Reflections on Diversity & Inclusion

Ms. Debbie D. Namalata

Graduate Member

Institute of Corporate Directors

Two years have passed since I retired from corporate life. In this short span of time, I was able to do multiple roles.  I became an author, a publisher, a student,  a consultant, and trustee to non-profit organizations while relishing the roles I played in my family, small circle of friends, and social network. I studied governance, strategy, business analytics using artificial intelligence, digital marketing, pastoral psychology, family dynamics and counseling, and assessment and initial intervention of individual and relationship disorders.  The roles and subject matters may sound diverse but my purpose was only one: to become a better person. Aging has a way of making one more reflective of one’s priorities and choices.  The diverse roles I played enlightened me about the challenges facing SMEs in availing bank loans, the palliative solutions to systemic problems faced by our rice and vegetable farmers, the crushing impact of ill-timed imports to farmers and poultry and hog raisers, the degradation of our soil due to decades-long use of chemical fertilizers, the difficulty of raising low-cost capital for industrial-scale waste management technology, the availability of Philippine made IT solutions that lacked go-to-market support, and the need of family businesses to manage succession. Understanding some of the systemic problems of our country fuels my desire for diversity and inclusivity. 

Diversity creates a pathway for either progress or chaos depending on how one sifts through the abundance of ideas and opinions . As for me, learning something new pumps my adrenalin and makes waking up each morning purposeful. Spending time with more experienced, accomplished professionals outside my area of expertise makes me feel hopeful about the future of our country. Hopeful that there are solutions I have not thought of and there are patterns and trends outside my domain that offer a way forward.  For example, industrial scale hyperthermophilic aerobic bacterial composting converts biodegradables into soil conditioner and natural fertilizer which is the solution to soil degradation. If government banks can finance large scale farm trials to accelerate the adoption of organic soil conditioner & fertilizer this could help solve the acidic condition of the soil and significantly improve production yield. Analytics can help program the importation to address supply gaps without reducing farmers’ income. Non-bank financial institutions provide capital to SMEs because of less onerous requirements and flexible terms. Professionals can offer their expertise at more affordable rates to families transitioning from founder-led to the next generation. Such is the power of embracing diversity and inclusion.

Many fora on diversity are confined to gender. Progressive thinkers have included all the possible factors to be in the minority: race or origin, social status, education, family background, skills, expertise, and advocacies.  Minority is subjective as one can belong to a minority in one aspect of his life and in the majority in another.  It is quite interesting to find oneself a minority in many facets. I found myself in minority situations quite a few times. I had many minority cards: female in male dominated occupations, outsider or did not rise from the ranks, no driving skills, came from an acquired company, hailed from the South ( Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro), and had an unknown family name. I have learned to play with the cards I was dealt with and thrived.  

I stayed long in my assignments because I was fueled by the chance of inclusion. Being chosen to lead inspired me to build organizations that can either make successful market entry, sustainably grow volumes, or offer innovative services. I worked with men who have been leaders in the organization for decades; men who were all older than I was, more experienced and experts in their line of work. My experience as an outsider shows that a minority can bring a fresh, unique, and unexpected perspective that if supported can change the trajectory of an organization. Belonging to a minority group makes one keenly aware of the need to create opportunities instead of waiting for opportunities to open up.  We have all heard of the phrase “necessity is the mother of invention”. Those who have long been exposed to severe situations have developed a sixth sense; a strong desire for preservation that can only be achieved by continually questioning the status quo and having an expansive mindset. Tolerance for pain, physical or mental, is the most potent weapon one can develop to survive the many harsh realities of life. And one develops this only through pain and suffering.

A strong person who has long been in minority groups develops independence. Yet, this strength can also become his weakness. Being in the minority exposes oneself to pressures of belonging. When one maintains his independence, many attempts will be made to make him feel he does not belong, especially if his presence rocks the boat.  Even if one does not have the so-called imposter syndrome, one can develop this in an environment that tolerates passive-aggressive behavior and too much politicking. Ultimately, one may question whether the price one pays for thriving is worth it.   Experience has shown me, time and again, that diversity wins. The best minds are not limited to those who have been to ivy league schools or to those who have studied in what  some might consider the only three universities in the country. Some really good problem solvers belong to the peripheries.

It takes a courageous heart to go against the grain, to speak one’s mind, especially to one belonging to the minority. But an independent mind is a must to protect anyone who has interest, but is not in the room where decisions are made. A clear conscience is the best gift to oneself.  And this is true whether one belongs to the minority or the majority. A diverse, inclusive organization that encourages tolerance for independent thinkers will beat one that is formed by cliques and people who think alike.