Men Who Support WIN: Sheldon Baker on Advocating for Women in Nutraceuticals

Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN) is proud to spotlight Sheldon Baker, CEO of Baker Dillon Group, in our “Men Who Support WIN” series. Sheldon brings decades of industry insight, a legacy of brand leadership, and a heartfelt commitment to supporting gender equity in nutraceuticals.

About Sheldon

How did you get involved in the nutraceutical industry?
"Needing a business change, I entered the health and wellness industry as a brand marketing consultant. I was in the right place at the right time and had the good fortune of branding CitriMax for InterHealth which happened to become a huge success for the company, and me."

What do you enjoy most about your current role?
"I enjoy the varied projects and campaigns I get to develop for a wide range of clients. Furthermore, it’s the people, places and things I get to experience."

What values guide your leadership or career approach?
"From a leadership perspective, it’s honesty, confidence, hard work and perseverance. Honesty is the bedrock of what I do. I feel it defines who I am before others know more about me."

Supporting Women in Nutraceuticals

What does supporting WIN mean to you?
"WIN is another organization that is doing good things for people in the nutraceutical industry; thus, I felt it was necessary to support the people and work it is doing."

Can you share an example of how you've mentored, supported, or advocated for women in your organization or the industry?
"My partner, who joined Baker Dillon Group more than 20 years ago is a woman. The consultants I hire just happen to be women. A coincidence? Maybe. But several have been affiliated with Baker Dillon Group for several years and contributed to my firm’s success."

Why do you believe gender equity is important for the future of nutraceuticals?
"Gender equity is crucial for several reasons – it offers a broader talent pool, and the potential for enhanced innovation, more diverse decision-making, and when it comes to the bottom line, increased profitability."

Perspectives on Progress and Action

What changes have you seen in the industry regarding inclusion and gender equity?
"More and more women are being elevated to senior/executive management positions and more women are launching their own business. This was quite evident to me at this year’s Expo West trade show. As a freelance journalist, I have interviewed several women at the top of their organizations who are doing great work to enhance the lives of people."

What challenges do you believe women still face in nutraceuticals today?
"Again, wearing my freelance journalist hat, what I have learned is that many women have to deal with a work-life balance, thus facing burnout. In many cases, they have a lack of support, prejudice and bias. I experienced a situation where my business partner knew as much about the new science associated with an ingredient as the scientists and R&D people did, yet there was a bias aimed at her that she could not know as much as they did."

How do you think male allies can play a more active role in building an equitable industry?
"I’ll address this from a workplace point of view. I believe male allies are vital in transforming workplace culture. Whether you’re a manager, director or employee at any level, it is imperative to be an ally for those around you. Perhaps by better understanding the struggles and even oppression that others face, one can actively help make a change."

Are there any initiatives, policies, or practices you’ve implemented or supported that help uplift women in your workplace?
"Not as it pertains to the nutraceutical industry. As a previous principal of a PR agency in another industry, I hired and worked closely with female interns. These were associates who envisioned having a career in PR or some aspect on communications. I felt it was my place to get them involved in meaningful client projects so they could hone their skills, be it writing, event coordination or interfacing with the media to generate PR. Several of those women went on to do great work as writers and project management creators."

Getting Involved with WIN

How did you first hear about WIN?
"I have a vast industry network. From the start, reading about WIN or chatting about it with several of the initial organizers it was not difficult to become aware of the organization that was being formed."

What motivated you to support or get involved with WIN?
"Not what, but maybe who? A few WIN board members suggested I join. Ultimately, I felt there was a need to support the group and wrote the check."

What impact do you hope WIN will have in the next 5 years?
"Generate greater opportunities for women across the board within the industry."

Personal Reflections

Who is a woman in your life or career who has inspired you, and why?
"Both my wife and business partner, who happen to be the same person. She has also encouraged me to pursue and follow my dreams. If something didn’t work out what was the worst that could happen? Simply, start over again. Don’t let anyone who says 'no' something can’t be done defeat me."

What advice would you give to other men in the industry who want to be better allies?
"Join WIN. There’s a lot to learn and hear about regarding the trials and tribulations that women are facing in the workplace and industry."

Thank you to Sheldon Baker for sharing your insights and standing as a male ally for gender equity in the nutraceutical industry.

Learn more about Sheldon and the Baker Dillon Group HERE: https://bakerdillon.com

Want to learn more about WIN or get involved? Visit womeninnutraceuticals.org.