Chapter Three
Leading the Way: Talent, Diversity and Innovation
Leaders from ProcureAbility, Hilton, Valio Aimo and Ahlsell are just some of the female powerhouses who are re-shaping the industry. Hear from them and more.
How Women are Transforming Procurement Leadership
ProcureCon's lively panel on "Attracting Female Talent in Procurement" gathered industry leaders to explore strategies for building an inclusive and diverse workforce.
Moderated by Kristen Rellihan, Senior Director at ProcureAbility, the session featured insights from Anne-Sophie Jabouïna Duhard of Hilton, Claribelle Rohde of Banking Circle, Anne-Mari Paapio of Valio Aimo, and Karolina Hagberg Chinell of Ahlsell.
Rethinking Recruitment to Break Bias
Rohde noted that tackling gender bias starts at job descriptions. "Simple changes, like using gender-neutral language or expanding search parameters, can make a big difference in attracting female talent," she said. Additionally, flexibility is key, both in work arrangements and in career paths. Rohde shared how offering job-sharing or part-time roles can empower women.
Paapio underscored the importance of nurturing talent early: "Research shows the role of a first manager is crucial in shaping someone’s career," she said. A supportive leader who values people-oriented environments creates a culture that naturally attracts and retains more women.
Empowerment Through Networks and Flexibility
Jabouïna Duhard spoke passionately about the power of resource groups within organisations. "Hilton's women’s network is an incredible support system," she said.
"Knowing I can reach out to any woman in that group boosts my confidence and helps me navigate challenges."
Such networks provide a platform for women to share experiences, access mentors, and feel empowered in their roles.
The need for retention strategies goes beyond simply hiring more women. "People want to be seen, listened to, and made to feel like their opinions matter," Hagberg Chinell explained.
Retaining female talent requires an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, regardless of gender or age.
Rhode also touched on the importance of reintegration after career breaks. “Women are more likely to take time off, whether for maternity or other life phases,” she said.
Flexibility in return-to-work policies, offering part-time roles or allowing for adjusted capacity, can make all the difference in retaining talented women who may otherwise feel pressured to leave the workforce.
"Diverse teams achieve higher results. They’re more creative and push further than imagined."
Kristen Rellihan Senior Director ProcureAbility
A Call for Male Allies
Crucially, Hagberg Chinell highlighted that gender diversity initiatives need male champions. She shared a story about how a male leader in her organisation’s construction department—a traditionally male-dominated area—spearheaded a gender diversity initiative. "It cannot happen without men committed to it," she said, emphasising that true change requires ally ship across the board.
Redefining Flexibility in the Modern Workforce
The panellists agreed that today’s workforce needs more than just remote work options. Flexibility means allowing employees to structure their workdays in ways that accommodate their personal lives—whether that’s picking up children from school or simply managing energy levels. "It’s about influencing your everyday work life," Hagberg Chinell said.
Jabouïna Duhard shared her personal journey of navigating flexibility as a mother. After facing scepticism from recruiters, she added "Mum" to her LinkedIn title to show her identity as a parent did not diminish her professional capabilities. When she joined Hilton, she found the flexibility she needed to balance ambitions with her personal life.
Conclusion
As the panel wrapped up, Rellihan left the audience with a powerful message: "Our job is about bringing someone to the front of the class." With intentional efforts around recruitment, mentorship, flexibility, and male ally ship, the procurement industry can become a beacon of diversity, where women not only enter but thrive in leadership roles.
This session underscored that attracting and retaining female talent in procurement is not just about checking a box—it’s about building a more innovative, dynamic, and successful industry for the future.
