In this episode we deep dive into Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). We speak with Karen Loon, Non-Executive Director, Author, and Diversity Expert.
Karen has been involved with diversity initiatives for many years, and just released her debut book: “Fostering Culturally Diverse Leadership in Organisations - Lessons from Those Who Smashed the Bamboo Ceiling”. She provides us with a personal narrative and offers insights into different approaches to D&I. We also discuss the importance of diverse leadership and creating equal opportunities for people from all backgrounds. Lastly, Karen shares her views on trends in the boardroom.
Listen to the podcast here:
About Karen Loon
Karen is passionate about ensuring that both women and those from culturally diverse backgrounds are given the right opportunities to thrive within their organisations.
Combining her business and governance experience as Non-Executive Director (NED); her 29 years working with the world’s leading financial institutions as a senior relationship and assurance partner at PwC; her knowledge gained from leading change initiatives in diversity; and her academic research in system psychodynamics, Karen delivers research-based and yet practical advice to the organisations she works with.
Karen is a recognised thought leader and speaker on workplace diversity and inclusion. She was formerly PwC’s Singapore and Asia-Pacific Diversity Leader and a member of its Global Diversity Leadership Team and Global Financial Services Diversity Steering Committee. Under her leadership, PwC won the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore’s 2017 Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Award. She was also awarded a certificate at the 2017 Singapore Committee for UN Women HeForShe Awards to recognise her work to promote gender equality in Singapore. Karen regularly shares her views on enhancing diversity with leading organisations and professional and industry bodies in Australia and Singapore. She is also a commentator on governance and culture matters.
Karen is a NED on several for-profit, professional, and educational organisation boards. She has an Executive Master in Change from INSEAD, a Master of Business Administration from Macquarie Graduate School of Management, and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney. In addition, Karen has several post-graduate qualifications in accounting, finance, corporate governance, and culture.
Find out more on Karen's website.
About 'Leadership Conversations by TSBR'
Leadership Conversations is a podcast by The Sustainability Board Report (TSBR), an independent not-for-profit project. We aim to showcase different dimensions of sustainable business leadership and corporate governance.
In this podcast we interview global leaders who advocate for more positive societal impact and responsible business.
Leadership Conversations is hosted by Frederik Otto and Helena Guðjónsdóttir.