My Reflections This International Women’s Day
The following is a copy of an internal message by our Head of People & Culture Natalie Poppelvik.
As International Women’s Day is upon us, I find myself reflecting on its purpose and ongoing necessity. I belong to those who feel that International Women’s Day is about celebrating the pioneering women who paved the way; reflect on progress and my efforts to date as well as strategizing my next moves toward a more inclusive world. I truly believe that inclusivity isn’t like cake—giving more to women doesn’t mean less for others. Yet, we’re up against one of gaming’s toughest levels, facing the formidable dragon of the gender gap, a boss battle that tests our collective resolve. The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Gender Gap Report painting a picture of a battle that spans over a century to win.
Inclusive Leadership: A Multiplayer Game
My recent parental leave with my now one-year-old daughter has reminded me of the fairness I’ve sought since childhood: what anyone can achieve with hard work should not be constrained by gender. We must also acknowledge the complex layers of identity that intersect with gender, such as race, sexuality, ability, and other identity facets, impacting each woman’s experience uniquely.
We need more than diversity; we need inclusion, with inclusive leadership at the forefront. In the spirit of making smart decisions, and thanks to the efforts of my brilliant team, we have launched a pilot inclusive leadership training project for around half of our line managers. At Resolution Games, we all have a lot of autonomy and freedom, but these come with the weight of responsibility. Inclusive leadership is a collective mission that requires each of us — leaders and team members alike — to use our unique skills. So I ask you to think about it and, if you like, post tips on how you can become more inclusive as a leader or as a valued colleague. To kick it off, here is my own.
My Pledge for Inclusion:
Embracing a Learning Mindset: Just as we learn from each gaming session, I’m dedicated to learning from the diversity around me. Today, I pledge to remain open to the valuable lessons it offers.
Recognizing and Mitigating Bias: Like reviewing gameplay footage, self-reflection is about identifying our shortcomings and aiming for a better run. I commit to challenging my biases to ensure fairness for all.
Cultivating Genuine Curiosity: Exploring perspectives is much like discovering new in-game worlds, adding richness to our collective journey.
Leveraging Diverse Perspectives for Innovation: Each team member is crucial to our success; by valuing every contribution, we pave the way for shared victories.
Leading with Empathy: Building trust is essential for strong teams. I promise to nurture this trust, ensuring everyone can reach their full potential.
Continuing the Campaign
Though progress may be slow, I am hopeful. The gaming industry has taught us that the most memorable victories emerge from the toughest challenges. The pursuit of equality is our ongoing campaign.
As we continue to navigate this game of life, I encourage you to share your thoughts and pledges on how we can foster a more inclusive environment. Together, let’s make this International Women’s Day not just a celebration but a commitment to closing the gender gap before the next century.
Natalie
