Labs View: International Women’s Day 2024

How does Sutherland Labs promote diversity in the workplace?

We are a human-centric organization, and that is evident to the very core. That’s not just a term we throw around, or how we carry out our research, it’s also how the organization is run. As a woman, I feel heard and seen. This is a workspace where there are no dumb questions, just curiosity – and that’s an attitude that encourages people to take part and feel included. – Mel Wadey, Senior Design Researcher

Half of the Labs leadership team (and more than half of our staff) is women. We are included in every level of decision making, from establishing our core values, writing proposals for new client pursuits, hiring and staffing choices, strategic project direction, daily project work, and in project retrospectives.

What practices are effective in supporting women in Sutherland Labs?

The Labs are a very inclusive place. We practice what we preach! In our own internal workshops, there is no hierarchy, definitely no ‘boys club’, and the most quiet people on the team are given space and time to speak. – Mel Wadey, Senior Design Researcher

It’s embedded in our DNA. Owen Daly-Jones is a crucial ally in supporting and promoting women in our organization at every level. Many of our client stakeholders are women. Empathy, collaboration, and cooperation are central to the work we deliver, and everyone we hire at Sutherland Labs exemplifies these core attributes, regardless of gender.– Marise Phillips, Senior Director – Service Design

What advice would you have for women seeking to develop a career in our industry?

There are many opportunities out there to learn about what we do in the field of Design Research. I recommend that women seeking a career in this field read up on opportunities to develop the craft through hands-on practice via internships, conducting interviews with people you admire, producing short documentaries on topics that interest you, find nonprofits who serve causes that you care about, and offer to help them. Go to conferences, find local networking events. In my field of Service Design, there are two global organizations I recommend: the Service Design Network and the Global Service Jam. – Marise Phillips, Senior Director – Service Design

Women in tech are sometimes perceived as being qual-focused and grounded in the humanities as opposed to quant-focused men grounded in business. Whatever your skills set, consider how you might counter such stereotypes – by defending the validity of qual methods, showing off your quant expertise and demonstrating an understanding of triangulation. In other words, ensure you can bridge the (real or perceived) divide.

How can women support each other in the industry?

If you have expertise, share it through informational interviews, mentorship, internships, and connections to others in your network. Be open and candid with one another about the gains made and challenges that remain. Amplify each others’ voices. – Marise Phillips, Senior Director – Service Design

Don’t put up with crap! Stand up for other women. – Senior Research Director

It’s just like any other industry, if we see women at the top of companies, it will seem like a much more achievable goal. I also think it’s important for companies to promote and support working mothers. To create a flexible working environment for mothers, and to make them feel valued, even if they sometimes have a sick kid hanging off them during meetings. – Mel Wadey, Senior Design Researcher

One of the most impactful ways we can keep making strides is by fostering a culture of support and solidarity among women! By lifting each other up and celebrating our victories, we can inspire and motivate future generations of women in the industry. Be vocal in challenging stereotypes and bias. By addressing this we can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive industry for all women.

Which women role models would you celebrate in our industry?

Kerry Bodine, is someone I admire in the field of Service Design – she’s articulate, prolific, a good storyteller, excellent analysis AND consulting skills. Also Sam Ladner, Indi Young, and Brene Brown. – Marise Phillips, Senior Director – Service Design

I’d celebrate ALL of our inspirational women in Sutherland Labs! After 20 years I’m still humbled by learning from the most amazing and diverse minds – it’s a joy and an honor. – Gemma Wisdom, Senior Director – Marketing

I would celebrate my mother, Joelle Stemp, who has run her own independent UX design agency for over 25 years.

 

Thank you to all our amazing Labs women for sharing their views. Remember to sign up for our newsletter to keep in touch!