In the realm of diversity and inclusive leadership, Aaron Kroon stands out as a transformative figure in the Nordic business landscape. Aaron has dedicated over two decades to fostering diversity and driving change in executive leadership.
In 1998, Aaron Kroon identified a significant issue within Swedish business culture: diversity was often seen as a necessary problem rather than an asset. Recognising this flaw, Aaron committed himself to transforming boardrooms and executive leadership. He understood that with leadership power comes the responsibility to drive change, and he has tirelessly worked to highlight the advantages of diversity and inclusivity in business ever since.
Pioneering diversity in Nordic business
Recognising the potential in diversity, Aaron embarked on a mission to change this perception. His efforts have since reshaped boardrooms and executive teams, advocating for the inclusion of diverse perspectives as a catalyst for innovation and growth. Watch the full session from People Success & the Future of Work:
Transformative D&I initiatives in major companies
Aaron is renowned in the Nordics for his expertise in diversity, inclusion, and inclusive leadership. His career spans over 20 years in executive leadership roles, where he has orchestrated transformative initiatives in major companies such as ICA, Vattenfall, Blocket, and Schibsted. Aaron's ability to boost business performance through diversity is well-documented and celebrated across the industry.
Power comes with the responsibility to make a difference
At the core of Aaron’s philosophy is the belief that with power comes the responsibility to make a difference. He leverages his leadership positions to advocate for change, emphasising that diversity is not just a moral imperative but a business advantage. His leadership style is characterised by a commitment to fostering inclusive environments where diverse talents can thrive.
How to work with diversity & inclusion
Working with diversity and inclusion involves continuous education, fostering an inclusive culture, fair recruitment, leading by example, regular assessment, and external partnerships. This holistic approach ensures a dynamic and equitable workplace.
1. Educate yourself and your team
Understand the benefits of diversity and inclusion (D&I).
Attend workshops and training sessions on unconscious bias and cultural competence.
2. Foster an inclusive culture
Promote open communication and respect for diverse perspectives.
Implement policies that support inclusivity, such as flexible working arrangements and zero-tolerance for discrimination.
3. Recruit and retain diverse talent
Use unbiased recruitment practices to attract a diverse workforce.
Ensure career development opportunities are accessible to all employees.
4. Lead by example
Leaders should model inclusive behaviour.
Encourage diverse voices in decision-making processes.
5. Measure and Improve
Regularly assess the effectiveness of D&I initiatives.
Collect feedback and use it to make continuous improvements.
Discover how Eletive can help you measure D&I
6. Partner with external organisations
Collaborate with groups that support diversity to gain insights and resources.
D&I as a strategic advantage
Aaron Kroon’s journey from recognising the challenges of diversity in 1998 to becoming a leading advocate for inclusive leadership in the Nordics is both inspiring and instructive. His work demonstrates that embracing diversity is not only beneficial for social equity but also a strategic advantage for businesses. As companies worldwide continue to grapple with inclusion, Aaron’s pioneering efforts offer a valuable blueprint for driving meaningful change. For more insights into Aaron Kroon’s work and his contributions to diversity and inclusion, visit the official Black Batman website.
