Without diversity, innovation is lost, according to Camille Chang Gilmore, VP, human resources and global chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer, Boston Scientific.

WorkingNation sat down with Chang Gilmore at SHRM 2022 Annual Conference & Expo in New Orleans.

“For us at Boston Scientific, diversity, equity, and inclusion is about four things. Winning in the marketplace, leveraging all talent to yield the best performance, creating a high-performance culture for high-performance talent – but it’s also progress over time, not overnight. More importantly, it’s doing what you say we’re going to do, and guess what, we actually do it.”

Chang Gilmore also offers advice for employees trying to advance and she’s not just talking about those trying to get into the C-suite. “Listen, learn, and then lead. Listen with empathy as you work with your colleagues. Learn and glean whatever insights that you can to make the organization better. Then figure out what are the solutions that you can drive as a leader to lead the organization with your influence.”

“That’s applicable to not only people in the C-suite, but even people on the ground. I think it’s a recipe for just life in general.”

Chang Gilmore notes, “I don’t think having a degree is the end all, be all. When you have the passion, the tenacity to learn, but also have people who notice your skills and ability to learn and are willing to take chances on you – you can just reach your highest levels.”

Learn more about Boston Scientific.