Automotive News Canada - December 2023 - 22

22
22
SPECIAL
Farid
Ahmad
F
He might be right.
DSMA's
65
AGE: 60
TITLE: FOUNDER, CEO, DSMA
arid Ahmad, founder and CEO
of
automotive mergers and
acquisitions company DSMA,
is confident he has " the most
diverse ethnic team in any M&A
team globally. "
employees
across North America represent
21 ethnicities and seven
religions. Women comprise
half of the executive team
and their ages range from
21 to 67.
" You can talk about being
committed to DEI, but actions
speak louder than words, "
Ahmad told Automotive News
Canada. " So much can be
gained from diversity. "
DEI isn't just about feeling
good, Ahmad said. It adds to his bottom line
and it brings a diverse range of opinions to
problem solving. DSMA also appears more
approachable to those looking for a mergers
and acquisition specialist.
" It's paramount, because people like to do
business with people not only that they like,
but that they can identify with. We feel we
cover that extremely well. "
Ahmad takes a systematic approach to
DEI, instilling it as a core value at DSMA and
leading by example. He writes articles on
diversity, encourages discussion and engages
with employees at all levels to share perspectives
and build trust.
When hiring, Ahmad
said he has been able to
build a diverse team while
still ensuring " the best get
hired. "
DSMA regularly surveys
employees on job satisfaction
and sense of belonging,
which Ahmad said
provides valuable insight
into the experiences and
perceptions of employees
from such a diverse set of
backgrounds.
His background as
a Canadian of Pakistani
descent doesn't factor into his commitment
to DEI, at least not consciously.
" Maybe subconsciously. I'm very proud of
my heritage, but I'm also very proud someone
with my background has been able to
succeed so well, " he said. " It's very indicative
of the culture here in Canada. People
don't care what you look like, they care about
what you can deliver and the content of your
character. "
* DECEMBER 2023
FEATURE
Linda
Hasenfratz
L
AGE: 57
TITLE: CEO,
LINAMAR CORP.
inamar CEO Linda Hasenfratz
understands that diversity,
equity and inclusion drive
results.
As head of a global parts
supplier, she has prioritized
putting leaders in place that reflect the
diversity of the company's work force, and
in turn the demographics of the wider communities
where Linamar operates.
The approach gives the company, based
in Guelph, Ont., access to the widest possible
labour pool and diversity of thought,
while offering equal opportunity. Linamar
operates as a meritocracy in that it does not
set advancement quotas, but rewards staff
who excel regardless of their backgrounds.
At the same time, the company ensures
inclusivity is built into the employee experience
from day one, often through initiatives
spearheaded by its diversity council.
Implementation of unconscious bias training
for both management and entry-level
staff globally is one recent example.
Hasenfratz relies on the council as a key
sounding board for directing new DEI initiatives
and objectives, and for making adjustments
to programs.
The focus on DEI continues to drive
results. Women account for 19 per cent
of the company's work force, but 33 per
cent of those in leadership positions. Of
Linamar's top 200 leaders, about 20 per
cent are people of colour.
Hasenfratz is also a longtime advocate
for women in science, technology, engineering
and math (STEM). She is the founder
of See It Be It STEM, which promotes
STEM jobs to women through profiling role
models. Linamar is the lead sponsor of
See It Be It STEM and supports a long list
of other community programs aimed at
encouraging more young women to pursue
careers in STEM.
Among many other postings outside
Linamar, Hasenfratz has served on the
board of advisers for Catalyst Canada,
a global nonprofit that supports women
in workplaces, since 2003, and she was
the Canadian chair of the Canada-United
States Council for Advancement of Women
Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders.
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