Natalia on Why Diverse Teams Drive Innovation

International teams attract people from different nationalities because…

…it naturally creates a more inclusive environment for people from diverse backgrounds. 

When a team already includes colleagues from various nationalities, new people are less likely to feel like outsiders and can adapt more naturally. They know they will be working in an environment where cultural differences are valued rather than seen as barriers. English often becomes the shared language, making communication accessible to everyone. As a result, people feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work while benefiting from a broader range of perspectives and experiences.

Working internationally means to me…

…being exposed to different ways of thinking every single day. People from different countries bring unique experiences, perspectives, and approaches to problem-solving, which often leads to better discussions and stronger outcomes. It also requires curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to challenge your own assumptions. You quickly learn that there is rarely only one right way to do things.

Diversity is important for innovation and sustainability because…

…sustainability is a global challenge, so it benefits from global perspectives. In the Life Cycle Management team, which includes colleagues from more than 11 different nationalities, we bring together a wide range of experiences, cultural backgrounds, and professional expertise. Different countries often have different regulations, standards, priorities, and approaches, and this diversity helps us look at challenges from multiple angles and develop more innovative solutions.

This is particularly valuable in projects such as LCA Automation, where we implemented an automated solution to scale up the generation of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). Through this automated approach, LCAs can be calculated and continuously updated using the latest production data, enabling faster, more consistent, and more reliable results. Diverse perspectives help us question existing processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop scalable solutions that can be implemented across Evonik's global sites.

I would like to describe this as "productive discomfort": people challenge each other's thinking, ask different questions, and bring new ideas to the table. This often leads to better discussions, stronger decisions, and solutions that might not have emerged in a more homogeneous team. 

My advice for everyone who would want to work in an international team is…

…to be open-minded, flexible, and confident in what you bring to the team. Don't expect processes, communication styles, or ways of working to be exactly the same as what you're used to. Most importantly, don't be afraid to speak up, even if your English isn't perfect. International teams are not about flawless language skills; they are about collaboration, curiosity, and learning from one another.