August 25, 2022

On August 25, 2022, Synpact hosted a Women in Leadership Roundtable facilitated by Joyce Tan, Senior Specialist, Diversity Initiatives at New York University Shanghai. Women leaders from Chayora, Dow, Henkel, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Milliken & Company, and Volvo shared their experiences and views on identifying and managing unconscious bias in the workplace.

The discussion explored how societal norms shape leadership dynamics and highlighted the importance of diverse representation. Key perspectives included overcoming self‑limitations through role models, navigating traditionally unbalanced industries with fresh approaches, and recognizing the critical need for support from both family and colleagues. The group agreed that true equity means allowing individuals to choose based on personal strengths rather than social expectations, while valuing caregiving contributions regardless of gender. They also stressed the importance of delegating household responsibilities without rigid control and adopting innovative, non‑traditional methods in professional interactions.

In summary, the participants emphasised that the key is to remain open‑minded and self‑aware of our own unconscious biases, because we all have them. As leaders, we have the power to raise our own consciousness, as well as to consider policies and practices that can encourage others to question their assumptions and broaden their perspectives. By doing so, we can collectively create more inclusive and equitable environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.