Voice of Experience: Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Credit Suisse

By Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)

As Global head of Diversity and Inclusion at Credit Suisse, Michelle Gadsden-Williams says she is the person ultimately responsible for ensuring the Bank fulfills its commitment to building a culture of inclusion for high-performing, engaged, diverse employees. She explained, “Early in my career, I found the subject of diversity to be extremely powerful on a number of levels.”

She continued, “Diversity is strategically important for a number of reasons. It provides organizations with the opportunity to attract, develop, and retain the best talent, creates an inclusive culture for employees to thrive and, most importantly, addresses the needs and wants of a diverse customer base. There aren’t many positions that can have an impact across the critical areas of talent, culture, and customers.”

Gadsden-Williams spent more than 17 years working in the pharmaceutical industry and several years in the consumer goods industry before transitioning to her current role in financial services. She began her career working in product development and marketing then pursued a career in human resources a few years later. She transitioned to Merck & Co., assuming various positions of increased responsibility in human resources. She joined Novartis Pharmaceuticals in 2002 and became the Vice President and Global Chief Diversity Officer before joining Credit Suisse in January of 2011.

She recalled, “I spent a good portion of my career in the pharmaceutical industry and got to know the industry extremely well. I knew that if I wanted to continue to stretch, grow and develop as a Chief Diversity Officer, I would have to step outside of my comfort zone and purse the work that I love in another industry. “

“Credit Suisse is a company that I have always respected and one I was familiar with living and working in Switzerland. When the opportunity presented itself to join Credit Suisse, it was not a hard decision to make the transition,” she continued.

One of Gadsden-Williams’ proudest moments was receiving the 2010 Leadership in Diversity Award from the See Forever Foundation and Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools in the presence of two women that she idolized and held in high regard, Dr. Maya Angelou and Dr. Dorothy I. Height.

“I received the award in the presence of two of my heroines, the incomparable Dr. Maya Angelou and Dr. Dorothy Height. Unfortunately, Dr. Height, a highly regarded social activist, passed away two weeks after I received the award. Dr. Angelou is a national treasure in the United States and a global icon but a renowned and revered voice of our time. I have had the grand opportunity to meet her on several occasions through my work in diversity over the years. Every time I am in her presence, I am humbled by her wisdom, her strength, and her ability to make each individual that she encounters feels special,” she said.

Advice for Professional Women

Gadsden-Williams said gender balance in the senior ranks is a focus for companies across all industries, and financial services is no exception. “Like most industries, critical mass of diverse representation at the most senior levels has and continues to be a challenge.”

But, she said, companies can work to overcome it. “With a laser-sharp focus and accountability, this type of change will happen over time – but not overnight.”

Another challenge for professional women is achieving work-life balance, she said. “For many women, including myself, it is really difficult striking a balance – especially if you are in a global role.”

She advised young women, “Seek out mentors who are going to serve as your champions, advocates, and sponsors. These are the individuals that are going to help you navigate through the politics, career decisions and the tough times. These are the individuals that will place their reputation on the line to support your growth and development. They key is to not let them down! Performance matters, but so do relationships.”

“I would also advise young talent to take on global assignments when the opportunities present themselves. The experience will be invaluable,” she added.

In fact, she continued, starting a career with a broad base of knowledge can be helpful for advancement. “I wish that I had known the value of becoming a generalist versus a specialist. Becoming a generalist will afford you many more opportunities in your field of choice rather than being segmented or pigeon-holed in one area of specialty. Learn as much as you can in a number of areas within your industry.”

For senior women who have risen up through the ranks, Gadsden-Williams advised, “Make the most out of the opportunities that you are provided to display your talents – whether it be a stretch assignment, promotion or a lateral move. Stand firm, stand tall, and don’t ever compromise your integrity for anyone or anything.”

Constructive Disruption

Gadsden-Williams believes that diversity and inclusion is about driving meaningful change. “As my friend and mentor Ted Childs would often say, ‘what we are trying to create is constructive disruption.’”

She explained, “Working in diversity presents an opportunity to have a sustainable and meaningful impact within an organization using a variety of strategies and tactics. My approach as a diversity practitioner is to leave the organization in better condition than when I entered, if I am able to do this then I am doing my job.”

“The next step in the diversity and inclusion journey at Credit Suisse is to continue to create game-changing strategies and programs which will make a real difference to our employees,” Gadsden-Williams said.

Currently, she continued, she and her team are working on a number of initiatives. She said, “The one project that excites me the most is the global deployment of our signature sponsorship/mentorship program for high-potential women at the firm called the Mentoring Advisory Group [MAG].”

She explained, “It is a unique learning and development opportunity for our most talented women at the Vice President, Director and Managing Director levels at Credit Suisse. This program has three components to it. First, mentorship and sponsorship with a senior executive. Second, in-classroom sessions with world-class professors from top-tier academic institutions. And, third, a team project that is aimed at solving an organizational challenge. The program is receiving positive reviews from its participants as well as viewed as a best practice by external sources.”

In Her Personal Time

Gadsden-Williams said her family is extremely important to her. “I make it a point to spend as much time as possible with my husband and my family.”

She continued, “I also spend a good portion of my time giving back to the community. Each one of us has an indelible responsibility to give something back to society. I am a member several non-for-profit boards and I make it my mission to ensure that I am doing my part as a member of the Board.”

Finally, she added, “I also enjoy taking exotic vacations, sports, watching a great movie or reading a good book.”