Global leadership in the linked world of today calls for a thorough awareness of many points of view, cultures, and experiences. Organizations cannot flourish in this landscape without a culture of belonging. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are not only catch-alls; rather, they are basic elements of a good worldwide leadership approach. Built based on psychological safety—where everyone feels valued, respected, and free to bring their real selves to work—a culture of belonging is Global leaders have to create an environment in which everyone has equal chances to develop and help and where several perspectives are heard.
Instead of being a one-time effort, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) require continuous commitment, understanding, and introspection. Global leaders should recognize and challenge their preconceived notions and biases. They should actively listen to and learn from different perspectives, and promote inclusive policies and practices. They need to build culturally competent teams and appreciate and acknowledge diversity.
Establishing a culture of belonging helps organizations to attract and retain top personnel from a range of backgrounds, improve decision-making and problem-solving skills, encourage innovation and creativity, strengthen relationships with worldwide customers and partners, and build a positive reputation and brand.
DEI has to be given top priority by global leaders if they are to remain competitive, increase company performance, and benefit society. Leaders who embrace diversity, advance equity, and support inclusion will help everyone to flourish by building a culture of belonging.
Michael James Zacka: Creating a Culture of Belonging in Global Leadership
Michael James Zacka, born on April 24, 1967, in Goondiwindi, Australia, is a prominent global business leader and entrepreneur. His long career includes working in many different areas of the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, such as healthcare, specialty chemicals, B2C and B2B packing, and more. Zacka’s leadership jobs at big companies like Tetra Pak and Amcor PLC have had a big effect on the field. He is currently President of Amcor Europe, Middle East & Africa, where he is in charge of a multibillion-dollar portfolio. He is also a corporate officer at Amcor PLC, the biggest packaging company in the world and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Zacka is also on the board of directors of Nouryon, which is a world leader in specialty chemicals.
Creating an Environment of Inclusion and Connection
One aspect that distinguishes Zacka as a leader is his talent for creating a sense of belonging among his teams. His vision is to create an inclusive and supportive workplace environment, where individuals from diverse backgrounds are respected and their perspectives are appreciated. He aims to foster a sense of belonging and unity among all employees, aligning them with the company’s objectives. Zacka’s global travels have provided him with valuable insights into the significance of businesses embracing and incorporating diverse cultures. He has cultivated teams that excel in their roles and demonstrate unwavering dedication to the company’s values and objectives. By prioritizing open communication, continuous learning, and employee engagement, he fosters a work environment that is both productive and fulfilling.
How Zacka’s business ventures have shaped his way of leading people around the world
There is a great mix of corporate leadership and entrepreneurial projects in Michael James Zacka’s long and successful career as a global business leader. His work as an entrepreneur has had a big impact on his global leadership style. It has changed the way he thinks about strategy, handles risks, comes up with new ideas, and makes organizations feel like they belong.
Establishing Skan Radiology
One of Zacka’s notable entrepreneurial achievements is the establishment of Skan Radiology in Chicago, USA, in 2012. This venture into the healthcare sector required Zacka to leverage his strategic planning and operational management skills. Skan Radiology’s focus on providing advanced diagnostic services highlighted Zacka’s ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities, driving innovation to meet emerging healthcare needs.
Impact on Global Leadership
Zacka’s entrepreneurial ventures have had a profound impact on his approach to global leadership in multiple crucial ways:
- Forward-Thinking and Innovative: Zacka’s entrepreneurial background has shaped his strategic vision, which is characterized by a forward-thinking and innovative approach. His keen sense of market dynamics and agility in navigating evolving landscapes have proven invaluable in his executive positions at Tetra Pak and Amcor. With a keen eye for opportunity, he can foster innovation within large organizations, helping them stay ahead in the global market.
- Risk management: Entrepreneurship is fundamentally about accepting risks. Zacka has developed a profound comprehension of risk management as a result of his extensive experience in the investment industry, which has enabled him to strike a delicate balance between meticulous planning and daring decision-making. This ability is essential for a leader who is responsible for the oversight of multi-billion-dollar portfolios and the creation of high-stakes decisions that significantly affect global operations.
- Customer Prioritization: In each of Zacka’s entrepreneurial pursuits, a significant emphasis was placed on understanding and satisfying the requirements of the customers. This method is a fundamental component of his leadership style and prioritizes the needs of consumers. It guarantees that business strategies are in alignment with market demands, which leads to increased consumer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: Zacka’s extensive global entrepreneurial experiences have provided him with valuable insights into diverse cultural environments, enabling him to cultivate a strong sense of cultural sensitivity. This comprehension is essential in his leadership roles, where he fosters a sense of unity among employees and cultivates an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives. His proficiency in comprehending and adapting to a variety of cultural contexts facilitates the seamless exchange of information and collaboration among teams across the globe.
- Flexibility and agility: The capacity to promptly adjust and adapt to constantly evolving circumstances is a prerequisite for entrepreneurship. Zacka’s proficiency in this domain has been enhanced by his experience in guiding organizations through periods of uncertainty and change. He demonstrates a talent for remaining ahead of the game by adeptly navigating through challenges and seizing emerging opportunities.
- Empowerment and Team Building: Zacka has acquired valuable insights from leading entrepreneurial ventures, underscoring the importance of fostering strong, cohesive units and empowering teams. He approaches his corporate leadership roles with a perspective that promotes empowerment, thereby creating an environment in which employees are encouraged to take initiative, collaborate, and innovate.
