DEI INNOVATION CHALLENGE

“A DIVERSE MIX OF VOICES LEADS TO BETTER DISCUSSIONS, DECISIONS, AND OUTCOMES FOR EVERYONE.” (SUNDAR PICHAI, CEO OF GOOGLE LLC). IN THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT, THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IS EVER INCREASING AND ASKING COMPANIES TO UNLOCK POTENTIAL AND EXPLORE NEW DIRECTIONS.

By Sophie Simov, Business Application │ Process Manager & Marius Dietrichson, CFO

In Q3 of 2022, the maritime industry bore witness to an important and innovative event – the DEI Innovation Challenge –which sought to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion on a global scale.

The challenge was launched by six industry leaders, including the Wilhelmsen Group, and was open to both individuals and teams for submitting ideas. The challenge was accepted by many, and the challenge received more than 80 unique ideas for consideration. The shortlisted concepts were then invited to participate in a 72-hour hackathon, culminating in a finals event in the style of a Dragon’s Den.

Amongst the many impressive participants were Marius Dietrichson and Sophie Simov, representing Wilhelmsen Ahrenkiel Ship Management, who joined forces with the Thome Group to present their visionary idea, “Colibri Maritime X”.

By utilising a matching algorithm, the platform would ensure that the most appropriate mindset was selected for the given project, thereby preventing unconscious bias based on factors such as age, gender, background, and experience. The team’s contribution led to them being selected as one of the two winning teams, granting them the opportunity to enter the proof-of-concept stage. Here, with industry feedback in hand and the goal of refining their service offering in mind, the team engaged in open and honest discussions with HR professionals. The result was a highly refined pitch deck, a sharper value proposition canvas, and several iterations with relevant user groups that drew highly positive feedback and generated widespread curiosity.

Too far? No, but the team would have needed considerably more time to dive deep into the concept and complete the next steps. This is not possible to deliver at this stage this time while ensuring successful daily business as a priority. Following the learn fast, fail fast approach, the team stopped the project. Who knows, maybe another day we will devise new angles and continue the endeavour.