WHY DIVERSITY MATTERS IN THE WORKPLACE

Emma and Chris Watson discussed the role of leadership and allyship in promoting diversity and inclusion within organisations.

 

Among the high-profile speakers at TechLaw.Fest, Ms Emma Watson was a name that caught the attention of many. Best known as the actress who played Hermione in the Harry Potter movies, and more recently a UN Goodwill Ambassador, her appearance at the event was not what one might expect at a gathering of legal professionals.

Yet, her advocacy for gender equality made her a qualified addition to a session focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Emma joined her father, Mr Chris Watson, Chair of the Management Board of the CMS Technology, Media and Communications sector group, to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding DEI.

The conversation, moderated by Ms Glenda Chong, offered a mix of personal insights and professional reflections on how inclusivity can reshape industries, including the legal profession. Chris emphasised the role of leadership in promoting DEI, while Emma reflected on how her upbringing shaped her views on gender equality and empowerment. Together, they highlighted not only the challenges but also the practical steps organisations can take to ensure DEI becomes a core part of their operations.

 

Emma, best known for her role as a vocal advocate for gender equality, reflected on the decade-long journey of the HeForShe movement she launched in 2014, and spoke candidly about her evolving understanding of gender rights and the global movement.

“In my 30s I’m able to take a much broader view and have a much bigger picture of what progress looks like. I think that lens has also broadened in terms of my reach not being quite so Anglo-centric, looking at the international movement for women’s rights,” she explained.

Emma also stressed the importance of maintaining civility in discourse in the fight for greater diversity and inclusion, even when faced with views that she did not agree with. “The thing my father was really toughest on was manners to everyone. Absolutely everyone I came into contact with needed to be treated with the same care and respect,” she said.

She then elaborated on the practical aspects of her activism, particularly the importance of data collection to demonstrate how inclusion can positively impact organisations. The HeForShe initiative, for instance, now provides substantial data proving that DEI isn’t just morally right but also important for business success​.

 

Meanwhile, Chris, Partner & Global Chair, Telecommunications, Media & Communications at CMS, shared how allyship is essential for meaningful DEI progress in workplaces. “Allyship brings people to the centre and you are fighting a common cause. And it’s really important for allies to understand that actually just by being there you can make a difference. You must not discount the value of being engaged and part of the journey,” he said.

Chris, who is also chair of the International Bar Association’s Diversity Council, added that diversity should be embedded within organisations through visible leadership and mentoring. “It’s surprising how little it can take. It is enough to be slightly visible, and to affirm with a word here and a word there, and just support people’s independence and their ability to follow their own direction,” he said.

“The importance of people towards the top of an organisation doing this cannot be overstated,” he added.

The topics explored with the Watsons are highly relevant today as DEI has become increasingly important across industries, including the legal profession. These ideas will be further explored at an upcoming event that will focus on how an inclusive leadership approach can foster a more productive and sustainable work environment.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in 'Table Talk', an interactive game designed to provoke reflection on personal beliefs and attitudes toward DEI. They will explore how to become better, more inclusive leaders by acknowledging and celebrating diversity.

The conversation with Emma and Chris Watson at TechLaw.Fest showcased not only their personal and professional commitments to DEI, but also the broader need for inclusive, empathetic leadership in the workplace.

SAL members are invited to deliberate issues on diversity, equity and inclusion on 16 October through an upcoming interactive session.

Participants will get to play a collaborative storytelling game that encourages open conversations, challenges assumptions, and deepens understanding of diverse perspectives Register here to join us.