June 3-26 2025
Agenda
The INCLUSION Festival takes place online every year and is packed with interactive panel discussions, presentations,
workshops and networking sessions on every aspect of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the workplace.
To browse the agenda from our last Inclusion Festival, please select from the days below:
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
MONDAY: Inclusive leadership - and why DEI matters
Today’s key themes:
- How DEI leaders need to develop as industry evolves
- Ensuring maximum DEI engagement at a micro, macro and company level
- Inclusive problem solving and creating a space for open discussions
Opening keynote interview: Leading with compassion and kindness
- How can leaders effectively embed DEI principles and inclusive values into organizational culture to ensure sustained commitment and action?
- What innovative strategies or approaches can leaders employ to address unconscious bias and foster inclusive decision-making processes within their teams?
- In what ways can leaders proactively engage with marginalized communities to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in DEI initiatives?
- How do leaders navigate challenges and opposition to DEI efforts within their organizations, and what tactics can they employ to build consensus and drive meaningful change?
Pinky Lilani CBE DL, Fellow, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford and Founder and Chairman, Women of the Future Awards and Asian Women of Achievement Awards
Keynote panel discussion: Overcoming DEI pushbacks
- How can leaders effectively embed DEI principles and inclusive values into organizational culture to ensure sustained commitment and action?
- What innovative strategies or approaches can leaders employ to address unconscious bias and foster inclusive decision-making processes within their teams?
- In what ways can leaders proactively engage with marginalized communities to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in DEI initiatives?
- How do leaders navigate challenges and opposition to DEI efforts within their organizations, and what tactics can they employ to build consensus and drive meaningful change?
Pamela Hutchison OBE, Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Bloomberg
Vani Seshadri, Inclusion and Diversity Lead, Accenture Growth Markets (AAPAC + LATAM)
Nadia Nagamootoo, Author, ‘Beyond Discomfort’
Latest thinking on inclusive leadership
According to a recent Kincannon & Reed survey about the food and agriculture industry, the two most important leadership characteristics are diversity, equity and inclusion (77 per cent) and emotional intelligence (74 per cent).
- Essential traits for inclusive leadership
- Practices for leaders to ensure authenticity
- Remaining inclusive amidst daily work pressures
Eric Way, Global Head of Inclusion & Diversity, Schindler Group
Case study: Building a company-wide inclusive culture at Walmart
- How Walmart MXCAM embraces inclusion through the company DNA
- DEI Business Impact and actions to amplify the strategy
- Ensuring a fully inclusive journey
Bob Lopez, Engage Me – Head of Culture and Diversity and Inclusion, Walmart
Panel Discussion: Communicating the value of DEI to ensure maximum influence
- How can we calculate the financial implications and costs of DEI?
- What are best practices for organisational development and strategic thinking?
- What is the financial relationship between DEI and core business values?
- Productivity and reputation: What are the key DEI factors to communicate?
Dr Frank González IV,CEO, DrFrankieG (also Director, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Taco Bell)
Rabi Atiti, Head of Group DEI & Global Support, Informa
Fiona Vines, Chief Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Officer, BT Group
Interview: The Paris Paralympics: The world’s greatest showcase for disabled talent
- Discussing the impact of the paralympics in promoting disability awareness and acceptance
- Exploring the role of athlete services in empowering paralympic competitors
- What the workplace can learn from this about empowering disabled colleagues
Clare Cunningham, Head of Athlete Services, British Paralympic Association
Advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion in professional cricket
- Discussing key initiatives and strategies implemented to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion within the organization
- Sharing insights and experiences on advancing diversity and inclusion in professional sports
- Exploring the importance of leadership and advocacy in driving positive change for marginalized communities
Donna Fraser OBE OLY, Director, Professional Cricketers’ Association
Taking an intersectional approach to diversity and inclusion in Australia
- Acknowledging the interconnectedness of gender, race, and other dimensions of identity
- Promoting inclusive practices that address the complex experiences of diverse employees
- Recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals with intersecting marginalized identities
- Fostering an environment that values intersectionality and prioritizes the needs of all colleagues
Nidhi Kalaiya, Specialist, FW (Future Women)
Panel Discussion: Women in leadership: Next steps
- Identity shift: Why developing female leaders is more complex than recruiting more women for senior roles
- Successful women’s leadership programmes
- Second generation gender bias
Moderator:
Phuong Trinh, Finalist, Women in Finance Asia Awards and Fractional General Counsel, Parse Partners
Panellists include:
Dr Terri Dickerson, Civil Rights Director, US Coast Guard
Jackie Cureton, VP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Bit.ly
Panel Discussion: Supporting racial minorities
According to the Inclusiveness Index published by the Othering and Belonging Institute, University of California, Berkeley, the US performs badly when it comes to racial equality in the workplace: it is rated 118th place.
