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Wunderman Thompson are the inspiration experts. Because of this, we know that inspiration doesn’t come from any one place, but rather it should be drawn upon from a diverse and inclusive culture. 

This allows us to see things differently, to reject conventional thinking and to push the boundaries of creative bravery. The emergence of hybrid working environments has meant that finding opportunities for meaningful connections and a sense of belonging are more important to protect and nurture than ever before. 

In this new environment, it’s imperative for businesses to actively build a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued, and heard. Our Business Employee Resource Groups are just one way we bring people together and provide a positive forum for development, education and idea exchange around a common interest. 

We now have 20 of these groups across the Wunderman Thompson network devoted to topics such as AAPI, Sustainability, Marginalized Ethnicities, Disability, Women and more. They’re a key component of what makes Wunderman Thompson inspiration experts, and ensure that their core values are reflected in every aspect of the company. 

In 2022 the company added Business to the existing ERG program, which creates more opportunities for the diverse voices of employees to directly impact their work. This is just one way we’re putting inclusive experiences at the heart of our business to help drive growth for our clients, and something we’re passionate about sharing to inspire the wider industry. By incorporating these groups, we take ownership and responsibility for creating culturally competent work that drives conversation to enrich our culture and wider society.

Here are thoughts from their members on what inspired their creation, and how they use them to inspire change from their corner of the world.

Name: Raji Ramaswamy

Title: CEO, Contract Advertising & CGO, Wunderman Thompson, South Asia

Headshot: 

City: Mumbai 

Business + Employee Resource Group / Affinity: Lady Birds (Women B-ERG)

Q> Please include a short intro to introduce yourself, where you work, which department etc.

Raji> My name is Raji Ramaswamy and I am the CEO of Contract Advertising, a part of Wunderman Thompson which specialises in Creative Communication, Design, Digital and Consulting work. I am also the chief growth officer of Wunderman Thompson in South Asia. 

Alongside my day job, I am deeply passionate about strengthening and promoting Inclusion, Equity and Diversity at Wunderman Thompson. One of the ways I do this is by playing an active role in the Business Employee Resource Group (B+ERG) made up of diverse employees from all APAC markets. I am very proud to also be the Executive Sponsor of Ladybirds, which is our women’s network and a B+ERG for women and allies across the Wunderman Thompson APAC region, aiming to strengthen representation and gender parity across the network. As well as people, I also care very much about our planet, and so I am also an active member of The Green People, which is a group focused on sustainability for Wunderman Thompson in APAC. 

Q> What made you crave more cultural inspiration at work?

Raji> I have always tried to play my part in creating a fairer and more equal world, and at Wunderman Thompson I have found an employer who also deeply cares about these things. At Wunderman Thompson, we believe in providing equal opportunities to everyone based on their potential, and enabling and empowering them to reach their goals through allyship and mentoring. Being a strong ally and mentor to women and helping them thrive in their careers is a key priority for me, also enabling me to share some of the experience and lessons I’ve learned through my years in the business. I believe women across all age groups have a key role to play in Wunderman Thompson’s growth story, and this is what inspired me to take on the role of Executive Sponsor for Ladybirds. 

Q> What is the purpose of your group? What is the change you are trying to achieve? 

Raji> The purpose of Ladybirds is to break stereotypes and create a balanced, gender-agnostic work environment where we recognize, reward, and celebrate talent and performance. We believe in creating an inclusive environment that enables women to thrive, and express their opinions and views freely. 

Externally, we know that clients today are looking for diverse teams to come up with the right solutions to their challenges. Ensuring that our teams are made up of diverse people from different cultures and backgrounds helps our work stay fresh with fertile ideas. 

Q> Why is your group important to the culture of Wunderman Thompson / the wider industry? 

Raji> The culture in any organization should not be about fitting in, but about everyone contributing their originality and views to enrich the culture and make it more imaginative. Acceptance, respect, individuality, and empowerment help build a gender-agnostic and gender-fluid environment that will create equal opportunity for everyone, as well as creating a perfect setting for inspiration to strike and creativity to flourish. When we embrace and encourage thinking differently, that’s when magic happens. This also goes a long way towards building an open, inclusive and successful office, organization and industry as a whole – a place where people love to come to work.

Q> How has your group inspired change, both within Wunderman Thompson and the wider industry? 

Raji> Our gender ratio has been improving consistently across years, which is a sign that we are being the change we wish to see in the world. Specifically in leadership roles, we have 45% women representation across Wunderman Thompson APAC. We believe taking everyone’s opinion onboard matters, so recently we did a session with some of the Gen Z women across our network, discussing topics such as what inspires them, what they want to see more of at work and what their career aspirations are. This impact has been recognized externally too. In India, for instance, we were recognized and awarded by The Economic Times as one of the Best Organizations for Women 2023. This kind of accolade shows that, together, we really can make a difference. 

Q> Why is community important to you and what makes a good workplace community?

Raji> I have experienced first-hand that communities can achieve larger goals much faster than any individual can, and a great workplace community fosters a sense of belonging and creates bonds that go beyond work. Being a part of such groups can have a lasting impact on individuals and the organizations that they work for, allowing both to achieve their goals.

Q> How does your group inspire you/others? 

Raji> Our group’s goal is to empower women in the organization to elevate their own achievements and contribute to the success of the organization. As a senior female professional, the best way to inspire other women is to share our journey and our experience in overcoming any barriers and developing the attitude that nothing is impossible to achieve. All that is needed is focus and determination.

Q> What is your advice for other agencies who are looking to foster a sense of community among employees, and expand the work they are doing internally to effect change for their clients/the industry?

Raji> I think the industry should strive to hire promote more women for leadership roles, provide equal opportunities and equal pay, and ensure a pathway for their success within their organizations. Gen Z women will not join a workplace unless they can see female role models, to make them believe that it’s the right environment for their own career path.