Marie France

Marie France (she/her), senior VP of Impellam global managed services and an industry veteran of 25 years, observed the inadequacies of DE&I work early in her career. For many corporations, there was an attitude that “checking a box” and achieving a certain amount of diversity spend was sufficient. For France, these things are a starting point rather than a finish line, but true DE&I work requires authenticity and a willingness to have tough conversations. As she reflects on her long list of accomplishments in this arena, France cites opening this dialogue — and giving clients and colleagues the courage and comfort to have these conversations — as her proudest achievement.

As one of Impellam’s senior leaders, France is a champion for diversity, bringing innovative solutions to customers to reach their DE&I goals and nurturing underrepresented suppliers through her instrumental role in the Influence Supplier Diversity Program. With initiatives like these, everyone wins.

“There are economic benefits to it. Once people understand that if you are aligned with your consumer base, with the people that you’re trying to attract, you’re going to produce better products. You’re going to be more creative than you are now,” France says.

Once people understand that if you are aligned with your consumer base, with the people that you’re trying to attract, you’re going to produce better products.

However, France notes that the “journey to good” is not always an easy path, and she advises fellow industry leaders to be willing to take a step back and listen to feedback as they introduce new solutions. Most importantly, France advises enterprises and staffing providers to recognize that real results come when objectives are clear and the cause is woven in the workplace culture. “This is something that talent is paying attention to,” France says. “Individuals want to be aligned with organizations that really have a robust strategy.”

One of the most powerful things individuals can do is have the courage to speak up. “I’m more or less willing to be open and honest about the struggles that I’ve personally witnessed,” says France. “I’ve been able to share my stories and say to customers: Chances are the same thing is happening within your work environment.” It is when we start having these conversations that we can start working toward change.