- Is the US lagging behind when it comes to racial equity in comparison with other countries?
- Examples of microaggressions and whey they are so damaging
- What will it take to create a more level playing field at work for people from all backgrounds, races and cultures around the world?
- In the meantime, what can we do to help?
Moderator: Samuel Clague, Founder, The Stephen James Partnership
Panellists:
Aldaine Wynter, Director of International-Mindedness, Diversity and Inclusion, Washington International School
Trevor Sterling, Senior Partner, Moore Barlow LLP
Justin Placide, Co-Chair, Civil Service Race Forum
Panel Discussion: Enabling LGBTQ+ individuals to thrive
- Addressing the gap between increased support from employers and persistent discrimination that individuals may encounter at work?
- How can employee training re.LGBTQ+ and transitioning help to foster genuine a culture of understanding among staff
- What are the best ways to attract, support, advance and retain LGBTQ+ talent?
Moderator: Star Peterson, DEI Trainer, Stellar Diversity Training
Panellists:
Sarah Cosgriff, Inclusion in Schools Consultant, The Association for Science Education
Toby Mildon, Diversity & Inclusion Architect, Mildon
Georgie Court, Former Global Inclusion Manager, Clifford Chance
Addressing fertility issues: Cultivating a compassionate and supportive work environment for individuals navigating fertility challenges
- Cultivating a compassionate and supportive work environment for individuals navigating fertility challenges
- Understanding fertility challenges in the workplace and sharing latest best practices about this potentially sensitive area
Promoting fertility awareness and support among employees - Implementing inclusive policies and benefits for fertility-related needs
- Fostering a supportive and compassionate work environment for individuals navigating fertility journeys
Balshen Izzet, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, British Chambers of Commerce
Panel Discussion: Menopause update
Our team of experts discuss the importance of approaching menopause support with an intersectional lens, what has been achieved so far and discuss the latest thinking on workplace policies.
Moderator: Colette Harris, Women’s Health Campaigner and Journalist
Panellists:
Kasia Zduniak, Former Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, Aegon
Lee Chambers, Director, Male Allies UK
Dr Venessa Marie Perry, Organisational Psychologist
Confidence Workshop
In this interactive session, join us as we delve into why confidence is essential to success at work and discover practical tools and techniques to prioritise your confidence and empower yourself to thrive at work.
- The neuroscience of confidence
- Why is confidence a challenge?
- Mindshifts: here’s how to change your thinking
Alyssa Dver, Founder, The American Confidence Institute
Networking Session
An excellent opportunity to make new connections with a host of professionals who are passionate about Diversity & Inclusion. Come and network with our fantastic, energised speaker line-up, and meet other professionals who are committed to bringing about real change, sharing their implementation strategies too.
