Australia’s biotechs to improve their gender diversity in leadership roles; • Policy changes and organisational support – what are Australian biotechs actively doing to promote gender equality? Initiatives such as flexible work arrangements, equal pay, and career advancement opportunities are helping to create a more supportive environment for women leaders; and • The rise of community building and advocacy groups and how they’re creating a more connected and supportive ecosystem for women in biotech.

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Speaker