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Why diversity is a competitive advantage.

Justin Trudeau and Scientist's

How do we solve some of Canada’s most complex problems? By engaging an equally complex workforce.

Diversity allows us to think differently. Since joining 3M in 2011, I have seen the power of our diverse workforce to help solve problems, generate new perspectives, and foster creativity. I have also experienced the positive impact on our customers’ businesses.

For us, diversity is not only a core value. It also delivers a tangible competitive advantage.

Why we invest in diversity.

At 3M, we believe diversity is an essential ingredient for innovation.

We place a high value on different experiences and actively solicit talent who brings them to the table. This includes culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, gender, faith, and personality. We also look for a variety of skillsets, education and professional experience across disciplines like business, art, science, technology, engineering, and math.

And we are not alone. The importance of nurturing a strong, multifaceted workforce is a national priority.

Recently, I had the privilege to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at our London-based lab to discuss our shared commitment to diversity and innovation. Like us, the prime minister has often spoken to the importance of celebrating and empowering differences to help provide the right tools and technologies and ensure the Canadian economy prospers for years to come.

Mojdeh Poul and PM Justin Trudeau

Recognized for diversity: 3M is the recipient of the 2017 Catalyst Award, and has been named one of Canada’s Great Places to Work and Top 100 Employers multiple times.

What diversity means for business.

As a global enterprise, we see how diversity drives business.

Inge Thulin, our CEO, President, and Chairman of the Board, often attributes our rising stock price in part to our commitment to diversity. Around the world, we leverage our collection of unique experiences to help solve our customers’ challenges, or identify new opportunities in the market.

Scientists, group

Diverse thinking and collaboration helps us drive innovative solutions. For example, we are well known for applying our technology platforms in different and unexpected ways.

Our adhesives technology allows us to develop strong enough adhesives for application in buildings and planes, but the same technology allows us to develop and manufacture gentle enough adhesives for application to human skin.

By thinking differently, we’re able to make these small, strategic pivots that help our customers be more competitive.

Learn more about diversity at 3M.

I am proud and honoured to be leading a diverse team that is helping to build a resilient economic future for Canada.

To learn more about our commitment to diversity in the workplace visit our Careers website.

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About the Author

[enBio=Both a trained mechanical engineer and experienced executive, Mojdeh has more than 20 years of experience in the business of science. She is a fierce advocate for STEM education, and empowering women to pursue careers in the field. She currently helms a team of more than 1,800 innovators, problem-solvers and discovers using science to solve problems and improve lives.],[enJob=President, 3M Canada],[frBio=Une ingénieure mécanique de formation et une dirigeante d’expérience, Mojdeh détient plus de 20 ans d’expérience en matière de science. Elle est une fervente défenseure de la formation en STIM et elle veut donner aux femmes les moyens de faire carrière dans ce domaine. Elle est actuellement à la barre d’une équipe composée de plus de 1800 innovateurs, résolveurs de problèmes et découvreurs qui utilisent la science pour résoudre des problèmes et améliorer des vies.],[frJob=Présidente, Compagnie 3M Canada]

Profile Photo of Mojdeh Poul