On November 28th, the Women in Finance Chair hosted its Employer Branding Case Study Competition Final, held online and involving a diverse group of students from the Berlin, Paris, and Turin campuses of ESCP Business School.
This initiative brought together 500 students, forming 120 teams of 4-5 participants, guided by a team of 8 dedicated professors. Each team took on the challenge of analyzing the employer brand of one of the partner companies supporting the Chair and providing actionable strategies to enhance the attraction and retention of highly educated female talents aged 22-30.
Following an initial review, 31 teams advanced to the semi-finals, and ultimately 6 finalists—representing one project per company—competed in the final round. The finalists delivered 10-minute presentations followed by 5-minute Q&A sessions, showcasing their insights and solutions.
And the Winner Is...
The team working on Lombard Odier triumphed, earning accolades for their:
- Outstanding presentation skills
- Accurate identification of personas
- Recommendations aligned with the company’s objectives
- Structured and engaging project
The jury praised their innovative approach and well-researched recommendations, which demonstrated both strategic thinking and an understanding of the nuances of employer branding.
More Details on the Winning Project
The winning team’s recommendations for improving Lombard Odier's employer branding focused on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing gender diversity and inclusion within the organization.
Firstly, they suggested implementing mandatory gender equality workshops during training weeks for all junior employees, along with ongoing follow-up sessions every three months to ensure consistent progress and alignment among employees. Secondly, establishing a mentorship program for women employees was recommended, pairing them with senior mentors to provide support and development opportunities.
Additionally, they recommended that Lombard Odier should create educational materials and certifications aimed at increasing financial literacy among students, particularly targeting high schools and universities to foster interest in finance careers. The company was also encouraged to establish partnerships with academic institutions to promote these educational initiatives and enhance its visibility as a leader in diversity within the finance sector.
Finally, a structured feedback loop involving diverse working groups was recommended to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with employee needs, reinforcing Lombard Odier's commitment to an inclusive workplace.
The Women in Finance Chair is proud to support initiatives that empower students to address real-world challenges, fostering leadership and innovation in the finance industry.