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Linda Scott

Linda Scott is the DP World Chair for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Oxford. A native Texan, Linda has degrees in American literature, mass communications and business studies and taught at the University of Illinois became joining the Said Business School in 2006. Linda’s current research focuses on the potential for market-based approaches to provide economic empowerment and entrepreneurial opportunities for poor women in developing countries. Her ‘Double X economy’research was recognized by Thinkers 50, which shortlisted her for its annual Breakthrough Thinker award. Linda teaches on the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Entrepreneurship Programme which in China is partnered with Oxford to provide underserved and high-potential female entrepreneurs with business and
management education. She was recently appointed to the US Department of State’s International Council on Women’s Business Leadership and is an active member of the Association for Consumer Research. Her blog and website, www.doublexeconomy.com, reports her wide-ranging activities, appearances, and interests.Her publications include ‘Fresh Lipstick, Redressing Fashion and Feminism’, ‘Persuasive Imagery: A Consumer Response Perspective’ and ‘Consumption and spirituality’.
Give us a flavor of your daily experience as an Oxford academic.
There are no typical daily experiences in my life at Oxford. That’s because the opportunities for me here have created an agenda that varies wildly from week to week, day to day. For instance, in the past three months, I have taught entrepreneurship in China, presented African girls’
education research in Vancouver, appeared on a panel for women’s empowerment in Qatar, attended a high level meeting on women’s access to markets in Mexico City, joined an OECD gender gap meeting in Paris, and conducted an intensive household study among women in rural Bangladesh. On the days I was in the United Kingdom, I presented on women’s leadership at a major bank in London, taught an executive course on women and the economy for SAB Miller, met several times with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, interviewed top level advertising people for the journal I edit, produced grant applications for work in Africa and Latin America, and worked like crazy on the Said School’s new symposium series, The Oxford Forum for Women in the World Economy. By phone and email, I led a household values survey in Uganda and sat on a U. S. State Department Subcommittee for women’s economic empowerment.
I am working now in rural Bangladesh, doing a study of the household habits of women in communities served by Jita, a women’s entrepreneurship initiative jointly owned by CARE International and Danone Communities. We are piloting an investigation of the purchasing habits, disposal practices, and household decision-making dynamics. This is a very abstract way of saying we are out in the villages, in the homes of the very poor, talking to women with limited mobility about their habits, but also their hopes and dreams. In particular, we are gathering and measuring their rubbish! As awful as this may sound, it has been a terrific experience. The women are gentle and friendly, their homes neat and pleasant, and the villages well-kept. Bangladeshi culture places a high value on color and decoration, so the surroundings, which are also naturally green and beautiful, are a joy.
How has the informal economy of women moved from the margins to centre stage? Why do big businesses want to get involved?
In development policy, the economic empowerment of women is moving very close to centre stage. The Millennium Development Goals are currently being redrafted for the post-2015 environment and there is a strong movement behind the scenes to include women’s economics, especially entrepreneurship. Worldwide, women’s enterprises are much more likely to be informal businesses, so these necessarily would become a focal point. Sadly, the other side of the informal economy is a dark one: women are often the victims of human trafficking and prostitution, both huge aspects of the informal economy that most business schools like to think are outside their
purview.
We are seeing businesses getting involved, however, on many levels and in many aspects. For instance, corporations like Goldman Sachs
and Exxon Mobil support women’s entrepreneurship. And The Body Shop has an extensive campaign against human trafficking. The key is to recognize that women are vulnerable precisely because they are economically disempowered; by helping women and girls to earn, we help them avoid exploitation by the underground economy.
Businesses are interested in women’s issues today for several reasons. First, it is generally agreed at this point that the next best step for growth is to draw women into the formal economy. Second, it is also generally agreed that the best leverage for fighting poverty is to empower women economically. Because businesses do better in a healthy, prosperous economy, it is to their advantage to put their foundation funds against these two goals. Also, there is considerable government pressure at this point to be improving diversity in labor and leadership by treating women more fairly. Evidence shows that getting more women involved in corporate decision-making adds to profitability, reduces risk, and improves governance.
It is also important to bear in mind that women dominate in consumer purchasing, making about 66% of buying choices worldwide (80% in
developed countries). And, increasingly, women compose a significant subset of the investment community. So, in traditional terms of minding what side your bread is buttered on, it is increasingly important for businesses to stay in the good opinion of women.
What are the underlying ethics of women entrepreneurship? How is it different from male entrepreneurship?
There is much research still to be done on this question. However, there is some evidence to suggest that women are more likely to hire diverse workforces as entrepreneurs and are more likely to consider social goals.
management education. She was recently appointed to the US Department of State’s International Council on Women’s Business Leadership and is an active member of the Association for Consumer Research. Her blog and website, www.doublexeconomy.com, reports her wide-ranging activities, appearances, and interests.Her publications include ‘Fresh Lipstick, Redressing Fashion and Feminism’, ‘Persuasive Imagery: A Consumer Response Perspective’ and ‘Consumption and spirituality’.