TUESDAY: Health, wellbeing and the future of work
Today’s key themes:
- Improving wellbeing in the workplace
- Understanding mental health issues
- Ensuring that all staff receive proper support and anticipating the work landscape of the future
9:00am EDT /
2:00pm BST
Keynote: Protecting employee mental health and wellbeing and enhancing psychological safety at work
- Helping businesses and leaders to develop an in-depth understanding of DEI and belonging
- Developing and enhancing emotional intelligence skills and trauma-informed leadership practices to support DEI and psychological safety in the workplace
- Cultivating a psychologically safe workplace, and employment laws and protections
- Shifting mindsets, addressing limiting beliefs, and achieving long-term DEI success
Kylie van Luyn, Founder, Elevated Coaching & Consulting
9:30am EDT /
2:30pm BST
Panel Discussion: A holistic approach to DEI
- Discussing the importance of adopting a holistic approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
- Highlighting Jacinta Arden’s groundbreaking leadership style centered around kindness and compassion
- Advocating for collective responsibility in advancing DEI efforts beyond the head of DEI role
- Introducing the Kindness Index as a tool for promoting kindness and inclusivity in the workplace and beyond
Moderator: Tahitia Timmons, Founder, Conscious By Us
Panellists:
Jo Dooley, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, A&O Shearman
Amanda Cummins, Deputy Head of Coproduction & Involvement, SouthWest London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
Justin Stewart, Author, We’re Not OK: Black Faculty Experiences and Higher Education Strategies
10:05am EDT /
3:05pm BST
Protecting women’s health at work
- Why male colleagues and managers need to know about women’s health
- Raising awareness of female health topics and why it matters at work
- Reasonable adjustments for conditions endometriosis, adenomyosis, menopause and perimenopause
- Including LGBTQ+ women
Helen Choudhury, Head of DEI, Music Publishers Association
10:30am EDT /
3:30pm BST
Presentation: Tackling loneliness at work
- Why wellbeing at work initiatives must prioritise tackling loneliness, both in the office and among remote workers
- Practical advice about how to start talking about loneliness with individuals and groups, how best to support colleagues and useful timeframes
- Best practice examples
- Why remote working can contribute to loneliness
Ruth Pott, Head of Workplace Wellbeing for UK and Ireland, BAM
10:50am EDT /
3:50pm BST
Protecting men’s health at work
- Supporting male colleagues in the workplace
- Mental health and managing stress
- The importance of using the right language
- Encouraging men to seek help
Richard Martin, CEO, Mindful Business Charter
11:30am EDT /
4:30pm BST
Panel Discussion: Recognition and reward
- Remunerating ERGs and allies and champions on a budget
- Reward strategies
- Including DEI work in performance plans
Moderator: Wendy Cukier, Academic Research Director, Future Skills Centre
Panellists:
Aggninder Dhillon, International Head of Reward and Wellbeing, Twinings
Luisa Monteiro Furlan, Director of Culture and Engagement, Jellyfish
Ruth Barnes, DEI Senior Manager – Global Projects, Hogan Lovells
12:00pm EDT /
5:00pm BST
Case Study: Devising a successful employee cancer programme
- Examining the components and strategies behind a successful workplace program
- Analysing the impact of a wellness at work program on employee wellbeing and productivity
- Discussing best practices and key learnings for organizations looking to implement similar initiatives
Laura Dutton, Wellbeing Manager, PwC
12:20pm EDT /
5:20pm BST
Q&A: Strategies for employee resilience
- Exploring effective methods for building and enhancing employee resilience in the workplace
- Discussing the importance of resilience in navigating challenges and fostering wellbeing among employees
- Sharing practical strategies and initiatives to support and strengthen employee resilience within organisations
Amit Ghose, Chief Program Officer, Billion Strong
12:35pm EDT /
5:35pm BST
Tackling burnout
According to LinkedIn, 98% of HR managers feel burnt out. In this session, join us as we discuss practical ways to tackle issue of exhaustion within DEI professionals – and in the wider workforce:
- How to recognise genuine burnout
- How to measure workplace burnout using systematic surveys
- Keeping track of workloads, checking in with colleagues and setting a culture of work-life balance
- Resource management
Catherine Ritchie, Wellbeing and Experience Manager, Clifford Chance
12:50pm EDT /
5:50pm BST
Panel Discussion: Menopause update
Our team of experts discuss the importance of approaching menopause support with an intersectional lens, what has been achieved so far and discuss the latest thinking on workplace policies.
Moderator: Colette Harris, Women’s Health Campaigner and Journalist
Panellists:
Kasia Zduniak, Advocate and Leader of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Lee Chambers, Director, Male Allies UK
Dr Venessa Marie Perry, Organisational Psychologist, Health Resources Solutions LLC
1:30pm EDT /
6:30pm BST
Supporting employees going through fertility treatment
- What is infertility, who it affects and the impact it has.
- Run through of a basic IVF timeline.
- What is the hidden impact at work (with statistics)
- How can you support a colleague/staff at work going through fertility treatment?
Seema Duggal, Fertility in the Workplace Development Officer, Fertility Network UK
1:45pm EDT /
6:45pm BST
Confidence Workshop
In this interactive session, we’ll be delving into why confidence is essential to success at work and discover practical tools and techniques to prioritise your confidence and empower yourself to thrive at work.
- The neuroscience of confidence
- Why is confidence a challenge?
