A dsm-firmenich employee story, as told in conversation with Nadia Sharma, Senior Engineer, R&D Biomedical
The One Young World Summit is a global young leadership conference that brings together 2,000 people from over 190 countries to discuss some of the biggest global challenges facing humanity.
Every year, we send a delegation of our best and brightest along to find new ways to develop themselves personally and professionally. Then, upon their return to the company, the idea is for them to use everything they have learned to drive change within the business, creating a feedback loop of enhancement and empowerment that benefits everyone involved.
So Nadia, how many employees participated in the One Young World Summit in 2024?
In 2024, our delegation comprised 15 young leaders from across our organization, all of them highly motivated. With everyone coming from a different department, culture, and geographic location, this group was extremely diverse.
How was the delegation chosen?
After answering a set of questions in a self-nomination process, candidates are shortlisted and reviewed by both the HR and our talent departments. Applicants are assessed on their motivation, ideas, and abilities. On returning from the Summit, our young delegates have a brief to implement projects directly inspired by their participation. These run for 100 working days, and their results are reported directly to our CEO.
Could you give an example of one of these projects?
One of the four projects designed and led by our delegates this year involved working to empower underprivileged young people by providing skills, tools, and connections to help develop their talents. In just three months, we launched six events in three countries, engaging more than 60 employees and impacting more than 980 lives.
90% of project beneficiaries reported broadened career horizons, increased inspiration, and more diverse perspectives. 87% said they would welcome another similar project.
When I think about the One Young World Summit, I’m really very proud of our company. By attending, our group has developed real leadership skills and built up a sense of purpose that goes beyond ourselves. Speaking personally, I’m thrilled I got to use this summit to better connect with our community.
What were the benefits of these initiatives for dsm-firmenich itself in 2024?
Overall, impressions of our company and employee interconnectedness improved significantly. Beneficiaries of the projects inspired by One Young World found our people kind, sincere, and passionate, and appreciated the scientific rigor of our work.
As for our young delegates, more than 91% of them reported a positive improvement of their view of dsm-firmenich, increasing engagement with our company values from 76.5% to 98.5%. Additionally, 93.2% expressed an interest in hosting similar events in future.
When is the next One Young World Summit?
It will take place in Munich (Germany) from 3 to 6 November 2025, and young talents from dsm-firmenich will be there.