Diversity creates better business outputs

Natalia Cano is out to debunk the misconception that diversity causes problems when different opinions are brought to the table.

“Having a diverse pool of opinions and perspectives can only lead to better business outputs,” says Natalia, Google Asia Pacific’s Head of Brand and Reputation.

To develop products for everyone, it is important to have a workforce that’s representative of the world. With women comprising half of the world’s population, females make up a very large and powerful customer base.

“If you’re not solving for that, by having strong female teams who can speak to that base, then you’re missing out on half of the world’s customers,” says Natalia. “So it is important for their needs and interests to be taken into account when we do product strategy, campaigns and marketing outreach.”

Besides sharing a different perspective that can help the company develop products for the female demographic, there is also a strong set of unique skills that female workers can offer at work, she adds. “Women are known for having good soft skills such as networking, communication and attention to detail.”

This is why Google is committed to making their company more diverse, inclusive, and equitable. “It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s good for business and the products we build too,” Natalia explains.

Google has programmes to support women across the globe like Women Will, a Global Grow with Google initiative to help women around the world become digitally literate. Through online and in-person trainings adapted for each country, they help women use technology to build professional skills, grow their businesses, foster community and make valuable business connections.

Google’s offices also offer flexible working arrangements, which have helped working mothers like Natalia straddle their responsibilities in the office and at home.

Natalia’s work meetings are usually held through Google Hangouts Meet, a video communications software. This allows her to attend meetings from her living room, making it more convenient for her to tend to both the needs of her team and her family.

“This is something I value a lot especially since I have two young daughters,” Natalia notes, impressed by how flexible work arrangements are understood and accepted in Singapore, since her move here from London earlier last year.“

In most companies, they have a policy whereby you can work from home and flexibly – anywhere where there’s internet,” she quips.

For her, this is in line with Singapore’s goal of becoming a “Smart Nation”, and adopting technology in every aspect of life, whether in the personal or professional sphere.

She cites how tech learning is introduced to Singaporeans at a young age while they are still in school. This, she feels, is a step in the right direction, as it will provide younger generations with a key foundation in skills related to artificial intelligence, coding and machine learning.

“This is great. This is good for Singapore, this is also great for the future generations.”