S6 | 466: Inclusivity and Innovation as Competitive Advantage with Johane Domersant, John Deere

Digital StrategyTechnologyConversational AI
Written By Basil Ali

About the Episode

It’s increasingly clear that businesses that invest in their employees to achieve great employee experience are investing in their own future. To achieve this, inclusion across the organization, programs for professional development, and opportunities for employees to pursue their passion and purpose are critical for businesses.

Today we’re going to talk about how leading organizations need to think about diversity and inclusion as a competitive advantage, as well as a benefit to all involved.

To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Johane Domersant, Global Head of Human Resources at John Deere.

About Johane Domersant

Johane Domersant is the global HR director at John Deere. Born in Haiti, Johane came to the United States at age 15. Prior to her current role at Deere, she practiced law for 14 years in private practice as a trial lawyer specializing in labor and employment litigation before transitioning in-house, as a global labor and employment leader in a Fortune 500 company.

Resources

Synopsis

In this episode, Johane Domersant from John Deere emphasizes the importance of investing in employees to create a great employee experience. They believe that when employees feel seen, heard, valued, and empowered, they become more engaged and happier stakeholders at work. This, in turn, leads to higher performance, productivity, and engagement, which are crucial for the success of a profit-driven company.

The guest speaker highlights the need for businesses to give all employees, not just the leadership group, a seat at the table and a voice in decision-making processes. This fosters a culture of inclusion, where employees feel that their contributions are not only heard but also acted upon. When employees see that their ideas and input are valued and implemented, it strengthens their sense of worth and encourages them to bring their best selves to work.

Furthermore, the guest speaker suggests that diversity plays a significant role in fostering innovation within organizations. Embracing employees' diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas can lead to greater creativity and problem-solving. To promote diversity, companies can create employee and business resource groups that provide networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and cultural events. It is also important for companies to equip employees with the knowledge and skills they desire, empowering them to excel in their roles and have equitable access to career advancement opportunities.

Overall, the episode emphasizes that businesses that invest in their employees and create a great employee experience are investing in their own future. Engaged and valued employees contribute to higher performance, productivity, and innovation, ultimately driving the success of the company.

In addition to discussing the importance of diversity and inclusion, the speakers highlight how it can be a competitive advantage for leading organizations. They emphasize the need for organizations to have a workforce that reflects the global diversity of their communities and customer base. This means having representation of the world within the employee base of a global organization. Inclusive leadership and employee engagement are crucial in all facets of how a company operates.

The speakers explain that embracing diversity of perspective and truly listening to employees builds trust and promotes high performance. They believe that diversity within teams leads to more creativity and a broader approach to problem-solving. They mention numerous studies that show how diverse companies operate at a faster pace and have higher profit margins.

For a global organization like theirs, which is focused on solving today's challenges and anticipating tomorrow's needs from a diverse customer base, having a broad representation within teams is critical. They mention that John Deere, for example, has a long legacy of innovation and recognizes the need to continuously expand their external talent expertise to complement their dynamic workforce.

To foster diversity and inclusion, the speakers suggest creating employee and/or business resource groups. These groups can provide a supportive and inclusive sense of community and belonging among employees from diverse backgrounds. They can also offer networking opportunities, mentorship programs, cultural events, and opportunities to engage with leadership. It is important for companies to demonstrate to their employees that their voices and contributions matter and to equip them with the knowledge and skillsets they desire. This empowers employees to be their best selves and ensures equitable access to career advancement opportunities.

Overall, the episode highlights how diversity and inclusion can be a competitive advantage for leading organizations. By embracing diversity, organizations can foster innovation, build trust with employees, and create stronger relationships.

John Deere has recognized the need to expand its brand externally in order to attract a broader pool of top-notch talent. The organization has been traditionally known in the agricultural sector and the construction and infrastructure communities. However, it became clear that in order to continue attracting the best talent, John Deere needed to expand its brand beyond its traditional borders.

To achieve this, John Deere has increased its presence on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. The company showcases its technology prowess and innovative capabilities, particularly in areas such as autonomous tractors and CN spray combines. By leveraging these platforms, John Deere aims to speak the language of current and future talent, especially in the technology field.

Furthermore, John Deere has made a strategic decision to go where the talent is. The company now has a real presence in places like Chicago, Austin, Bangalore, and various spaces in California. These locations are rich in tech talent, which aligns with John Deere's goal of attracting the future talent it needs. Despite expanding externally, John Deere remains committed to the communities where it has operated for decades.

Overall, John Deere's expansion of its brand externally and its presence in tech talent-rich locations demonstrate the company's commitment to attracting top-notch talent and staying at the forefront of innovation in the agricultural and technology sectors.

Johane Domersant, Global HR Director, John Deere

Basil Ali
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