Having acquired valuable exposure serving for many organizations from a variety of industries—ranging from cosmetics, shipping and consumer goods to trading, IT, telecommunications and the Japan Post Company— Professor Yoko Ishikura emphasized the importance of consistently posing questions at board meetings. As the only woman serving on many of these boards, she believes it is essential to challenge the insular environment that many of them are characterized by. Engaging in meaningful discussions which take the latest market changes, issues and technologies into consideration, as opposed to being complacent with meetings of a ‘ritualistic’ or traditional nature, allows companies to better serve the public.
Ultimately, Professor Ishikura finds that women and men can both offer innovative perspectives. Regardless of gender, what differentiates a good board member is one with a clear vision for the direction that the company must move in. This includes the creation of an organizational structure that allows individuals to develop and shine. Employees who share the same vision as the organization they work for, are capable of working on their own, cooperating with one another and making the most out of the tools and resources at their disposal— embody the meaning of leadership and innovation.
Attracting more than 2,000 participants and 100 speakers and international delegates, Global Women’s Forum Dubai brings together leaders from around the world – women and men – with the aim of considering new perspectives for today and tomorrow; creating a powerful, global network capable of boosting the influence of women throughout the world; conceiving innovative and concrete action plans to encourage women’s contribution to society; and promoting diversity in the business world.
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