deb. partner up with Gullspång Invest
At deb., we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Gullspång Invest, a family-owned investment company committed to supporting sustainability-focused entrepreneurs in the food, resource efficiency, and energy sectors. This collaboration underscores our shared dedication to enhancing diversity within boardrooms.
In this article, we have the privilege of sharing an interview with one of Gullspång Invest's founding partners, Gustaf Brandberg, discussing the significance of diversity, inclusion, and providing valuable career tips.
Q: Why did you choose to work with deb.?
"Inclusion is crucial, especially in the boardroom. However, it's not about quotas or filling seats. It's about bringing in individuals who can add value so for us diversity is not a filter, it’s a merit. In a homogeneous group, it’s a merit to be able to bring in a new perspective so we make sure to include that in all recruitment profiles."
Q: How are you working to incorporate diverse perspectives beyond your own?
"To make sound decisions, we need a multitude of perspectives. We need people who can tackle the challenges we face effectively. Therefore, we always list the complementary competences and backgrounds we want to bring in to a decision making body and value individuals who bring diverse viewpoints to the table, both in board recrutiments and when engaging advisors. Our goal is to ensure that board profiles mirror the diversity we seek."
Q: How can we change structures and norms for a more inclusive society?
"Change takes time. It might seem slow at first, but it eventually accelerates. Education is a vital part of accelerating the shift; the more merited people from minorities that are available, the faster the shift to diversity as the norm will be."
Q: What qualities are important in a board member?
"Board work is continuous, it does not only take place during the meetings. Engaged members consider matters between meetings, speak up during meetings or with the chairperson afterward, and always think about how they can provide the most value to the company. Personally, I think about the companies where I am engaged daily to make sure I spend my time where I can add most value, and to remind myself on matters I need to follow up. "
Q: Do you have any advice for a new board member:
"Invest time in understanding the company. Read business plans, review board minutes, meet with fellow board members, and engage with the management. Understand what you bring to the table and what you must learn. Accelerate your understanding of the company, the board, and the role you play. Contact the chairperson to discuss how your can contribute ahead of the meetings until you have gotten your arms around the company, its strategy, its business model and key people."
Q: Advice for Advancing in Your Career:
"Don't worry too much about your career; focus on doing your best where you are right now. Ask what you need to do to take the next step instead of waiting for it. Instead of faking it ‘til you make it, be honest about what you don’t yet understand and ask questions."
We express our deep gratitude to Gustaf Brandberg for sharing these invaluable insights, and we're thrilled to have Gullspång Invest as a vital part of our journey. Together, we are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the boardroom, fostering an environment where diverse voices can thrive.
