When it comes to progress in engineering and construction, new ideas rarely come from uniformity. True innovation, says Elsie De Nys, Global Director of Brand and CSR at Yanmar Compact Equipment (Yanmar CE), grows from difference from people who think, speak, and see the world in unique ways.

“Innovation thrives when people challenge norms and bring contrasting perspectives to the table,” she explains. “That mix of viewpoints helps us solve complex problems and adapt faster to change.”

A Culture Rooted in People, Not Process

Across its 70-country footprint, Yanmar CE blends Japanese heritage with a global mindset. Its guiding principle is Hanasaka, a word that translates to “let the people bloom.” For Elsie, this philosophy means creating space for individuality and authentic expression rather than forcing conformity.

“Inclusion fails the moment people feel they must blend in,” she says. “We want everyone to feel proud of what makes them different.”

She describes it simply:

Diversity is inviting people to the room.
Inclusion is letting them speak.
Equity is ensuring every voice is heard and supported because not everyone starts from the same place.

A simple idea like this comes alive through small, human moments such as weekly cross-border coffee chats that began as a language exchange and grew into a global habit of connection.

“It started with one colleague in Japan wanting to practise English,” says Elsie. “Now it’s a weekly bridge between cultures.”

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Blending Brand with Responsibility

At Yanmar CE, brand and CSR aren’t parallel departments, they move as one. Elsie believes that when a company’s purpose and public identity align, credibility follows naturally.

“When your values are consistent inside and out, people can sense it, customers, employees, and partners alike,” she says.

This unified approach ensures that social responsibility is not a side initiative but the foundation of how the company communicates, builds trust, and grows. It also turns sustainability into a business strength rather than a compliance exercise.

The Group-Wide Push for Sustainable Growth

Yanmar’s inclusive approach fits into a broader corporate mission championed by Yanmar Holdings’ Chief Sustainability Officer, Mariko Shirafuji. Her message is clear: the Hanasaka spirit is about using both technology and empathy to support prosperity for people and the planet.

Different Paths, Shared Goals

De Nys emphasizes that diversity doesn’t progress at the same speed everywhere. In North America, for instance, women are increasingly stepping into leadership positions, while in Japan and other regions, inclusion remains a slower but deliberate journey.

“You can’t copy and paste culture,” she notes. “But you can nurture it with mentoring, education, and real stories people connect with.”

That philosophy inspired Mentorise, Yanmar CE’s new global mentorship network linking nearly 30 mentor–mentee pairs across continents. The program invites employees from all backgrounds and departments to share knowledge and visibility, a small but powerful step in what Elsie calls “Culture Hacks” that drive lasting change.

“When people see leaders who look like them, it changes what they believe is possible,” she adds. “You don’t just hope for representation, you experience it.”

From Internal Culture to Customer Understanding

Yanmar’s focus on inclusion extends beyond its teams, it shapes how the company designs and delivers for customers. A diverse workforce means a broader understanding of client needs, from local dealers to international partners.

“Empathy is the engine of innovation,” Elsie says. “When our teams reflect the diversity of our customers, we design smarter and serve better.”

While data tools such as Net Promoter Scores help measure trust and satisfaction, Elsie insists that culture lives in everyday decisions: “It’s who we listen to, who we promote, and who feels comfortable speaking up.”

Closing the Gender Gap in Engineering

Despite progress, Elsie points out one stubborn barrier, the limited number of women in STEM and technical roles. Too often, she says, women are funneled into communications or HR, while core engineering positions remain male-dominated.

“If we want to transform industries, women need to be part of the technical conversation,” she stresses. “We need more of them designing the machines, not just marketing them.”

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A Message to Industry Leaders

For Elsie, inclusion isn’t a corporate slogan, it’s a growth strategy. Her advice for companies looking to innovate is refreshingly simple:

“Give people room to grow. Bring more voices to the table. Keep listening especially when it’s uncomfortable. Because innovation doesn’t come from sameness. It starts where perspectives meet.”

In Yanmar CE’s world, letting people bloom isn’t a metaphor, it’s a management philosophy. When employees feel seen, supported, and safe to speak up, innovation stops being a goal and becomes a natural outcome.

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