Greater diversity in key roles is a powerful engine for both human and financial performance. Syensqo proves this in a world where innovation drives a sustainable future. The international scientific company employs 13,000 people across mobility, electronics, health, and food. At Syensqo, diversity is far more than an aspiration; it is a strategic pillar woven into the company’s DNA.

Experience teaches us, and studies* confirm, that organizations with diverse management teams achieve higher levels of innovation. This is why diversity has become a competitive imperative for Syensqo. And to ensure that this diversity can be deployed to its full potential, the organization has strived to build an inclusive environment where all voices count.

To do this, Syensqo has implemented a series of initiatives:

• Training in inclusive management
• Mentoring
• Representation models
• New work organizations
• Systematic impact monitoring

That said, to break through glass ceilings, we must also address the obstacles inherent in women’s career paths. This is precisely where The A Effect’s Ambition Challenge comes in.

Cultivating Boldness and Risk-Taking

At Syensqo, risk-taking is recognized as a fundamental driver of innovation. Yet it often starts with the courage to voice a different idea, even when it may be unpopular or challenged by colleagues and managers. Through the Ambition Challenge, which focuses on building the ability to take strategic risks, Syensqo participants learned to speak up and to question leadership decisions constructively, behaviours that are essential to fostering a culture of innovation.

Not only do these women speak up more in decision-making forums, but they also acquire concrete tools to overcome professional obstacles and accelerate their career development. This gives them greater visibility, which promotes their internal advancement. Because when a woman dares to speak up with confidence, she can then be identified as a strategic contributor whose opinion matters – in other words, her impact is amplified.

“The more diverse our teams are, the more they foster rich debates, stimulate creativity, accelerate decision-making, and promote the emergence of new solutions, and therefore innovation. In this quest, the Ambition Challenge has proven to be a powerful catalyst,” explains Greg Renders.

Measurable Impacts Throughout the Organization

This snowball effect not only transforms individual trajectories but also impacts the culture of the entire organization. The data collected internally speaks for itself:

And this is just the beginning. Focusing on gender diversity has paved the way for broader diversity, which benefits all employees in the organization.

Choosing Gender Diversity for its Strategic Virtues

To better address socio-political issues, and despite the headwinds blowing against equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, Syensqo has maintained its investment in gender diversity programs, notably by focusing on The A Effect’s Ambition Challenge. This is a conscious and strategic choice, as Greg Renders explains: ”after analyzing our data, I am now convinced that investing in diversity should not be just an adjustment variable in uncertain times, but a long-term strategic development focus.” At Syensqo, the proof is clear: Investing in women’s ambitions pays off. Period.