Catalyst

Not all the 2,000-plus delegates at the 41st annual EPCA meeting in Berlin attended the morning business sessions at the Intercontinental Hotel, but those that did heard some inspiring thoughts on using Diversity for Innovation from Prof Gary Hamel of the London Business School and Fellow of the World Economic Forum. He says successful companies of the future need to shed national identities, embrace the creative juices of diversity, and rip up the disciplined models of Western corporate business (see thoughts from CW president, John Pearson, below).
The challenge will be difficult for the still overwhelmingly white, male, middle-aged, dark-suited, petrochemicals community. But Dr . Rob Routs, executive director of Shell Downstream at Royal Dutch Shell, gave a robust presentation of some of the tolerances and liberal attitudes in Shell – including gay executives running businesses. Shell has been notable in the industry for its scattering of female and Asian executives in top positions, and Routs says he has a particular focus on replacing expats with local management. Should we pinch ourselves, or is an appetite for sexual and cultural liberation really forming in the petrochemical industry?

-Lyn