- Mind shifts: here’s how to change your thinking
Alyssa Dver, Founder, The American Confidence Institute
WEDNESDAY: Building inclusive teams
Today’s key themes:
- Exploring the benefits of opening the door to a wider pool of demographics
- Ensuring successful in-house career progression for all
- Leveraging diverse perspectives and welcoming diversity of thought
9:00am EDT /
2:00pm BST
Keynote Panel Discussion: How to recruit and build inclusive teams
- What strategies can organizations implement to ensure diverse candidate pools and minimize bias in the hiring process?
- Retention: how can companies create inclusive environments that support the long-term engagement and growth of diverse employees?
- Culture: what steps can be taken to cultivate a culture of inclusion where every team member feels valued and respected?
- Impact: how do inclusive teams contribute to organizational success and innovation, and what metrics can be used to measure their effectiveness?
- The importance of inclusive leadership and intersectionality for building inclusive teams
Moderator: Georgina Wilczek, Director, Diversity Network
Panellists:
Mimi Kurniawan, Chief Diversity Officer, PMI
Noel France, VP DEI, Avantor
9:50am EDT /
2:50pm BST
Fostering empathy and allyship: Nurturing connections for DEI
- Cultivating understanding: fostering empathy for diverse experiences and perspectives
- Strengthening solidarity: building allyship across different groups and identities
- Promoting active listening: creating spaces for genuine dialogue and support
- Empowering action: encouraging individuals to stand up and advocate for marginalized voices
Nazma Khan, Founder, World Hijab Day
10:15am EDT /
3:15pm BST
INCLUSION Festival Networking Session
An excellent opportunity to make new connections with a host of professionals who are passionate about Diversity & Inclusion.
Come and network with our fantastic, energised speaker line-up, and meet other professionals who are committed to bringing about real change, sharing their implementation strategies too. Zoom link to be provided to all registrants via email in due course.
11:15am EDT /
4:15pm BST
In Conversation: Elevating recruitment standards
- Taking an intersectional approach to recruitment
- Recognising the unique challenges faced by individuals
- Fostering an environment that values intersectionality and prioritises inclusive recruitment practices
Tumi Sotire, Founder, The Black Dyspraxic
Nick Croucher, Founder, Frazer Jones
11:05am EDT /
4:50pm BST
Addressing ageism in the workplace through internships
When Maya Bhose was made redundant from her career as a C-suite television marketing executive, she decided it was an opportunity to change careers into the charity sector – and was inspired to set up a social enterprise placing older workers into the charity sector via internships. Here, she discusses:
- Stereotypes and biases towards older workers
- How commercial skills have been valuable in a charity setting
- What the associates have contributed and learnt
- The benefits of co-generational teams and how to get the best from them
Maya Bhose, Founder, The Well Placed
12:10pm EDT /
5:10pm BST
Interview: Evolving company culture to meet the expectations of millennials and future generations
Dima Ghawi was born in Ankara, Turkey, raised in Amman, Jordan, and then immigrated to San Diego, California in 1996. She grew up surrounded by Middle Eastern culture and values which heavily influenced her early choices. Dima feels that her whole career has been a result of others opening doors for her. In this conversation, Dima shares:
- Why DEI has no geographical boundaries
- What organisations need to do to become truly inclusive from the inside out
- What millennials and newer generations want from companies and what organisations need to do to deliver on those expectations
Dima Ghawi, Executive Coach
12:45pm EDT /
5:45pm BST
Case study: Establishing an effective young careers programme
- Nurturing early career talent through a young careers programme
- Highlighting the importance of diversity and outreach in early career initiatives
- Why campus recruiting can be beneficial to help build a diverse talent pipeline
- Examining the impact of early career programs on both individuals and the organisation
Nikisha Thomas, Head of Diversity, Outreach, Early Careers and Campus Recruiting, Allstate
1:25pm EDT /
6:25pm BST
Panel Discussion: Unlocking the power of multigenerational teams for enhanced productivity
- Our unprecedented workforce now has as many as six different generations working alongside each other
- Tackling bias and stereotyping
- Fostering respect and understanding
Moderator: Hassan Moore, DEI Chair, International Coaching Federation Philadelphia Chapter
Panellists:
Rachele Focardi, Founder & Multigenerational Workforce Strategist, XYZ@Work
Dr Carole Easton, CEO, Ageing Better UK
2:10pm EDT /
7:10pm BST
Debunking myths and disrupting inequalities around socio-economic diversity
Join Joanne Conway, Head of Inclusion and Culture International, DLA Piper, as she shares her PhD findings on social mobility:
- Debunking some of the myths around socio-economic diversity
- Discussing the removal of barriers to improve social economic diversity representation at all levels and explore how to create a culture of belonging
- Practical examples and key takeaways to implement change
Joanne Conway, Head of Inclusion and Culture International, DLA Piper
3:35pm EDT /
7:35pm BST
Case Study: Advocating employing refugee workers
- How a garment label manufacturer, Trimco, in a small town in Norway has recruited refugees with the help of the government
- Examining the impact of refugee recruitment on both trimco and the local community
- Discussing the significance of such initiatives in promoting diversity and integration
Camilla Mjelde, Business Development Director C&C and Sustainability, Trimco Norway
2:55pm EDT /
7:55pm BST
Panel Discussion: Employing veteran talent
- The business case for employing those who have formerly served in the forces
- Case study examples of success – what can we learn?