Give us a flavor of your daily experience as an Oxford academic.
There are no typical daily experiences in my life at Oxford. That’s because the opportunities for me here have created an agenda that varies wildly from week to week, day to day. For instance, in the past three months, I have taught entrepreneurship in China, presented African girls’
education research in Vancouver, appeared on a panel for women’s empowerment in Qatar, attended a high level meeting on women’s access to markets in Mexico City, joined an OECD gender gap meeting in Paris, and conducted an intensive household study among women in rural Bangladesh. On the days I was in the United Kingdom, I presented on women’s leadership at a major bank in London, taught an executive course on women and the economy for SAB Miller, met several times with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, interviewed top level advertising people for the journal I edit, produced grant applications for work in Africa and Latin America, and worked like crazy on the Said School’s new symposium series, The Oxford Forum for Women in the World Economy. By phone and email, I led a household values survey in Uganda and sat on a U. S. State Department Subcommittee for women’s economic empowerment.
I am working now in rural Bangladesh, doing a study of the household habits of women in communities served by Jita, a women’s entrepreneurship initiative jointly owned by CARE International and Danone Communities. We are piloting an investigation of the purchasing habits, disposal practices, and household decision-making dynamics. This is a very abstract way of saying we are out in the villages, in the homes of the very poor, talking to women with limited mobility about their habits, but also their hopes and dreams. In particular, we are gathering and measuring their rubbish! As awful as this may sound, it has been a terrific experience. The women are gentle and friendly, their homes neat and pleasant, and the villages well-kept. Bangladeshi culture places a high value on color and decoration, so the surroundings, which are also naturally green and beautiful, are a joy.
How has the informal economy of women moved from the margins to centre stage? Why do big businesses want to get involved?
In development policy, the economic empowerment of women is moving very close to centre stage. The Millennium Development Goals are currently being redrafted for the post-2015 environment and there is a strong movement behind the scenes to include women’s economics, especially entrepreneurship. Worldwide, women’s enterprises are much more likely to be informal businesses, so these necessarily would become a focal point. Sadly, the other side of the informal economy is a dark one: women are often the victims of human trafficking and prostitution, both huge aspects of the informal economy that most business schools like to think are outside their
purview.
We are seeing businesses getting involved, however, on many levels and in many aspects. For instance, corporations like Goldman Sachs
and Exxon Mobil support women’s entrepreneurship. And The Body Shop has an extensive campaign against human trafficking. The key is to recognize that women are vulnerable precisely because they are economically disempowered; by helping women and girls to earn, we help them avoid exploitation by the underground economy.
Businesses are interested in women’s issues today for several reasons. First, it is generally agreed at this point that the next best step for growth is to draw women into the formal economy. Second, it is also generally agreed that the best leverage for fighting poverty is to empower women economically. Because businesses do better in a healthy, prosperous economy, it is to their advantage to put their foundation funds against these two goals. Also, there is considerable government pressure at this point to be improving diversity in labor and leadership by treating women more fairly. Evidence shows that getting more women involved in corporate decision-making adds to profitability, reduces risk, and improves governance.
It is also important to bear in mind that women dominate in consumer purchasing, making about 66% of buying choices worldwide (80% in
developed countries). And, increasingly, women compose a significant subset of the investment community. So, in traditional terms of minding what side your bread is buttered on, it is increasingly important for businesses to stay in the good opinion of women.
What are the underlying ethics of women entrepreneurship? How is it different from male entrepreneurship?
There is much research still to be done on this question. However, there is some evidence to suggest that women are more likely to hire diverse workforces as entrepreneurs and are more likely to consider social goals.
You have now taught at two installments of the of Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women programme in China. Can you give us an example of women entrepreneurship in China which illustrates the complex links that you mentioned?
I visited a digital imaging company, a very successful one, on my last trip to Chengdu. This company, called Gold Kirin, has grown so fast that they can’t find enough people who know digital imaging to do the work. Rather than import talent from other countries, Maggie Zeng, the founder, decided to “grow her own.” She actually started a digital imaging school on the premises and has become a leading source for talent even among her competitors. Her training programme is so successful that she can basically guarantee employment on graduation to her students. This is the kind of socially-attuned, generative solution that many think would typify women’s contribution as entrepreneurs.
How has the programme affected the Chinese women entrepreneurs involved? What have you gained from your experience there?
The programme has given the Chinese women who have been scholars in it an unparalleled opportunity to learn entrepreneurial skills, as well as to meet others like themselves. I am sure the Goldman Sachs 10,000 women programme will be life-changing for them.
10,000 Women has also allowed me to extend my work on women’s entrepreneurship into China, an area where I had not worked previously.
How do you balance multiple dimensions of your life – being a researcher, a teacher, a mother and a wife?
Not very well! Just last night, my husband laid down the law that I cannot check my smart phone after I come into the house in the evening. My children are now grown—into hard-working professional women themselves. I don't think they know there’s another way to live!
