By Amy Joyce Rush
[Dalton] Women’s Innovation Network (WiN) is a young but mighty organization within Shaw that empowers women to take on leadership roles and to embrace their great potential within the workplace. Started just a year ago, WiN has become an important part of Shaw’s strength and future growth.
WiN is a full-bodied effort that provides access to educational resources and training focused on career development and leadership competencies, mentorship, volunteerism, networking and more.
“The launch of WiN is an exciting milestone in Shaw’s history. It’s an opportunity for us to recognize, celebrate and value the significant role of women in our economy, our business and our company. Stating our intentions to recognize and fully utilize the talents and leadership of women in our organization in order to make our entire company even stronger has been very energizing and driven greater associate engagement,” explained Vance Bell, Shaw’s CEO.
In 2013, Shaw leaders began a conversation about how a greater focus on inclusion was needed to support Shaw’s talent strategy. Susan Farris, director of corporate communications, was one of a group of women that attended a women-in-leadership conference.
“I wondered if it would be a good use of my time. I worked with mostly men, so why would I attend a conference focused on women? I questioned if it was really necessary considering my own career success,” said Farris, adding that her view quickly changed. “The energy and insights of the other women from Shaw inspired me to passionately engage in this effort within the organization. I remain focused and driven to do everything possible to drive this initiative forward throughout the organization,” she added.
The idea came to fruition when Bell not only embraced the concept, but became its executive sponsor. Membership has already grown to more than 1,300 associates, some of which are men — and provides a forum for women and men to work together in decision-making roles and to leverage their diverse perspectives and experience.
“One of our biggest ‘ah-ha’ moments was the need to engage men in the organization and educate them on the purpose and need for WiN, as well as the need for their involvement. Today, WiN membership is more than 30 percent male and we expect male involvement will continue to grow,” said Farris.
She also said that the outward support of the development of women in leadership roles is quite meaningful both personally and professionally. “It exhibits the company’s ability to respond to the changing needs of the workforce and the changing needs of our business. In order to succeed in the future, we need to have the best talent pool to choose from, and the efforts of WiN are important to making sure that happens.”
More than just a boost for women, WiN addresses some of the toughest gender issues including psychological differences between women and men in the workplace.
“WiN creates a platform for getting these tough issues on the table and opening them up for discussion. It encourages candid dialogue. The network is very empowering to women, which can help overcome the lack of confidence some research suggests. We believe this culture of candor will benefit the organization in many ways,” explained Farris.
WiN fits snuggly within Shaw values and goals, said Bell. “The passion of Shaw associates to embrace programs and efforts that will make our company stronger is what makes our business so successful. Great people, great products and great service results from ensuring that we have the best talent pool to choose from, making sure that men and women have the opportunity to work together in crucial roles for better decision-making.”
With WiN, Bell knows Shaw is on the right path. “The winners today and tomorrow will be companies that best harness the innovation and creativity of their total pool of talent. WiN is helping us achieve this.”
Fruits of the effort
Three Shaw women — Reesie Duncan, Kellie Ballew and Deanna Mathis — were recently recognized with the Women in Manufacturing STEP Award., just one example of the strength women bring to the organization. The STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Award honors women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represents all levels of the manufacturing industry.
“The STEP Award validates that our leaders are making an impact, not just within the carpet industry, but within industry at large. The women receiving these awards are well-deserving of the recognition and represent the opportunities that Shaw offers all associates to pursue their passions through careers across a wide range of disciplines,” said Bell.
Women in action
Susan Farris, director of corporate communications
Farris is no stranger to success. She has been with Shaw for 23 years holding a number of different roles including distribution, IS, finance and marketing. She is, in fact, a strong role model to others in the Shaw organization.
As director of corporate communications, Farris reports directly to Vance Bell, CEO. But while her direct team is the smallest it has been in a decade, WiN gives her the unique opportunity to leverage her strengths and have a greater impact on every woman, and man, in the organization.
“With every opportunity, I was given a chance to learn and empowered to innovate, always leaving things a little better than I found them. Each role and experience built upon one another to prepare me for the next role. I can cite many mentors and sponsors that helped guide me and open doors for me. This gave me the opportunity to share my strengths and do my best work,” she said.
“Many leaders at Shaw realized that there was opportunity to better address the unique needs to advance females in organization, beginning with Vance Bell our executive sponsor,” explained Farris. “I am uniquely positioned in the organization to lead and deliver on this vision. There is a wholehearted belief at Shaw that our associates are our greatest asset and WiN further supports this notion.”
Reesie Duncan, creative director
Duncan’s creative direction, technical skill and business savvy has led the Shaw Contract Group to 13 consecutive years of Best of NeoCon Awards. She accepted the STEP award in Washington D.C. in March.
“It's very exciting to see how much focus is being placed on women in science, technology, engineering and math, not just at Shaw but in society more generally,” said Duncan. “WiN is promoting the message that career choices aren't gender-specific and that everyone should follow their passions, whatever they may be. My success with Shaw Contract Group is a result of driving innovation by looking at things differently. I think WiN is carrying this message into the organization. Shaw has always focused on developing both men and women leaders but we are having new conversations on how needs may be different — just having these discussions generates new and diverse ideas that will help us all.”
Deanna Mathis, manager, supply chain business solutions.
Mathis is one of the three women from Shaw that received the Women in Manufacturing STEP Ahead Award this year.
“I believe this award is a testament to the training and development resources Shaw provides to all associates,” said Mathis.
Being part of WiN, she said, helped her to connect with other strong female leaders at Shaw. “These women have become mentors and role models for me and have been invaluable as I work on career planning and personal development.”
Mathis said it has been empowering to have Shaw support the WiN initiative. “Shaw does not shy away from the conversation about unconscious gender bias, and instead works to create a transparent and inclusive culture that recognizes the contributions of all associates. Through WiN, we are fostering discussion and providing valuable training that is beneficial for both men and women."
Kellie Ballew, product sustainability manager
Kellie Ballew has been in the carpet industry for 19 years and is part of Shaw’s corporate sustainability team. She also received the STEP award honor.
“I am proud to work for a company that recognizes and values their female talent in a way that is a leader for not just our industry, but for US manufacturing. I am also very encouraged that there are leadership progression opportunities for women based on their capability and contribution, not exclusively because of their gender,” she said.