DEI Voices: James Cooper-Jones - CEO of Simply Group

James Cooper-Jones is the CEO of Simply Group: an award-winning portfolio of HR technologies. Simply Group streamlines recruitment, improves employee engagement and increases diversity. James applies his business experience and global perspective to the development of Simply Group, and its portfolio of brands servicing Australia & Singapore (APAC), UK & EU and North & Latin America.

We asked James five(5) questions about his DEI journey.

Q1. How have you incorporated the viewpoints and perspectives of underrepresented groups into your curriculum? Please provide a specific example.

We are a Japanese/Australian family and my wife and I set a rule for ourselves early in our relationship to not jump to conclusions or assumptions when we had a difference of viewpoints, as these differences were often driven by our diverse backgrounds and upbringing.

We learned that instead when we asked and listened to the explanation of the difference in viewpoint, it often made sense.

At Simply Group, our core goal is the development of HR technology that increases diversity and inclusion, giving greater opportunities to the underrepresented. There is no way any one person can understand the diverse perspectives of all people. So, a key tool to achieve this goal has been to ask and listen and understand these differences in viewpoints and perspective.

Q2. What do you see as the most challenging aspect of working with a diverse team? Is there a story you can share with us?

It’s sad that sometimes many focus on the challenges of working with a diverse team [when] there are many benefits.

Working with a diverse team does take some extra care in being attentive to the needs of all participants in the work environment. It is important to develop a culture of inclusiveness, safe space and shared purpose.

If this can be achieved, then in my experience the benefits far outweigh the challenges in productivity, innovation, retention and overall employee experience and wellbeing.

Q3. Tell us about a time when a colleague was not accepting of another’s diversity. What did you do as CEO?

It is sad that instances still occur when a colleague is not willing to accept another’s diversity. This can occur for a variety of reasons and addressing this can be a complex and sensitive matter.

In my experience, it is oftentimes important when addressing this that there is an overall company culture of inclusiveness, safe space and shared purpose. Within this environment, then, asking and listening to all perspectives and in this spirit facilitating a dialogue between colleagues can again be a great tool to resolve these concerns.

Q4. Tell us about one or two specific things that you have done to promote diversity, equity and/or inclusion in your current job.

At Simply Group, our core goal is the development of HR technology that increases diversity and inclusion, giving greater opportunities to the underrepresented. And as mentioned above, there is no way any one person can understand the diverse perspectives of all people. From our group leadership through to our team members, we have actively sought to have a diverse cross section of our global society so that as many perspectives are represented as possible.

We also actively work on creating a company culture of understanding and appreciation, one where many different viewpoints and perspectives are not only accepted but encouraged.

Q5. What steps have you taken to reduce bias and champion diversity understanding in your current job?

When Simply was established, our core goal was to develop and bring to the market technologies that can reduce bias and unconscious bias in the HR and recruitment industry. This remains one of our core goals today.

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To connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-cooper-jones/