In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jim Rottman, Global Head of Culture and Inclusion at Volvo.
Jim shares his insights on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) from a systemic and strategic perspective. Jim shares his innovative approaches to fostering inclusion, driving innovation, and redefining leadership in the modern workplace.
He reflects on his personal journey and how powerful women in his life motivated his commitment to inclusion. The discussion delves into practical advice for organisations to create inclusive environments, enhance innovation through diverse teams, and balance work-life dynamics. Jim also emphasises the importance of listening deeply and leading with generosity.
From micro-habits that create sustainable change to a revolutionary team-level diversity analysis, this episode is packed with practical insights for HR professionals and leaders alike.
Tune in for more actionable tips and inspiring stories aimed at helping ambitious women elevate their leadership journey and organisations foster cultures of belonging where everybody can thrive.
Key Topics Discussed:
(02:04): Jim's personal journey and what shaped his passion for inclusion
(09:11): The balance between "fitting in" and "standing out" in inclusive cultures
(14:23): Implementing micro-habits for sustainable organisational change
(21:45): The 4D analysis: A new approach to team-level diversity
(34:34): The power of deep, uninterrupted listening in leadership
(26:27): Embracing discomfort as a pathway to innovation
(32:15): Values-driven leadership and its importance in career development
(28:29): The future of DEI in corporate environments
Jim’s Biography:
Jim Rottman is currently serving as the Global Head of Culture and Inclusion at Volvo Cars in Sweden. With a career spanning over two decades, Jim has established himself as a visionary in designing and implementing people-first strategies that drive business success in the rapidly evolving global work landscape.
At Volvo Cars, Jim has significantly improved the company's diversity ranking, elevating it from 97th to 16th among 850 European companies in just two years.
His expertise lies in modernising talent acquisition, fostering inclusive leadership, and leveraging data-driven insights to enhance employee experiences and organisational performance.
Prior to his role at Volvo, Jim held key positions at Roche/Genentech and American Express, where he pioneered global diversity and inclusion strategies, led future of work initiatives, and advised C-suite executives on critical leadership capabilities. His innovative approaches have earned him recognition, including Roche's Innovation Award for advancing women in leadership and nominated for inspiring global inclusion leader.
Jim holds a Master's in Organisational Development and an Executive Master's in Software Design. His unique blend of HR expertise and technical knowledge allows him to navigate the intersection of people management and emerging technologies effectively.
Committed to creating cultures where innovation thrives and inclusion is paramount, Jim Rottman continues to be at the forefront of transforming how organisations approach talent management and employee engagement in our increasingly diverse and digital world.
Call to Action: Try Jim's listening challenge: In your next meeting, allow someone to speak without interruption until they're done. Share your experience with us on social media using #WomenLeadershipReframe
Connect with Jim Rottman here on Linked in or at jim.rottman@gmail.com
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