WTM Panel: The importance of being seen and heard
On Wednesday 6th November, Palm’s Senior Account Director, Rosina Budhani, participated in a dynamic panel discussion at WTM London, titled: “Do You See Me, Do You Hear Me?” This engaging session delved deep into the significance of inclusion within organisational culture, specifically within the tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors.
Exploring the Power of Strengths
Rosina, alongside industry leaders Jo Rzymowska and Mark Julian Edwards, explored the ‘power of strengths and the profound impact of recognising and utilising individual strengths in the workplace. The basis of their discussion was the Clifton Strengths assessment, a tool developed by Don Clifton in the 1990s to help individuals identify their unique talents. The discussion emphasized that focusing on what is right with people, rather than fixating on their shortcomings, can significantly enhance job satisfaction and, consequently, profitability. Through their strengths, Rosina and Jo shared examples of how they have contributed to making working environments within the hospitality sector, more inclusive spaces.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as a Journey
During the session, Jo Rzymowska shared her belief that DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) is a journey, not a destination. She stated, “It’s not a tick-box exercise or a project that you finish. It’s about truly wanting to listen and learn from others who are different from you and ensuring that everyone is seen and heard.” Jo emphasized that a diverse team leads to better thinking, insights, and foresights.
Jo highlighted the need for better representation in travel marketing imagery, which often depicts a narrow view of the world. In response, Jo’s team launched the All-Inclusive Photo Project, the first open-source image library to encourage better representation across the travel industry. This initiative aims to show that their global cruise line welcomes everyone and to drive better representation throughout the industry.
Recognising Privilege and Creating Inclusive Spaces
Rosina also shared valuable insights on the importance of recognising our own privilege. She noted that understanding our societal positions can influence how we communicate with and about others. By acknowledging privilege, we can gain a deeper understanding of the subtle impacts of our language and create more welcoming environments for guests and staff, fostering a sense of belonging. Rosina discussed how leaders can create environments where employees feel truly seen and heard, ultimately leading to a more engaged and productive workforce. She highlighted the transformational shift that occurs when organizations move from a culture of merely fitting into one where all individual’s unique contributions are celebrated and leveraged.
Reflecting on the event, Rosina expressed her excitement about speaking alongside Jo and Mark, both of whom brought invaluable insights to the table. We look forward to continuing the conversation on creating inclusive and strength-based organisational cultures in the future.
Key Takeaways:
- Diversity Drives Success: Embracing diversity leads to better thinking, insights, and foresights, ultimately enhancing organisational performance.
- Understanding Privilege: Recognising our own privilege helps us communicate more inclusively and create a welcoming environment for everyone.
- Equity vs. Equality: Ensuring equity means providing everyone with what they need to succeed, rather than treating everyone the same.
Learn more about this and all the DEI panels at WTM, curated and hosted by Uwern Jong, Experientialist-in-Chief and co-founder of OutThere.
