The necessity for strategic alignment has become more pronounced than ever as clear goals, transparent communication, and robust reporting mechanisms form the bedrock of creating an inclusive corporate culture. These processes set the stage for an environment where diverse talents contribute substantially to the organization’s long-term success. For boards operating on a global scale, the imperative is magnified, demanding an understanding of regional intricacies, cultural nuances, and market dynamics in order to achieve sustainable growth across international borders.
In my journey spanning decades and continents as a business leader, my commitment to achieving strategic alignment has been unwavering. While Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) initiatives may have fallen out of favor in recent months, over the course of my career I’ve come to appreciate the influence that they exert in shaping the future trajectory of corporate environments. At the core of this journey is the recognition of the power of embracing an inclusive leadership style.
Diversity comes in many forms: gender, multi-cultural, multi-generational, different ethnic backgrounds, or abilities. Over my years in general management and leadership roles, as well as handling P&L responsibilities, I’ve witnessed the impact of cultivating environments where diverse employees feel valued and empowered. Whether as a general manager, CHRO or board member I had to activate the power of inclusive practices and aligned values and goals for us to work in harmony. Not only did this allow us to meet current DEI expectations, it also enabled us to embed strategies for achieving sustained success on the global stage. The external impact is equally significant, especially when taking into consideration the expectations of new generations.
Corporate boards are now increasingly held accountable, as compliance and ethics play a vital role. When aligned with open communication channels between leadership and management, these mechanisms become powerful tools, ensuring transparency and accountability. My tenure on international boards and involvement in various committees, combined with my experiences spanning Turkiye, Hong Kong, UAE, and the US, have underscored the nuanced nature of achieving strategic alignment at the global level. My experience of sitting on a board in Japan differed from those in other countries. A drive to understand the distinctions has been an ongoing focus for me and I feel richer and more satisfied each time. It is a gift to experience the learning process and then identify how we need to adapt our business practices. Valuing diverse perspectives from different corners is an ongoing endeavor that enables companies to create an enduring legacy.
Working together toward common goals has a significant influence in generating lasting impact and prosperity. The journey can be challenging, but it is through collaboration that we achieve success. Rather than focusing on merely meeting expectations, our emphasis needs to be on shaping the narrative for generations to come. In steering their company’s collective efforts, a corporate board can be the architect of a future that will successfully transcend borders. One which will resonate down through the history of their organization.
With nearly 35 years in the Consumer Goods Industry, Umran Beba is a seasoned professional specializing in general management, talent, and diversity. Having resided in Turkey, Hong Kong, UAE, and the USA, her cross-cultural insights enable her to transcend borders and create strategic alignment between various facets of business. Her distinct blend of financial prowess and deep appreciation for the power of human potential allows her to create enduring value for people and organizations.
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
