In traditionally ‘male-centric’ business sectors, the thought of women in leadership positions may be daunting for some, if not many, of the old guard.

However, this is not so for Marcus Steele, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Carreras Group and a former Business Suite Magazine CEO of the Year.

Steele is one of the presenters on a new panel incorporated into this year’s ‘Women in Energy’ conference, scheduled for March 9-10 at the Jamaica Pegasus.

The panel, convened under the theme ‘Men Supporting Diversity’, represents another bold step in the evolution of the event, according to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS).

While admitting that the prospect of women at the highest levels of corporate leadership is relatively new, the CEO states that he definitely supports strength through diversity, including gender balance.

“Women provide a balance to the strategic discussions because, in my experience, they immerse themselves into situations. Not only do they have a professional interest in the outcome but women tend to own the outcome.”

He also notes greater compassion and empathy in dealing with people and issues on the part of women, and there is also the age-old virtue of being “master multi-taskers and excellent collaborative leaders”.

In that regard, Steele adds, women definitely complement rather than compete or even conflict, mainly because they broaden the scope in problem-solving through different approaches.

“The value that this brings to the decision-making process is invaluable,” he says.

Steele is urging his fellow CEOs to not only take note of these attributes, but to materially support the progress of women in the halls of corporate Jamaica by promoting more of them into senior roles.

And he has no problem with quotas.

“I believe the only way we can overcome entrenched biases is by setting clear, numerical goals,” he shares. “Building a culture of inclusion is more important now than ever.”

Of course, all this may trigger the ‘marginalisation mindset’, in that, some of the more entrenched may sense danger and the risk of being ‘diversified out’ of the marketplace.

Steele is accommodating no such talk.

“We should set clear diversity goals and just do it. We should also publicly recognise women for their value and worth,” he says.

Turning to his own background, the Carreras CEO speaks of his first example of a worthy woman leader.

“I value my mother’s decision-making capabilities as the home provider and her ability to manage a meagre budget and prioritise resources, whilst inspiring her kids to do well. I respected her for being an effective leader. These are the same qualities required in leadership positions.”

With all that, he believes that the future is bright on the diversity issue in Jamaica.

“We still have a far way to go in getting women fully accepted at the highest decision-making levels (boardroom). However, with women leaders such as Kelly Tomblin from JPS, Jacqueline Sharpe from BNS (Bank of Nova Scotia), and Chorvelle Johnson from Proven Wealth, among others, blazing the corporate trail and delivering value to their stakeholders, the acceptance will become easier.”

Steele adds that conferences, such as ‘Women in Energy’, will certainly help men and aspiring women to take a pause and listen.

And, he has one important bit of advice, to women, and indeed to all: Be yourself.

“Women,” he says, “don’t have to behave or dress like men to be effective as leaders, the blend of authority and finesse is next to none.”