- How to attract and retain veteran talent – top tips for success
Moderator: Tim O’Keefe, Founder, Front Foot
Panellists:
Aaron McEvers, Equal Opportunity Specialist, US Army
Monica Stancu, Senior DEI Manager, Lloyds of London
Murray McLeod-Jones, Programme Lead, Veterans and Reservists Recruitment Programme, BAE Systems
THURSDAY: Accessibility and disability inclusion
Today’s key themes:
- Empowering all members of staff
- Offering additional support to those with disabilities or special needs
- Giving staff the right accessibility tools and training to enable everyone to thrive
9:00am EDT /
2:00pm BST
Keynote: Disability inclusion and allyship
In this keynote session, Stephen Framil, Corporate Global Head of Accessibility for Merck, shares his personal story about going from an Ironman triathlete to a cancer patient with temporary disabilities and how his experience has influenced his inclusion strategies for Merck.
Dr Stephen Framil, Corporate Global Head of Accessibility, Merck Sharpe & Dhome
9:20am EDT /
2:20pm BST
Why an evidence-led approach to inclusion is more crucial than ever
- Honing in on focus groups – a key way to understand your staff
- Gaining impact and momentum – measuring disability inclusion success
- Data measuring trends: Measuring progress with qualitative data, not just quantitative assessment
Nyamusi Lee, Global Head of Autism at Work and Director of Neuroinclusion Strategies, JP Morgan Chase
9:40am EDT /
2:40pm BST
Case study: Building a company-wide inclusive culture at Walmart
- How Walmart MXCAM embraces inclusion through the company DNA
- DEI Business Impact and actions to amplify the strategy
- Ensuring a fully inclusive journey
Bob Lopez, Engage Me – Head of Culture and Diversity and Inclusion, Walmart
10:15am EDT /
3:15pm BST
Panel Discussion: Allyship: Why Inclusion means including everyone
- Exploring the significance of allyship in fostering inclusive problem-solving environments
- Discussing effective strategies for addressing pushbacks and navigating challenges from difficult individuals
- Sharing insights and experiences on how allyship can be leveraged to promote collaboration and overcome resistance
- Highlighting the importance of inclusivity in problem-solving processes to ensure diverse perspectives are valued and integrated
Moderator:
DI (Delmar) Lee, Global Vice President, Institute for Diversity Certification
Panelliists:
Simon Langley, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, British International Investment
Sheila Kanani, Honorary Researcher, Lancaster University
Christina Murdock, D&I Manager, UK and Europe, Soho House
11:15am EDT /
4:15pm BST
Panel Discussion: Measuring disability inclusion effectively
- How can disability inclusion gain executive support?
- Methods of tracking inclusive workplace practices
- Qualitative measurement versus quantitative – which works best?
- What are we doing well and what still needs improving?
Panellists:
Jonathan Mok, Community Manager and DEI Lead, Dream Impact Hong Kong
Carrie Pawley, Executive Co-ordination Manager & Fatigue Network Lead, Environment Agency, UK
Professor Nicola Martin, Professor of Social Justice and Inclusive Education, London South Bank University
11:50am EDT /
4:50pm BST
Interview: The Paris Paralympics: The world’s greatest showcase for disabled talent
- Discussing the impact of the paralympics in promoting disability awareness and acceptance
- Exploring the role of athlete services in empowering paralympic competitors
- What the workplace can learn from this about empowering disabled colleagues
Clare Cunningham, Head of Athlete Services, British Paralympic Association
12:10pm EDT /
5:10pm BST
Fireside Chat: Artificial intelligence meets DEI: How can we ensure that AI is used responsibly?
