Max Haines
MIM’24
American
Raised in Alaska within a religious community, I developed an appreciation for nature and a passion for God’s creations. My passion for fresh air and immersion in the outdoors led me to summit mountains across the world and to take on extreme sports such as motorcycle riding and paragliding, imitating the freedom of nature’s creatures.
I aim to foster a culture in my own company where barriers to equity are dismantled, and talent flourishes without resistance.
Being surrounded by a vast landscape kept my mind open to countless opportunities for learning, inspiring me to pursue a variety of disciplines. I’ve explored many forms of art, from playing piano and Latin dancing to participating in sports and cultivating a love for literature. In both my personal and professional life, I embrace a free-spirited approach, gaining experience in fields as diverse as restaurant service, door-to-door sales, computer programming, architecture, and entrepreneurship. Currently, I reside in Las Vegas, where I am building a company based on my participation in INSEAD’s Venture Competition, which secured the initial funding needed to turn an idea into reality.
I aim to foster a culture in my own company where barriers to equity are dismantled, and talent flourishes without resistance.
Can you share an experience where you felt inspired by a leader or colleague regarding this topic?
My sister is an inspiring example of breaking barriers in the male-dominated trust and estate planning industry. Despite consistently outperforming her male colleagues, she faced compensation disparity.
The married men were seen as providers, receiving a greater portion to support their families, whereas my sister – responsible for none except her 2kg Yorkie Poodle – received none. Even so, she continued to excel.
After taking a leap of faith to leave the company that had helped her build a strong foundation, she joined another firm that gave her greater opportunities to demonstrate her skills and abilities.
As of 2024, she has brought in the most revenue for her type of work compared to other attorneys across the nation working for the same firm, all while simultaneously opening a new branch for the firm in her city of residence, Las Vegas.
Her journey is a testament to the importance of standing up for oneself and refusing to let anyone limit your capabilities, regardless of gender.
How do you see yourself contributing to breaking down gender barriers in your industry?
As Socrates states in The Republic, “You will admit that the same education which makes a man a good guardian will make a woman a good guardian; for their original nature is the same.” This resonates deeply because of its twofold emphasis: education and aptitude as the bedrock of equality. My role is to uphold these principles by hiring based on merit and equipping individuals with opportunities to enhance their skills.
By focusing on these characteristics, I aim to foster a culture in my own company where barriers to equity are dismantled, and talent flourishes without resistance.
In a start-up such as my own where funds are tight, there is no room to hire and evaluate based on anything except merit. Going forward, I intend to delegate responsibilities that allow individuals to learn and grow into better professionals, regardless of gender.
What steps do you think organisations can take to support young professionals in advancing gender equity?
Organisations should focus on identifying aptitude and fostering talent through equal opportunities, avoiding judgments based on gender, race or age.
Proper education is key to unlocking potential.
Companies should provide avenues for young professionals to practice critical skills aligned with success in their roles. For instance, consultants should have the chance to pitch to clients or lead projects early on, enabling them to grow and prove their capabilities. By fostering a culture of meritocracy and development, organisations can create pathways for both men and women to thrive.
More information about the programme Max attended:
The INSEAD Master in Management is the ideal programme to launch a global career. Through an innovative, hands-on learning approach with a strong focus on applied problem-solving, it equips agile, well-rounded, and forward-thinking individuals to drive meaningful impact in today's dynamic world.
Programme benefits:
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