A glimpse of the future from BNP Paribas Sercurities Services
When looking for new perspectives, particularly around innovation and improvement, we are often challenged to ‘think outside the box.’ I’ve often wondered where that box came from, who put it there and why? In short, it’s of our own making. The box is a weak shorthand for the ‘way things have always been done’ or, worse, ‘the way we think about things around here.’
What if there was no box? What if we approached our challenges with true diversity of thought, valuing different opinions and experiences equally, and learning from each other along the way?
This is a glimpse of the future that I see for our industry. Alongside other forms of diversity, there is a growing understanding of the benefits that neurodiversity can bring to an organisation.
Simon Olenka, Regional Head UK and Middle East, BNP Paribas Securities Services
That’s why I am so excited about the partnership between BNP Paribas, Investment20/20 and Ambitious About Autism. I am delighted that we have been able to offer a trainee position to a super-bright autistic candidate for whom the investment industry might have appeared a daunting prospect. However, the real value I have seen is the perspective that she has given when embarking on her journey with BNP Paribas. Things that we just never considered as anything other than normal: psychometric tests for candidates, unclear job descriptions which used jargon and ‘industry-speak’ and general ambiguity in our recruitment process. Things that were inside our ‘box.’ In just a matter of weeks, I’ve seen a positive change in our corporate culture, where our teams are more aware – and appreciative - of others’ perspectives. It’s making our organisation a better place to work. It’s early days, but I have nothing but optimism for the future.
My son is autistic, and we have lived the challenge of getting the right diagnosis and suitable support at school. All too often it can feel like he has been written off. I really hope our industry plays its part, working with schools and universities to give these talented individuals inspiration and future career prospects. In turn, as we have experienced already at BNP Paribas, we will develop richer and more diverse talent pools. Everybody wins.
I’d like to thank Investment20/20, Ambitious About Autism, my team – and our new intern – for bringing this programme to life. Like all the best ideas, it’s simple, but it works. It is thinking outside of the box at its best. I encourage anyone reading this to take the same step at their organisation.
To hear directly from those involved, watch this recording of July’s Investment20/20 Autism Awareness webinar.
Investment20/20 Autism Webinar
