Driving innovation through diversity and belonging

At the heart of building a regenerative future is the belief that diversity and innovation are key to creating better outcomes for both businesses and customers.

In a recent episode of the Fleet News Group podcast, our very own Lauren Lister, VP of People, Performance, and Culture, shared powerful insights on how diversity, belonging, and leadership fuel innovation and sustainability.

Amanda RobertsDigital Marketing Communications

21 Oct 20241 min read

It’s an engaging discussion about how people, innovation, and leadership are driving us toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Lauren emphasises:

"If you want to become more innovative, you have to have a diversity of thinking. It's more than strategy that gets you into a new future, it's definitely the people component. "

Lauren ListerVice President, People Performance and Culture

The power of belonging

During the conversation, Lauren highlights Custom Fleet’s focus on belonging—an essential component of the traditional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEIB) framework.

She explains:

A lot of people refer to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Not too many people add the word belonging, but we've been really intentful in doing that because belonging is about the feeling you can create for your employees. When you feel like you belong, you're safe, and you can bring your whole self to work.

Lauren ListerVice President, People Performance and Culture

This sense of belonging isn't just a corporate buzzword. It’s a foundational element of a thriving workplace culture where creativity and innovation can flourish.

Leadership for the future

Lauren also discussed the importance of leadership in shaping an innovative and inclusive environment.

Today's leaders need to embody authenticity, empathy, and accountability – qualities that go beyond traditional management:

"Today we want leaders who exhibit authenticity, empathy, take accountability and think beyond themselves. We're focused on developing leaders of the future who can think and act strategically."

Lauren ListerVice President, People Performance and Culture

By prioritising these traits in our business leaders, companies are better positioned to not only navigate the complexities of today's world but also drive meaningful change and sustainability.

Listen to the full conversation

For a deeper dive, listen to the full conversation with Lauren and Marc Sibbald on the Fleet News Group podcast. Tune in to the podcast on Apple podcasts (23:49 mins).