My D&I Journey with:
Hermann Trepesch,
Global Director of DE&I,
Sanofi
My D&I Journey with:1. What was your journey into diversity and inclusion?
I was born in Zimbabwe to a German Dad and a Zimbabwean mother. I’m inherently diverse, I had to be. I joined the police and served in the UK for over 18 years. The Black Police Association provided a home and a safe space in a hostile work environment for officers of colour like me. We had many allies, but the system was rigged – its processes and systems were designed to favour one type of person – this is what institutional racism is.
Years later being the ‘conscience’ of the organisation was no longer enough and I took a role as a Diversity Consultant to contribute towards creating change from within. Equity for all people drives me, it is my passion and my mission.
2. How would you describe a typical day in your role?
I’m one of over 100 000 colleagues at Sanofi, a leading global health care company. My days have a core focus to create an equitable culture based on behaviours, symbols and equitable systems and processes.
Everyday is unique here; research and development one day, vaccines and Supplier Diversity in procurement the next… and in 65 countries! I am not a scientist, but I contribute towards our purpose to chase and discover the miracles of science to improve peoples lives. And that starts with our own people, the creative and innovative drivers of the science.
My role now is to partner with Global Business Units and the country teams to deliver and embed DE&I to all of our people, and to ensure that Sanofi leads in this space. We have a duty to be an equitable, socially responsible global presence and we take that responsibility very seriously.
3. What is the best part of your job?
I’m driven by my passion for people and justice. My job makes me happy because I can influence a company that is built on purpose.
Global health is the heartbeat that drives us forward as we discover the miracles of science, I’m so proud to play a part in that. We have a huge and important part to play in driving health equity and DEI at Sanofi is very much a part of that conversation. I am part of a unique opportunity to integrate DEI into every part of a globally important company – one that helps to cure and manage the most difficult health challenges anyone can have. This chance to drive equity into health makes me happy!
4. What advice would you give to someone looking to move into D&I?
Start with passion and then uncover the science that underpins DE&I. Network with tonnes of people and join ERGs. Have an opinion. Write about it. Take part. Use your voice and others will see and recognise your value. I treat my DEI function like I would any other part of the business – what is the data telling me and how can doing this make it better? If you do that and apply that type of thinking you will be a better DEI leader because it helps to drive commercial momentum, builds people up and demonstrates that having a human centric approach is what differentiates the best companies from the rest. And apply, apply, apply.
5. What are the main challenges faced by D&I professionals at the moment?
Putting politics aside, I think that a lack of understanding of DEI’s value at C suite level is the biggest issue; there is a lack of resource dedicated to DEI strategies generally and that is because the most senior decision makers haven’t yet understood that the science that unlocks potential and creativity is what DEI is all about – the best teams are those that are cohesive and happy! DEI is NOT about division – its about the exact opposite of that.
6. Name three skills that support you to succeed in D&I
1. Passion, tenacity and an ability to make real human connections make a huge difference to whether you can do this job well.
2. You have to know when to push and challenge, and when to console and guide.
3. Above all, you have to be a problem solver with a mind for strategic execution. If you don’t see the big picture at your company – go and learn what it is. When you know what that is you can take part in solving the issues that are keeping the CEO awake at night.
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The Foundations to Being an Effective D&I Leader
Online Training Workshops
600+ DE&I and HR professionals have now attended our ‘The Foundations to Being an Effective D&I Leader’ CPD Accredited online training series.
- Level 1 is for professionals looking to move into a D&I role, or those who have been in a D&I leader role for less than 12 months.
- Level 2 is for professionals who have been in a D&I role for between 1 to 3 years, and are looking to enhance their knowledge and skills.
- Level 3 is for professionals who have been in a D&I role for 3+ years, and are looking to enhance their capabilities and embed a whole organisation approach to D&I.
Each CPD Accredited level offers a unique opportunity to learn from three experienced D&I practitioners:
Gamiel Yafai; Fiona Daniel and Toby Mildon.
Tickets at each online workshop cost £499+VAT per person (£399+VAT for non-profit orgs). Spaces limited to 24 attendees to enable the day to be as interactive as possible. Workshops take place live on Zoom.