WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020
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March 8 is International Women’s Day, and the North Shore News is pleased to acknowledge and celebrate contributions of women on the North Shore.
As we approach International Women’s Day 2020, it’s never been clearer that gender equality is not just a women’s issue, it is also a business issue.
but rather that a range of backgrounds, perspectives and approaches is what makes the most business sense.
A new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business found that there is one straight-forward and cost effective way for businesses to fuel innovation, improve efficiency, spur growth and increase competitiveness. And what is this magical fix? Hire more women on their boards.
“If everyone on a board looks like you, thinks like you and talks like you, it leads to one-dimensional thinking, so any dimension of diversity should be cherished, appreciated and encouraged,” said Li. “The point is not to focus on whether one gender is better than another. It’s the mixture that counts.”
The study examined the level of innovation at 12,244 firms across 45 countries by using such measures as their number of patents, the novelty of their patents and the cost efficiency of that innovation. The researchers found that firms with more women on their boards produced a greater number of patents — and more groundbreaking ones — and achieved that innovation more efficiently.
International Women’s Day in March 8, and the theme this year is #EachforEqual. The theme draws on the notion of collective individualism, a reminder that if we each individually choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions and celebrate women’s achievements, then collectively we can help create a gender equal world. And a gender equal world can be a healthier, wealthier and more harmonious world.
“Women tend to be more cautious, long-term oriented, and more community-driven, while men might be more driven by reputation, wealth and personal success,” said UBC Sauder professor Kai Li, who co-authored the study with fellow UBC Sauder professor Dale Griffin and Ting Xu from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. The study’s conclusion isn’t that women are inherently better than men,
#101-315 West 1st Street North Vancouver 604.983.2470 www.ellisontravel.com MARCIE ELLISON OUTERBRIDGE
Creating memories that last Currently vice president, Marcie Ellison will soon take over ownership of Ellison Travel & Tours from her father, who is retiring after 40 years. Marcie’s first career was with a human resources company where she learned important ‘people skills’ such as communication and team-building
under the mentorship of her manager, Leslie Meingast. These skills and her passion for travel make her an asset in the family business, and she is excited about the future of the travel industry. “Never has travel been more accessible to everyone.” ■
SOME OF THE INSPIRING WOMEN OF THE
Fine-tailoring legacy
JULIE MINICHIELLO-GALATI
OWNER
As the owner-operator of restaurant industry while Minichiello Bespoke Couture, attending Capilano University. My customer service I specialize in the measuring, skills were formed “One thing at an early age. fitting, and I have learned styling I joined my of men’s over the years father, Paul, in garments; is to be flexible this company 30 carrying on and adapt to years ago, and his the legacy of style, passion, and the market.” impeccable genuine flare for bespoke business influenced tailoring can me tremendously. He still be seen in every custom mentored me in the craft of garment we create. measuring and taught me the In my youth, I worked in the nuances of fabric.
One thing I have learned over the years is to be flexible and adapt to the market. This is why we have continued our dry cleaning services and now offer a less expensive, madeto-measure line of men’s suits. Why not share our measuring expertise with those in need of this product? Plus, we include all alterations. My words to live by in business, as well as personally, are: work hard, be kind, and good things will happen! ■
101-118 East 2nd Street North Vancouver 604.985.9222 www.minichiello.ca