March 15, 2023

On March 15, 2023, Synpact and the Embassy of Finland co‑hosted an Executive Leadership Roundtable at China World Hotel Beijing. In celebration of Women’s History Month and the importance of inclusivity, the session titled “Empowering All to Be Inclusive Leaders” was attended by high‑profile women leaders from the international community, including representatives from the Embassies of Finland, Uganda, and Trinidad. In addition, women leaders from diverse organizations, including Albemarle, Beijing Universal Talent Group, bp, Caixin Media Group, ConocoPhillips, FedEx, the Finnish Chamber of Commerce, Nokia, Microsoft, Speech Ocean, Today Art Museum, and UPM, gathered for a rich exchange of ideas.

Facilitated by representatives from Synpact and FedEx China, the roundtable featured an in‑depth discussion on cultivating inclusive leaders in any workplace, using a framework of six standout attributes,self‑awareness, authenticity, empathy, transparency, accountability, and passion—drawn from Synpact’s 2022 DEI Report. The women leaders shared personal stories of their journeys toward becoming more inclusive, the challenges and growth they experienced, and how they have strengthened their leadership skills to maximize impact in senior roles. A recurring theme was the importance of self‑awareness in practicing empathy, open communication, and agency. They also emphasized trust as indispensable for building an inclusive workplace. Best practices ranged from leveraging personal relationships to resolve conflicts, to establishing systematic cultures that prioritize psychological safety and collective contributions.

Following the roundtable, the Embassy of Finland generously hosted a warm reception at its residence, open to the wider business and international communities in celebration of International Women’s Day. During the reception, representatives from the Embassy of Finland and Synpact encouraged all attendees to reflect on their own leadership journeys and the role of inclusive leadership in creating a more equitable world. Inclusive leaders are essential to business success and social impact; the good news is that anyone can become one by developing specific attributes and behaviors. With resilience and a willingness to embrace challenges, individuals can drive cultural transformation. Wrapping up the event, it was inspiring to receive such positive testimonials from participants: “Synpact events bring together people who are genuinely looking for ways to advance the development of women and close the gender gap. They are never short of insights and practical recommendations.”