Interview: Robin Adams on the Women In Business Showcase
The Inaugural Women In Business Showcase kicks of tomorrow at the Landmark Hotel. An impressive line up of female business leaders from a wide range of fields are set to speak at the conference. The theme for this year's event is “Extraordinary Times Call for Extraordinary Women: Are Female Leaders Born, Made or Do They "Make" Themselves?” We caught up with one of the event organizers Robin Adams earlier this week and asked him a few questions about what participants can expect from the event.
For more information about the showcase visit the official site or take a look at the agenda here. To register, click here.
Women In Business Showcase
8.30am-5pm. Landmark Hotel (6509 7771 ext 6)
朝阳区东三环北路8号亮马河饭店
the Beijinger: What was the inspiration behind organizing the Women In Business conference?
Men have golf, cars and baijiu to come together over. Women have, well, not much at all. The idea behind the conference is to help women build and develop the networks that are crucial in getting things done, and staying motivated to achieve great things. “Old boys networks” have been around for centuries while women have been denied opportunities these networks provide. Building social capital is key to advancement in any organization, and this conference should encourage and help women begin and hasten the process of developing these relationships and networks.
the Beijinger: What makes this event different from a regular conference for business executives?
The issues that we discuss, and the way that we discuss the “typical” issues all take the perspective of women. Some of the issues are relevant to both sexes, but men would not acknowledge their importance – work life balance is the obvious case – men are equally as effected by this issue, but they would never admit it.
the Beijinger: This is the 1st Annual Women In Business Showcase, why is 2008 the time for this conference?
The better questions is: why wasn’t this conference begun 10 years ago? This idea of work-force diversity should be expanded into many categories. China is one of the most homogenous places on earth. (but it doesn’t have to be the case) Creativity has been de-institutionalized here in China. Diversity is one of the ways in which creativity is encouraged and new ideas are brought to light.
the Beijinger: How do men and women approach management differently?
Men are only now learning how important team building, collaboration and motivating staff are. Women have known this and operate with this in mind for ages. Women are natural team builders who have a full understanding that others’ ideas have merit. Men tend to surround themselves with others who blindly support their efforts. Men prefer “yes-men” rather than someone who will challenge them.
the Beijinger: How do opportunities for business women in China differ from those in other parts of the world?
I’ve heard that the 20 most profitable companies in China have women CEOs. If this is true, this paints an extremely positive picture for women. Culturally, women in China have far less restrictions as to what activities they can engage in than in most other countries.
the Beijinger: Which female business leader do you admire the most?
Dame Edna Everage.
