Ksenia Protasova has 12 years of experience across various roles in the logistics industry for the top three world-known companies. She has previously worked at DB Schenker, and holds a Diploma in Performance Operations and Performance Management from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

In a conversation with Global Woman Leader Magazine, Ksenia Protasova, Chief Financial Officer, NOYTECH Supply Chain Solutions, shares her views and thoughts on the key challenges and opportunities for women in leadership roles, as well as what initiatives are most effective in encouraging women to take on leadership roles.

How can we promote diversity and inclusion in the team or organization, and what strategies are effective in encouraging more women to pursue leadership roles in finance?

Promoting diversity and inclusion in a team or organization can be achieved through a variety of strategies, like:

Creating an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas and experiences can lead to more diverse perspectives being considered in decision-making processes.

Setting specific targets for increasing the representation of underrepresented groups in the organization can help drive progress and hold leadership accountable for diversity initiatives.

Recognizing and celebrating the achievements and contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds can help foster a sense of belonging and appreciation within the organization.

In terms of encouraging more women to pursue leadership roles in finance, effective strategies include:

1. Implementing leadership development programs: Offering programs specifically designed to support and train women for leadership roles in finance can help them develop the skills and confidence necessary to excel in these positions.

2. Providing equal opportunities for advancement: Ensuring that women have the same opportunities for career advancement, promotions, and leadership positions as their male counterparts can help to level the playing field in finance.

How do business leaders stay updated on industry trends and continuously enhance their leadership skills?

Business leaders stay updated on industry trends and continuously enhance their leadership skills through various strategies.

Engaging with industry peers, attending professional conferences, and joining relevant associations can provide business leaders with the opportunity to stay updated on the latest industry trends and best practices.

Seeking out opportunities for ongoing education, such as attending workshops, enrolling in executive education programs, or pursuing certifications, can help leaders stay abreast of emerging trends and develop new skills.

Regularly reading industry-specific publications, academic journals, and research reports can help leaders gain insights into new developments and innovative approaches within their field.

Utilizing online platforms, webinars, and digital resources to access on-demand learning modules, leadership courses, and industry-specific content can provide leaders with convenient and flexible ways to enhance their skills.

Actively engaging in thought leadership through writing articles, speaking at industry events, or sharing insights through social media can help leaders stay engaged with industry peers and contribute to ongoing conversations about industry trends and best practices.

By embracing a combination of these strategies, business leaders can ensure they remain informed about industry trends and continuously enhance their leadership skills to drive their organizations forward.

In your view, what are the key challenges and opportunities for women in leadership roles, and how would you address them?

The key challenges for women in leadership roles include gender bias, lack of representation, work-life balance, and access to opportunities for advancement. However, there are also significant opportunities for women to excel in leadership positions.

Women often face unconscious bias, stereotypes, and discrimination in the workplace, which can hinder their advancement into leadership roles. Addressing gender bias involves implementing diversity training, creating inclusive policies, and holding individuals and organizations accountable for promoting equality.

The underrepresentation of women in leadership positions can make it challenging for aspiring female leaders to find role models and mentors. It is important to actively promote and support women in leadership, provide mentorship opportunities, and increase visibility to inspire future female leaders.

Balancing career and personal life can be a significant challenge for women in leadership roles, especially for those navigating family responsibilities. Flexible work arrangements, supportive policies, and organizational cultures that prioritize work-life balance are crucial in addressing this challenge.

Women may face obstacles in accessing the same development and advancement opportunities as their male counterparts. Ensuring equal access to training, promotions, and high-impact projects is essential to address this challenge.

Addressing these challenges involves a multi-faceted approach that includes promoting diversity and inclusion, providing mentorship and support, creating equal opportunities, and fostering organizational cultures that celebrate the contributions of women in leadership roles. This requires commitment from both individual leaders and organizations to drive meaningful change.

What initiatives are most effective in encouraging women to take on leadership roles and promoting gender diversity in a corporate setting?

Several initiatives are effective in encouraging women to take on leadership roles and promoting gender diversity in a corporate setting, like:

Establishing formal mentorship and sponsorship programs that pair female employees with experienced leaders can provide guidance, support, and advocacy for women as they pursue leadership roles.

Implementing flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting options, flexible hours, and family-friendly policies, can support women in balancing their professional and personal responsibilities, thereby facilitating their progression into leadership roles.

By implementing a combination of these initiatives, organizations can create a supportive and inclusive environment that not only encourages women to pursue leadership roles but also promotes gender diversity throughout the corporate setting.

In your experience, how has the landscape for women in leadership evolved, and what changes would you like to see in the future?

Women have made significant progress in breaking through the glass ceiling and attaining leadership roles in corporate, government, non-profit, and entrepreneurial settings. There is greater representation of women in boardrooms, C-suite positions, and as heads of organizations than in the past.

Overall, the vision for the future is one where women have equal opportunities to lead, are supported in their leadership journey, and are celebrated for their contributions to organizations and society. This involves ongoing commitment from organizations, leaders, and society as a whole to drive the necessary changes and create an environment where women can thrive in leadership roles.