Forte's Ingrid Lohse on equality and equity in the furniture industry

Although she is relatively new to the furniture industry, having joined Polish RTA furniture manufacturer Forte in February last year as chief sales officer, Ingrid has confidently made her mark within the business, and further afield – she was a guest speaker at January’s Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) meeting at this year's January Furniture Show, where she offered attendees a taste of her progressive philosophy …

Day to day, how aware are you of the furniture industry’s gender balance? Is equality important to you?

Being relatively new to the furniture industry, I am quite aware of a still surprising gender imbalance in almost all levels and functions of the industry’s organisations. Coming from more technical industry environments, I was surprised that despite women being the primary decisionmakers in furniture and home appliance purchases, there seems to be a lag in reflecting this demographic reality in the industry’s management workforce composition.

At the same time, I’m pleased to see a noticeable increase in the presence of women across all levels and functions, reflecting a positive shift towards greater gender diversity. And yes, without any doubt, driving diversity is critical, as only by fostering an inclusive environment can we fully unleash the full potential of diverse talent and drive innovation within the industry.

At the start of your career, were you made to feel welcome by the trade, or did you have more obstacles to overcome than a man might?

Most of my career, I’ve worked in various industries outside of furniture. While all these industries have a high gender imbalance – in particular in the management and executive levels – remarkably, gender-related issues were not prominent in my journey. I attribute this largely to the leadership I encountered, incidentally predominantly male, who consistently valued talent and commitment above all else when making staffing decisions.

As I was always pretty clear and confident about my capabilities, it was easier for them to put their trust in me. This also holds true for my experiences in the furniture industry.

Is there anything you know about women and the workplace now that you wish you’d known sooner?

Certainly, my generally positive experience in the industry has been shaped by the support and encouragement of many individuals who have facilitated my growth and learning. In my view, confidence and bravery are pivotal factors in navigating one’s career trajectory successfully.

I’ve observed a tendency among some women to approach new challenges with caution, often overthinking the potential risks, and missing opportunities. While it’s essential to weigh up the pros and cons, I believe there’s merit in adopting a more courageous mindset. Personally, I’ve embraced new and significant challenges with confidence and determination, refusing to be deterred by uncertainties.

It’s crucial for women to recognise their capabilities and pursue opportunities with conviction, rather than succumbing to self-doubt. By fostering a culture of courage and empowerment, we can inspire more women to embrace challenges boldly and unlock their full potential in the industry.

Can you share an anecdote/example of a time you felt held back or discriminated against due to your sex?

Actually no, I haven’t experienced any true discrimination. I’ve been lucky to work in truly diverse-thinking environments. But one anecdote stands out from some years ago, when I was trying to register for an event and had to choose my function from a dropdown menu. At that time there was no ‘chairwoman’, just a ‘chairman’ as the choice. Well, once I complained to the organisers, that was sorted within hours, and they apologised. I’ve not experienced anything similar since.

Do you feel things are generally heading in the right direction? How can other people/the industry make a difference?

Absolutely, it’s evident that we’re progressing in the right direction. I’ve seen a notable increase in female representation in decisionmaking roles, particularly in the UK. This trend is reinforced by my observations of female successors taking the reins in family-owned businesses, particularly in Germany and Austria.

Furthermore, insights from my extended network reveal a growing demand for female candidates in C-level interim management positions or as executives across various industries. Clients are increasingly seeking out female talent, recognising the unique skills and perspectives they bring to the table in addressing current challenges.

However, while gender diversity is important, I firmly believe that true business success lies in embracing diversity across all dimensions. It’s essential to build teams with diverse talents, experiences and mindsets, irrespective of gender. By fostering inclusivity in this manner, we can propel the industry forward collectively. We as women should feel responsible for avoiding new imbalances. Only when we don’t have to talk about gender any more, will we have achieved equality.

What would you tell young women who are thinking about entering the furniture industry?

It would be no different than other industries. Be confident in what you can offer, your skills, your attitude, your knowledge, and your experiences. And then deliver. Build ‘your brand’ around what you’re really good at, then build a team and a network around you that complement areas where you need help.

Read the full feature in March's issue.