Kathy Doyle, the dynamic Chief People Officer at Symbio, joins us for an insightful discussion on her impressive journey across various industries, from education and aviation to banking. Her passion for humanizing technology shines through as she highlights the crucial role of emotional intelligence in harnessing the potential of individuals within organizations. Kathy also shares the fascinating story of Symbio's evolution as Australia's pioneering voice over internet protocol business, with strategic collaborations with giants like Microsoft and Zoom, and their recent acquisition by Aussie Broadband.
At the heart of Symbio's success is its robust company culture, nurtured under the guidance of its visionary founder and CEO. Kathy unveils the company's innovative approach of appointing cultural ambassadors, chosen by their peers, to uphold and spread core values, dramatically reducing employee turnover from 40% to just 6%. This cultural framework, combined with a seamless integration of global teams, has cultivated an environment that prioritizes customer experience and employee engagement, with strong managerial and peer relationships forming the bedrock of talent retention.
Diving into the realm of diversity and inclusion, Kathy addresses the significant challenges women face in leadership roles and the need for systemic changes to foster gender equality. She passionately discusses the 40-40-20 diversity model, stressing the importance of setting aspirational targets over rigid quotas. By sharing personal anecdotes and the impactful role of mentors, Kathy advocates for creating an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and encourages open dialogue. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone eager to understand how a thoughtfully crafted talent mix can propel organizational success.
Chapters
(00:00) - Creating Superpower Through Talent Mix
(09:16) - Building Company Culture and Employee Experience
(21:34) - Global Gender Equality and Inclusion
(35:29) - Debating Targets vs Quotas in Diversity
(42:22) - Empowering Women in Leadership Roles
(52:30) - The Power of Experience and Reflection
(59:57) - Choosing the Right Path