Research from the HR technology firm Personio in July 2023 revealed that 78% of HR professionals aged 25 to 34, and 69% of people aged 55 and over, are already using an AI tool at work.
- Why AI will shape the nature of work
- How will it affect DEI?
- Embedding DEI into the design of AI systems
- How can AI boost DEI
Rachel Howard, Tech Internal Communicator
in conversation with
Ian McDonald, Director of Engineering, Retail Insight
Dr Roger A. Søraa, Associate Professor, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
12:35pm EDT /
5:35pm BST
Panel Discussion: Why inclusion is essential for accessibility
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple said: “Accessibility is a human right. And with every new technology, we have the opportunity to expand the circle of people who can participate in society.”
- How employees with disabilities can help business thrive
- Tapping in to new markets and differentiating from competitors
- Thinking differently: how designers of accessible products are forced to think outside the box
- Why employees shouldn’t have to disclose their condition and how companies can embrace different thinkers
Moderator: Neil Milliken, VP – Global Head of Accessibility, ATOS
Panellists:
Sean Gilroy, Senior UX Principal, BBC
Tzveta Dinova, Accessibility Specialist, ASOS
James Buller, Lead Digital Accessibility Consultant, Home Office
1:10pm EDT /
6:10pm BST
Panel Discussion: Fostering disability-inclusive leadership
- You can’t be what you can’t see: why are there so few disabled role models in the C-suite?
- How can we support and develop future leaders within an organisation?
- What are disabled leaders looking for when they take on a leadership position?
- Best practice with regards to recruiting
Panellists:
Dr Florian Koemm, General Counsel, Siemens Energy
Professor Paul Harpur OAM, University of Queensland School of Law
Kyle Bergum, Accessible Technology Specialist
1:40pm EDT /
6:40pm BST
Case Study: Successful accessibility initiatives for staff at Sky
- Creating inclusive spaces: Implementing accessibility measures in Sky’s work environment
- “Empowering employees: Providing tools and resources to support staff with diverse needs
- “Fostering awareness: Promoting understanding and respect for accessibility among Sky’s staff
- “Driving continuous improvement: Seeking feedback and iterating on accessibility initiatives to better serve employees
Davina Critchley, Group Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Manager, Sky
1:55pm EDT /
6:55pm BST
Workshop: Celebrating neurodiversity at work and making meaningful change
Join us to explore the importance of embracing neurodiversity in the workplace and fostering an environment where every individual can thrive. Rather than merely tolerating differences, we believe in celebrating the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodiverse individuals bring to our teams. Through insightful discussions and practical strategies, we aim to empower organizations to implement meaningful change, creating inclusive workplaces that honor the diverse talents and contributions of all employees.
Liam Tuohy, High-Performance ADHD Trainer, 2Tuff Health & Fitness
FRIDAY: Moving the needle on DEI
Today’s key themes:
- Implementing effective DEI measurement and metrics
- Fostering inclusive leadership
- Company organisation, diverse teams, and practical strategies for lasting DEI success.
9:00am EDT /
2:00pm BST
Keynote interview: How to successfully implement your DEI strategy
- What DEI practitioners must know about how their organisation runs before they start strategising
- How to build the foundations of a sustainable, comprehensive DEI blueprint
- The importance of modelling and a practical example of how to do it
Ruben Alejandro Ramírez, Group Head DEI and Social Sustainability, Sygenta Group
9:30am EDT /
2:30pm BST
Case Study: Women at Work – A Global Outlook: 2024 findings
- A data driven look into the challenges women face outside the workplace that can impact on their working lives – for example domestic responsibilities and their rights
- A look at the experiences of women in the workplace – including their experiences of flexible and hybrid working and non-inclusive behaviours
- Actions employers need to take to make progress on gender equality at work
Emma Codd, Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Deloitte
10:05am EDT /
3:05pm BST
Panel Discussion: Expectations for the future of work with DEI at the centre
- When it comes to the future of work, what will the key trends be?
