How Diverse & Inclusive Workforce Creates Transformative Change & Innovation Across Sectors

Nausheen is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience across technology, pharmaceutical, and finance sectors, specializing in business transformation, process optimization, and talent development. As Head of People and Organization at a global tech company, she drives strategic HR initiatives and champions DEI efforts.

In an insightful interaction with Global Woman Leader Magazine, Nausheen shares her insights on how women empowerment is shaping strategic HR initiatives in traditionally male-dominated industries like automation machinery manufacturing, and the role of inclusive leadership in driving innovation and inclusion.

Nausheen makes a strong case for how meaningful change can be brought about more rapidly with more women in leadership positions and male allies actively advocating for gender equity. Citing several statistics, Nausheen explains how organizations that embed gender diversity into their resilience strategies see higher employee engagement, stronger crisis response, and improved financial performance.

To know more insights from Nausheen Ahmedjee, read the article below.

How do you see women empowerment shaping strategic HR initiatives in traditionally male-dominated industries like automation machinery manufacturing?

As we navigate the digital revolution, traditionally male-dominated industries are undergoing a profound transformation. This shift is creating new opportunities for women to enter and lead the market like never before.

The powerful combination of industrial automation and digital transformation is reshaping manufacturing. Companies are increasingly integrating AI, machine learning, and IoT to enhance efficiency, precision, and sustainability. As a result, low-skill manual jobs are declining, while demand for tech-driven, AI-powered roles is skyrocketing.

Women now have a unique opportunity to step in and lead this shift, particularly in roles requiring analytical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership. By upskilling in robotics, AI, IoT, and sustainability, they can bridge the talent gap and redefine the future of automation.

With the growing push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in STEM fields, companies are recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation.

This industry isn’t just evolving—it’s becoming more inclusive, dynamic, and innovative. By embracing upskilling, technology, and leadership, women can not only enter the field but also lead the next wave of industrial transformation. The future of automation is diverse, and women are at the forefront of shaping it.

In today’s global economy, how can leveraging cross-cultural experiences and inclusive leadership practices foster women’s empowerment, driving transformative change and innovation across sectors?

The post-pandemic shift to remote and hybrid work models has accelerated women's empowerment, driving transformative change and innovation across industries. By eliminating traditional barriers, companies are fostering greater inclusion, leadership opportunities, and flexibility for women.

Many organizations have adopted remote and hybrid setups, allowing women to pursue leadership roles without geographic or time constraints. This shift promotes career continuity, reducing gaps caused by caregiving responsibilities. A growing focus on results-driven performance rather than in-office visibility enables women to excel based on merit, fostering equal career advancement opportunities.

Sponsorship and mentorship programs, actively develop female leaders through targeted training, networking, and executive coaching. By prioritizing flexibility, upskilling, and inclusion, companies are ensuring that women don’t just enter these fields—they drive the next wave of transformation.

How do you integrate digital transformation with gender diversity to enhance workforce agility and challenge conventional practices in high-tech, automation-driven environments?

As market dynamics evolve, young professionals are entering the workforce with fresh ideas and digital fluency, valuing meritocracy over traditional biases. However, they often face resistance from legacy models and stakeholders who are accustomed to conventional business structures. Bridging this gap requires a strategic approach that blends technology, inclusion, and cultural shifts.

Organizations can leverage from embedding bias-free AI algorithms in hiring and performance assessments promoting equal opportunities. Digital upskilling programs in machine learning, IoT, and cybersecurity can equip women with the skills needed for leadership in automation-driven industries.

To shift industry norms, businesses must educate the value of diverse perspectives in technology-driven solutions, proving that inclusive teams drive better performance. Marketing strategies should showcase diverse leadership and innovation success stories to reshape perceptions. By integrating technology-driven change with inclusive workforce strategies, organizations can challenge conventional industry biases while ensuring resilience, competitiveness, and sustainable innovation in high-tech industries.

Given the current socio-economic climate, what innovative strategies can leaders employ to ensure that women’s voices are amplified in decision-making, shaping policies that promote genuine inclusion?

The corporate world has long been structured around the needs and preferences of men, often overlooking the unique requirements of women. A simple example is office temperature settings, which are typically based on male metabolism, subtly reinforcing a workplace environment designed without considering female comfort. Given this deep-rooted structure, it will take time for women to establish equal footing in leadership and decision-making.

However, meaningful change can happen more rapidly with more women in leadership positions and male allies actively advocating for gender equity. When women hold key decision-making roles, policies and workplace cultures naturally evolve to become more inclusive. Simultaneously, we need more male ambassadors who recognize and amplify female voices to play a crucial role in breaking systemic biases. By fostering a leadership culture that values diverse perspectives, organizations can accelerate gender parity, driving a more balanced and equitable corporate world.

How do you measure the impact of women empowerment initiatives on organizational resilience, employee engagement, and sustainable performance across varied cultural settings?

There is substantial data proving that women empowerment leads to increased business revenue, profitability, and an improved work culture. Organizations with higher gender diversity often see better financial performance, stronger decision-making, and enhanced innovation. However, while metrics like revenue growth and profitability can be easily measured, some aspects of inclusion are harder to quantify.

Simply increasing the number of women in the workforce does not guarantee true inclusion and women empowerment. It is essential to assess whether women are actively involved in decision-making or merely fulfilling diversity quotas. Indirect metrics such as retention rates, employee surveys, pay parity, and turnover rates provide valuable insights into engagement and workplace sustainability. By leveraging data-driven analytics and combining quantitative metrics and qualitative insights across diverse cultural settings, companies can ensure that women are not just present in the workforce but are thriving, contributing meaningfully, and driving long-term business success.

Organizations that embed gender diversity into their resilience strategies see higher employee engagement, stronger crisis response, and improved financial performance. Companies with 30% or more women in executive roles have been shown to outperform less diverse competitors in long-term sustainability.

Observing current trends, how can organizations create a feedback-rich culture that not only promotes gender parity but also leverages unique female perspectives to drive innovation and competitive advantage?

It is not enough to simply invite women to the table; their perspectives must be actively heard and valued. Organizations that recognize this understand that true inclusion is a top-down approach, requiring leaders to walk the talk and embed gender equity into workplace culture. Leadership commitment is crucial in ensuring that women are not just present but are influential in decision-making.

With women making up 50% of the world’s population and holding significant purchasing power, their insights are invaluable in product design, customer experience, and strategic planning. While the goal is a workforce where gender biases do not exist, highlighting these discussions remains essential until inclusivity becomes the norm. Businesses that genuinely integrate women's perspectives into their strategies not only foster a more balanced and ethical work environment but also unlock new market opportunities, innovation, and long-term growth