Vingruppen Sustainability Report 2019 utskrift - Flipbook - Sida 34
Interview with our female CEOs
Equal
growth
Här ligger
en rubrik
Vingruppen has succeeded like few other companies
in putting gender equality at heart of everything we do
I was offered
my first managing position.
A generation
shift with a
male manager
who believed
in me, despite
the fact that I
was a woman.
T
he Wineagency´s CEO Ann Burgaz and
Vinunic´s CEO Linn Ljungkvist caught
up with Vingruppens Sustainability Manager Kim Forsberg to discuss their view of female
leadership development and the value it adds to a
company.
Kim: The gender equality debate has been a hot
topic for over a decade, despite this only 24 percent
of board members at Swedish wine importers are
women. What are your views on the development
in the wine industry - looking at your own careers?
Ann: I would say a lot has happened. I began my
career in a very male-dominated industry. I was
elected into The Swedish Sommelier Association in
the 80s, the first woman in the Association. But it
came with a compromise - being the cashier. Today,
a woman holds the position as President of the
Association.
The milestone came when I was offered my first
managing position. A generation shift with a male
manager who believed in me, despite the fact that
I was a woman. I was in the right place at the right
time, and became the first woman to hold a managing position in the company´s history. It was one
of the largest wine importers in Sweden at the time,
and I hope it paved the way for other women in the
industry.
Linn: I came into the industry when the tide had
started to turn, and I have always had female managers who believed in me and supported me. I believe
good leadership comes with experience. Ann, was
my manager early in my career and has been a role
model for me and many others.
In the wine business the generation shift also opened up for female winemakers to take over family
businesses, which had previously been handed over
to the sons of the family. Today we work with many
talented female winemakers.
What was the Turning Point?
Ann: I would say the big change came when
Systembolaget appointed their first female general
director in 1999. Anitra Steen valued talented leaders
and supported women who she believed in. She
became a symbol for equal opportunities. I believe
it trickled down and became part of the culture; the
ball was in motion and then things started happening by themselves
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sustainability report 2018
2019
Linn: I agree, but women are still underrepresented in the industry´s leadership positions. That´s
why equal growth is one of Vingruppens priorities. To recognise female leaders — and to put the
spotlight on their accomplishments, their journeys,
and their perspectives. As an example we sponsor
the STELLA gala every year – a forum for women
accomplishments in the industry.
Profit and Gender Equality
Kim: Research shows that gender equality has
a direct positive impact on the bottom line and
contributes to a more attractive workplace. How
do you think gender equality affects a workplace?
Ann: We work in a business where we need to
deliver and generate profit. From my experience, I
am convinced that equality promotes profitability.
Diversity gives us broader perspectives and creates a
better understanding for the market. An open and
inclusive workplace make people more comfortable
with sharing their ideas. Having a purpose make
people work harder.
Linn: There are many ways to drive a successful
business. I believe in equal growth. Diversity is
strength, the broader perspectives makes the business more intelligent. Women are extremely talented
and bring skills and experiences that are unique and
valuable. Not having female leaders limits the talent
pool.
Ann: Well, just look at Systembolaget. In 1999 we
started to see a larger focus on the target groups. The
assortment bloomed out in the direction of where it
is today. Diversity provides necessary perspectives to
an organisation´s ability to grow.
What is the biggest trap for women in the industry?
Ann and Linn: Worklife balance - fitting in both
career and kids.
Ann: Life comes with sacrifice. I have seen women
who may think they´re in an equal relationship.
Then the kids come - so does the responsibility, and
sacrifices. Women still take a greater share of the
childcare responsibility.
Linn: I´ve been lucky to have great support from
my husband. But it hasn’t always been easy to jiggle
with a double career, being successful as a professional and at the same time being a great mother.
Linn: The gender pay gap. Women are still payed
less in many organisations.
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