Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and remarkable achievements of women from every corner of the globe.

In honor of this special day, let's shine a spotlight on three exceptional women who are leading the way for diversity and inclusion in the business world. Meet Jette Ditlev, Mie Krog, and Mille Lindskrog Knudsen – these women are paving the path for a more diverse and dynamic business.

Mille Lindskrog Knudsen: Why Women Matter in Leadership and Boardrooms

Diversity isn't just a trend; it's a necessity for modern businesses. It's not a question of who is smarter - men or women - it's about bringing different perspectives and competencies together to make the best decisions for the company. This viewpoint is firmly upheld by Mille Lindskrog Knudsen, an experienced board leader.

Throughout her career, Mille has worked in leadership positions in large IT companies, where the majority of her colleagues were men. That was the norm back then, but today we know that diversity is a crucial factor. For Mille, it's about looking at diversity more broadly and having various perspectives represented in leadership and the boardroom.

"I believe in diversity because it's good to have different skills and viewpoints. It's not primarily about whether you are a man or a woman; the most important thing is a diverse composition and what you bring to the table," says Mille.

Mille emphasizes the importance of respecting owner-managers and their visions. She believes that diversity can help open doors to new opportunities and move the company beyond traditional circles. By creating a dynamic organization where different perspectives are valued and respected, better decisions can be made to drive the company forward.

Mille Lindskrog Knudsen's perspectives clearly illustrate why diversity in leadership and the boardroom is crucial for the success of companies. By embracing differences and fostering an inclusive culture, companies can achieve better results and be prepared to face future challenges.

Mie Krog: Promoting diversity on boards with SelectionF

Mie Krog is a passionate advocate for diversity in boardrooms and leadership positions. Along with SelectionF, she works to highlight the many competent female board members in Denmark and the Nordic region. SelectionF strives to bridge the gap between boards and female candidates, making it easier for companies to find women who are both capable and willing to serve on boards.

SelectionF is a platform for female board members, working alongside strong partners such as the Confederation of Danish Industry, EY, and Birn+Partners to promote diversity in boards and C-level positions. Primarily active in the Nordic region, SelectionF boasts over 500 strong female board members in its community.

Through the SelectionF initiative, Mie aims to enhance the quality of board candidates by diversifying the talent pool with female leaders. By promoting diversity, Mie seeks to bring new perspectives and profiles into boards, adding value to the company's decision-making processes.

For decades, principles of justice and equal representation were expected to drive changes in board composition. However, it became clear that this alone was not sufficient. Fortunately, both academic and economic research have provided ample evidence that women in boardrooms and leadership roles add significant value. Their unique leadership styles, skills, and ability to bring forward diverse perspectives have shown to contribute positively to board effectiveness. Promoting more women and strategically diverse competencies on boards is crucial as it leads to better problem-solving and improved outcomes.

Mie Krog states, "I believe that diversity is the key to better decision-making and increased success for companies. By bringing new perspectives and competencies into boards, we can create a more dynamic and effective leadership that is better equipped to tackle the challenges we face in today's complex business world."

In a business environment where diversity is still crucial to success, Mie Krog stands as a driving force, advocating for diversity and inclusivity. Her dedication to promoting diverse talent pools, in collaboration with Birn+Partners, paves the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future.

Jette Ditlev: Leadership, diversity, and the importance of inclusion

Jette Ditlev doesn't just stand as a candidate with extensive background in marketing and strategy, but as a visionary leader who has advocated for diversity and equality throughout her career. With over 25 years of experience in management, strategic development, internationalization, sales, and innovation, she has not only been a pioneering force in the business world but also a strong advocate for women's role in leadership.

With an impressive history spanning from large international corporations to SMEs and start-ups, Jette has been an active participant in driving change in the business world. Her efforts as an independent management consultant and speaker since 2005 have been driven by a passion to promote diversity at all levels of organizations.

Over the years, Jette has faced challenges due to her gender and has witnessed the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. Her own experiences have been a driving force behind her work to raise awareness about the need for equality and diversity. Jette states, "For me, it's not just about achieving equality for the sake of justice, but also about harnessing the full potential of the talent pool. I have argued that equality and diversity are crucial for the success of businesses and require action at all levels of the organization. I believe that companies embracing diversity are better equipped to address the challenges presented by the modern business world."

In a time where diversity remains a challenge, Jette Ditlev stands as an inspiring figure who continues to fight for equality and diversity in the business world. Her career and commitment are examples of how one person's efforts can make a difference and create positive change throughout the industry.

The three women together serve as a shining example of how fostering diversity and inclusivity can profoundly shape a more vibrant and successful business.

Written by Birn+Partners