The European project Beyunbi gathers 80 French managers to discuss diversity, Artificial Intelligence bias, and leadership

On 10 October 2024, a one-hour virtual event on Zoom and Linkedin brought together approximately 80 participants to discuss critical issues related to the European Project Beyond Unconscious Bias—Beyunbi.

Sexual orientation, diversity in the workplace, biases in Artificial Intelligence, and leadership are some of the aspects addressed in the latest Beyunbi training, which was held in Paris on 30 September and 1 October. A parallel online public event was organized to reinforce the knowledge acquired at the session.

The President of CEC European Managers, Maxime Legrand, Capucine Edou (CFE-CGC), and the trainer coordinator, Barbara de Micheli, conducted an interesting online session to reinforce the ideas behind the European project Beyunbi.

Barbara de Micheli from Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini led the face-to-face training in Paris and the online event.

Diverse teams make better outcomes

Maxime Legrand

President of CEC European Managers

Key highlights from the event

President Maxime Legrand emphasized the critical importance of diverse teams and how they contribute to better outcomes.

In his address, he noted, “Diverse teams make better outcomes,” underscoring the link between diversity, successful organisational performance, and economic return.

He also addressed the pressing issue of biases in Artificial Intelligence, stating, “AI algorithms have biases such as the colour of the skin, gender, and others. As managers, we must know this and take care when implementing AI within our teams.”

Legrand also shared insights into Beyunbi‘s recent initiatives, noting the success of training 60 top leaders across Nordic, South, and Central Europe. “This project is a pilot; we are investing our efforts to train ambassadors that will, with time, disseminate and teach others about the importance of keeping unconscious biases under control.”

Participant perspectives and experiences

Capucine Edou, one of the engaged participants in the Beyunbi session held in Paris, shared her positive experience, reflecting on how the training impacted her approach to management.

“I realized I have biases,” Edou remarked, emphasizing that the experience would reshape certain aspects of how she manages her teams in the future.

Barbara de Micheli provided insight into the diversity of the training sessions, noting the distinct responses and levels of engagement from different audiences depending on their background and country.

Perspectives and approaches differed a lot, especially during discussions on biases and diversity.

I realized I have biases.

Capucine Edou (CFE-CGC)

Participant at the Beyond Unconscious Bias training in Paris

An Invitation to the Final Conference in Brussels

The event concluded with an open invitation to the Beyunbi Final Conference on November 27 in Brussels, where prominent figures, including members of the EU CommissionEU Parliament, an EU Digital Ambassador, and from other organisations such as The Brussels Binder, will participate in an interesting panel.

The Final Conference of the Beyond Unconscious Bias project will mark a significant milestone in the struggle to control unconscious biases among European leaders.

More information on the Final Conference will be available in the coming weeks. It promises further discussions on diversity, inclusivity, and leadership in a rapidly changing workplace.

You can rewatch the second Beyunbi public event (in French) here: