Why a Team-Based Culture Is Critical to Advancing Gender Diversity at American Century Investments

In the Celebrating Male Allies Series from Fairygodboss, we share the stories of male allies who are helping elevate women in the workplace and pave the path to gender equality.

Since men still hold most positions of leadership today, we believe it’s critical that they raise their voices to help advance women at work — whether that be by participating in women’s Employee Resource Groups, making sure their female colleagues have a seat at the table and more. 

Our next male ally is Chris Lahna, the Vice President of HR at American Century Investments. We interviewed Chris about his team’s efforts to improve gender diversity in the workplace .

Tell us a little bit about your team. What are your key business priorities, and why does your team believe that gender diversity is important in the workplace?

American Century Investments is an active asset manager.  We serve clients at the individual, advisor, and institutional level globally. Our controlling owner is the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, a non-profit research institution that our founder and his wife created to do fundamental research into gene-based diseases.  This provides a purpose driven element of what we do, as a portion of our dividend each year go to fund this critical, and hopefully lifesaving, work.

Today, we have a very team-based culture, which dates back to our Founder’s principles.  From our Management Committee through to our investment, sales and functional teams, we believe the best work gets done through collaboration.  We know and have experienced the power of diversity in decision making.  Our industry is rapidly evolving, and we need thought leadership, innovation and creativity from every part of our team.

What is one of the biggest obstacles to workplace gender diversity that your team observes today?

We experience an industry challenge.  Asset management, in general, has historically been less diverse.  Further, it is one of the lesser understood areas of Financial Services.  We have incredible opportunities in technology, finance and investment, marketing, sales and within all of our functions.  We need to better share the kinds of learning, growth, and rewarding experiences that American Century and our industry offer.

In your team's opinion, what’s the first step men can take to be stronger allies?

First, see diversity for the opportunities it brings, as opposed to a threat to the way things have been.  Research, experience, and outcomes demonstrate that diverse teams perform better.  The best male allies see this, recognize that there is abundant opportunity for all, and they reach out to help others grow and make the team stronger.

What is one piece of advice that your team would give to ambitious women in the workplace?

Fear less.  There are always reasons why we are not the right fit for an opportunity, or the perfect person to deliver the presentation.  We all have to step out into uncertainty from time to time to grow and achieve what we are capable of.  Know also, that there are many, often unknown at the time, that will be there to help and support you.

Why is American Century a great place for women to work?

As a male leader, I would never want to represent female colleagues’ perspectives, and we know that we all have different experiences and views.  Instead, I would speak to why I and many others value working for American Century – a strong sense of purpose.  

We empower our clients to live the lives they choose by enabling financial futures – whether it be retirement, college, travel, or whatever your interest.  We do it as a team, and as a result of our effort a portion of our earnings fund cancer and other gene-based disease research each year.  I could never have dreamed I would have the opportunity to have such a fulfilling experience as part of a business career.

Tell us about a female role model at American Century. Why does your team look up to her?

There are multiple role models I admire throughout all parts of our firm.  Our Chief Technology Officer has brought a new vision and way of working that is reshaping not only our technology and data approach, but fundamentally how her and others’ teams work collaboratively.  

Our Senior Portfolio Manager for Emerging Markets Equity has built a strong and very diverse team, and she utilizes her voice in both being a leader in our firm and as an advocate for diversity.  We also have many role models throughout the organization such as within our social media team where a newer parent is balancing her most important role while helping us differentiate ourselves from a social media perspective.   We work with incredible talent!

Do you know a strong male ally at your company? Send them our questionnaire here.