For modern GBS, diversity in leadership remains a moral and business imperative. Looking at gender diversity, for example, organizations benefit from a broader range of perspectives, stronger decision-making, and a culture of innovation. Elevating female leadership is about both equality and building the future of business on a foundation that is inclusive, resilient, and forward-thinking.
From SSOWomen’s Days to spirited debates surrounding GBS leadership, at SSON, we’ve worked to create platforms where women can share experiences, build skills, and connect with peers. These initiatives reflect our belief that real progress comes from dialogue, collaboration, and celebrating the value of community.
As such, SSON’s new column, Women Who Lead: The Women Shaping the Future of GBS, continues that work in written form. This series is a living archive of the women shaping GBS today, their career journeys, leadership lessons, and perspectives on the future. More than just profiles, these stories aim to inspire, educate, and connect professionals across the industry, strengthening a community that is leading GBS into tomorrow.
For our next edition, we are joined by Kim Skanson, SVP, Global Business Services, at Cencora. Kim is a prominent leader in global operations, known for her ability to drive change and foster innovation within shared services and the IT sector. She is passionate about empowering teams and creating inclusive cultures where every voice is valued. Her collaborative leadership style, financial expertise, and problem-solving skills inspire innovation and inclusivity across diverse teams. A strong advocate for STEM education and women's advancement, Kim merges her professional endeavors with social responsibility. In addition to her professional roles, she serves on the board of YWCA Minneapolis, reflecting her long-standing dedication to non-profit initiatives.
We spoke with Kim about what it really takes to lead diverse teams, inspire growth, and turn challenges into opportunities.
Lessons Learned from a Career Across Industries
SSON: You’ve worked across many industries and roles; IT, GBS, and transformation. What has that variety taught you about leadership and growth?
Kim: Working across industries like financial services, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare has been an incredible journey that’s shaped how I think about leadership and growth.
"Each industry brings its own challenges and opportunities, but the variety has taught me to see the bigger picture; it’s given me a broader perspective that helps me connect the dots and create value in any environment."
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of embracing diversity of cultures, ideas, and approaches. In my global roles, I’ve had the privilege of working with people from all over the world, and that’s instilled in me a deep respect for inclusive leadership. When people feel empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, to innovate, take risks, and challenge the status quo, that’s when you see real progress.
"It’s about creating an environment where people can flourish, because when they do, the whole organization thrives."
I’ve also learned that growth has no expiration date. You’re never done learning, and the key is to stay curious and open to new perspectives. Whether it’s diving into a new challenge, adapting to ambiguity, or finding opportunity in change, growth happens when you push yourself to step outside your comfort zone.
Finally, every company I’ve worked for has reinforced a simple truth: success takes a team. Leadership isn’t about going it alone; it’s about collaboration, fostering a people-first culture, and recognizing that our shared purpose drives everything we do. That’s why, at the end of the day, I’m always focused on how we can better serve our customers and make a difference together.
The Transformative Power of Mentorship
SSON: You have a passion for coaching and mentorship. Why do you believe these are essential for shaping the leaders of tomorrow, and how have they shaped your own journey?
Kim: Coaching and mentorship have been a passion of mine for years, and they’ve been a cornerstone of my journey as a leader. I’ve always believed in the power of sharing lessons learned along the way; not just the successes, but also the challenges and missteps that helped me grow. To me, mentorship is about more than just giving advice; it’s about paying it forward and creating meaningful connections that help others unlock their potential.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering through various mentorship programs, which have been as much a learning experience for me as it has been for my mentees.
"I firmly believe that mentoring is a two-way street, and I’ve gained so much by listening to others’ perspectives, understanding their challenges, and helping evolve their thinking. That’s one of the reasons I became a certified executive coach; I wanted to hone the skills of empathetic listening and thoughtful guidance so I could make an even greater impact."
For me, one of the most important things a leader can do is help others show up as their best and most authentic selves; to create a workplace where people feel safe, empowered, and inspired to contribute their unique strengths. When people bring their whole selves to work, it drives not just personal fulfilment but also greater productivity, innovation, and impact for our customers and the communities we serve.
I recently published a book, Attitude Advantage: The Timeless Power of Positive Perspective, because I strongly believe that our mindset is one of the most powerful tools we have.
"Every day, we have a choice: to approach challenges with a positive mental attitude (PMA) or let them hold us back. Maintaining a PMA has been a competitive advantage for me both personally and professionally - it’s the kind of energy that inspires others to keep pushing forward, even in the face of change. And as we all know, change is the only constant, especially in today’s world."
Ultimately, coaching and mentorship are about more than just individuals; they’re about building a culture where people, purpose, and progress come together. When we invest in the growth of others, we’re not just shaping tomorrow’s leaders; we’re creating a stronger foundation for the future.
Final Thoughts: Collaboration as the Ultimate Competitive Advantage
SSON: You’ve led teams all over the world. What have you learned about bringing people with different backgrounds and perspectives together to achieve a common goal?
Kim: Leading teams around the world has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. It’s taught me that there’s always a bigger world out there, one with incredible diversity in backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. And the beauty of that diversity is that it’s one of the most powerful advantages any team can have. When you bring together people with different ways of thinking, you unlock creativity, innovation, and solutions you’d never get to on your own.
That said, getting people from all corners of the globe to work as one team doesn’t just happen on its own; it takes intentionality. You create an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and heard. It’s about building trust, fostering open communication, and making space for collaboration, even when distance or time zones make it challenging.
"I’ve also learned the importance of seeing things from multiple angles. Whether it’s a business challenge, a customer need, or a team dynamic, you can’t lead effectively without considering the different perspectives in the room or the world."
That global lens becomes even more critical when you factor in the waves of geopolitical or economic fluctuations. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but I’ve found it’s important not to be too reactionary. Instead, you focus on the bigger picture and how we can adapt with purpose, not just urgency.
At the end of the day, it all comes back to our shared goal and purpose. Whether we’re working with colleagues or customers, uniting people around a common mission reminds us of why we do what we do. When teams are aligned, empowered, and working toward something bigger than themselves, the results are incredible; not just in terms of productivity, but in the impact we’re able to make together.