What tips do you have for women who want to climb the corporate ladder while not sacrificing the other aspects of their lives?
I would advise them to band together. The data are conclusive on this: climbing the corporate ladder and having a life, especially with children, is harder for women than for men. This is true largely because companies have not made the effort necessary to be inclusive. Rather than take this on as personal matter (and, eventually, a personal failure), the upcoming generation of women needs to demand accommodation. The time is right. Companies will need to retain and promote more women in the future to fulfill the global community’s desire for growth and to pass what I believe will be greater scrutiny on their diversity practices. Women need to stand up and be counted, rather than lurk behind the scenes, desperately trying to deal with an impossible situation on their own.
I visited a digital imaging company, a very successful one, on my last trip to Chengdu. This company, called Gold Kirin, has grown so fast that they can’t find enough people who know digital imaging to do the work. Rather than import talent from other countries, Maggie Zeng, the founder, decided to “grow her own.” She actually started a digital imaging school on the premises and has become a leading source for talent even among her competitors. Her training programme is so successful that she can basically guarantee employment on graduation to her students. This is the kind of socially-attuned, generative solution that many think would typify women’s contribution as entrepreneurs.
How has the programme affected the Chinese women entrepreneurs involved? What have you gained from your experience there?
The programme has given the Chinese women who have been scholars in it an unparalleled opportunity to learn entrepreneurial skills, as well as to meet others like themselves. I am sure the Goldman Sachs 10,000 women programme will be life-changing for them.
10,000 Women has also allowed me to extend my work on women’s entrepreneurship into China, an area where I had not worked previously.
How do you balance multiple dimensions of your life – being a researcher, a teacher, a mother and a wife?
Not very well! Just last night, my husband laid down the law that I cannot check my smart phone after I come into the house in the evening. My children are now grown—into hard-working professional women themselves. I don't think they know there’s another way to live!
What tips do you have for women who want to climb the corporate ladder while not sacrificing the other aspects of their lives?
I would advise them to band together. The data are conclusive on this: climbing the corporate ladder and having a life, especially with children, is harder for women than for men. This is true largely because companies have not made the effort necessary to be inclusive. Rather than take this on as personal matter (and, eventually, a personal failure), the upcoming generation of women needs to demand accommodation. The time is right. Companies will need to retain and promote more women in the future to fulfill the global community’s desire for growth and to pass what I believe will be greater scrutiny on their diversity practices. Women need to stand up and be counted, rather than lurk behind the scenes, desperately trying to deal with an impossible situation on their own.
What advice do you have for men who want to embrace the empowerment of women?
Embrace it! Be fearless! I work with many, many men in my projects around the world who have become passionate advocates on behalf of this cause. They have learned that this is a fight for the betterment of all humanity, not just the women. I realize, however, that men are often hesitant even to venture into a conversation on this topic, for fear of being found insensitive or politically incorrect.
What’s the best piece of advice that you have received?
“Do what you love, the money will come.” I’m serious. We all need to follow our own, unique light--else we grow old unhappy.
What keeps you awake at night?
Poor women in Africa. I literally dream about them. Dark, disturbing scenarios of worry and despair, full of fear that I am not “getting it right.”
What is your proudest achievement and what is your most humbling moment?
OK, this will surprise you. My biggest contribution, the biggest challenge I have ever faced, and the achievement of which I am most proud, is my children.
I have met several people in my travels, especially in Africa, who are sacrificing their own money, their own safety, and their time to help others who are in despair. None of these are rich people, or even people with special skills. But they are doing whatever they can do and they are not giving up. Whenever I am face-to-face with these people, I am inspired and I am humbled. As long as they are out there, I don’t get to give up, no matter how frustrated and tired I am, no matter how many sleepless nights and dark dreams I have.
--- Interviewed in November 2012 ---
Embrace it! Be fearless! I work with many, many men in my projects around the world who have become passionate advocates on behalf of this cause. They have learned that this is a fight for the betterment of all humanity, not just the women. I realize, however, that men are often hesitant even to venture into a conversation on this topic, for fear of being found insensitive or politically incorrect.
What’s the best piece of advice that you have received?
“Do what you love, the money will come.” I’m serious. We all need to follow our own, unique light--else we grow old unhappy.
What keeps you awake at night?
Poor women in Africa. I literally dream about them. Dark, disturbing scenarios of worry and despair, full of fear that I am not “getting it right.”
What is your proudest achievement and what is your most humbling moment?
OK, this will surprise you. My biggest contribution, the biggest challenge I have ever faced, and the achievement of which I am most proud, is my children.
I have met several people in my travels, especially in Africa, who are sacrificing their own money, their own safety, and their time to help others who are in despair. None of these are rich people, or even people with special skills. But they are doing whatever they can do and they are not giving up. Whenever I am face-to-face with these people, I am inspired and I am humbled. As long as they are out there, I don’t get to give up, no matter how frustrated and tired I am, no matter how many sleepless nights and dark dreams I have.
--- Interviewed in November 2012 ---