Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and a seemingly increasing social conscience, companies around the world committed to making fundamental change. Thousands of news articles discussed the pledges companies had made to ensure they created an inclusive environment for a diverse workforce providing equal opportunities for all employees. Yet, just 3 years on, conversations have halted, budgets for EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) strategies have run dry and many companies have just one employee (if any) focusing on their entire strategy. With no budgets or resources, EDI managers and directors are being sidelined or expected to perform miracles.
Were companies jumping on the bandwagon? Were all the commitments made just part of a smoke and mirrors campaign? Our final webinar of 2023 hosted by The Equal Group Founder & CEO Mac Alonge and Senior EDI Consultant Simon Marshall-Wilson will give you the opportunity to review the highs and lows we have seen and experienced in the EDI sphere this year, reflect on why there has been a halt in EDI progress and learn valuable tips to help make actionable progress with your EDI journey and start 2024 on the right track.
Sheryl Miller is a Chartered Accountant by background. She qualified with EY and worked in a variety of commercial finance roles before moving into organisational change, leading large scale transformation in companies such as National Grid and Tesco.
She wrote the book Smashing Stereotypes: How To Get Ahead When You’re The Only _____ In The Room and now works as an EDI consultant specialising in C-Suite and ERG leader training. She also sits on a number of boards as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
Joanne Conway is Head of Inclusion & Culture, International at the Global Law firm, DLA Piper. Prior to this, Joanne was Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness Leader at EY, and is a passionate advocate for equity and social justice.
With her unique blend of personal experience and expertise, she drives transformative change. She led a culture change initiative covering over 20,000 employees, introducing a framework for sustainable and meaningful change. Her commitment to giving back is evident in her volunteer work with young offenders and local sports clubs, promoting inclusion and equity.
Joanne is a guest lecturer at Salford University. Keen to use her platform to influence positive change and spotlight talent that may otherwise be missed she is a judge for a number of awards, including The Black Talent Awards, The Queer Student Awards and Northern Power Women Awards. Joanne is committed to contributing to academia and solving complex business problems through studying for a doctorate on the topic of privilege and inclusion.