How will AI, DEI and technology transform the way we live, work and interact? - Will industry increasingly move towards a four-day week?
- Keeping up with the hybrid workforce – how can we unite workers with different working patterns
- How can we best support solo, remote workers?
Panellists:
Bola Adesina, Future of Work Programme Manager, Legal & General
Jenn Barnett, People and Culture Director, Grant Thornton
Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer, Virgin Media 02
10:40am EDT /
3:40pm BST
Panel Discussion: Top tips for DEI on a budget
- How to stretch DEI resources when budgets are tight
- What’s the best way to run effective DEI campaigns if DEI is only a side-of-desk role?
- How to determine and hone in efficiently on areas that will make most impact
- How to set realistic expectations on what can be delivered with the resources you have available
Moderator: Catherine Gater, Head of EDI for English & Exams, British Council
Panellists:
Sunaina Kohli, Global Inclusion Strategist, The Human Difference
Julie Dennis, Head of Inclusive Workplace Policy, ACAS
Richard Odufisan, Podcaster, Tales from the Plantation
11:10am EDT /
4:10pm BST
How to ensure senior leadership buy-in for effective cultural change
- Skill building for cultural-change practitioners
- Why support from an organisation’s CEO and c-suite executives is crucial – plus how to get it and maintain it
- Case study examples
Raashi Sikha, Chief Diversity Inclusion Accessibility and Social Impact Officer, Ubisoft
11:35am EDT /
4:35pm BST
Fireside Chat: Navigating the war on talent: retention, reskilling, and digital opportunities
- How can organizations prioritize retention strategies over recruiting efforts amidst the ongoing war on talent?
- What initiatives and investments are necessary to support the reskilling and upskilling of employees to meet evolving digital job demands?
- In what ways can rewards and satisfaction strategies be tailored to address the diverse needs and preferences of today’s workforce?
- How can the digital job market bridge skill shortages in higher-income countries while creating opportunities for younger workers in lower-income countries?
With Jumanah Al Mutawa, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, Zain Group
11:50am EDT /
4:50pm BST
Panel Discussion: Empowering middle managers to become DEI leaders themselves
- How can middle managers be empowered to champion inclusion policies within their teams?
- What specific actions can middle managers take to create a more diverse and inclusive culture?
- How can organizations ensure that DEI messages are effectively communicated to middle managers on a consistent basis?
- What support and resources are needed to enable middle managers to successfully drive DEI initiatives within their respective teams?
Panellists:
Oliemata O’Donoghue, Managing Director, Mortgages UK, HSBC
Natasha Whitehurst, Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, Rolls Royce
Suzanna Chaplin, CEO, esbconnect
12:25pm EDT /
5:25pm BST
Case Study: Advancing professional DEI learning and development
- Emphasizing the professionalism of DEI and the growing demand for comprehensive training
- Recognising the importance of business acumen in effectively driving diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
- Advocating for deeper understanding of the commercial aspects of the business to effectively influence decision-making
- Discussing the role of ongoing training and development in equipping professionals with the necessary skills to navigate and impact the business landscape
Shailaja Sharma, Group Head of L&D, IHH Healthcare Singapore
12:50pm EDT /
5:50pm BST
Panel Discussion: Faith inclusion in the workplace
- How can middle managers be empowered to champion inclusion policies within their teams?
- What specific actions can middle managers take to create a more diverse and inclusive culture?
- How can organizations ensure that DEI messages are effectively communicated to middle managers on a consistent basis?
- What support and resources are needed to enable middle managers to successfully drive DEI initiatives within their respective teams?
Panellists:
Antonia Tony-Fadipe, Former Diversity and Inclusive Hiring Lead, The Body Shop, & Coach, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, Toni Inclusion Coach
Melinda Zalma, Head of Programs, Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding
Kasim Choudhry, President, Future Faces Chamber of Commerce
1:30pm EDT /
6:30pm BST
How to set up an effective Employee Resource Group (ERG)
- Key areas to begin implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within organisations
- Exploring the pivotal role of executive leadership support in driving DEI efforts and fostering organizational culture change through ERGs
- Developing effective remuneration and reward strategies for ERG leaders
- How to get the most out of the ERG model in the short, medium and long term
Cally Lo-Reddy, Global Director for LinkedIn’s EnablIn ERG, LinkedIn
2:10pm EDT /
7:10pm BST
Panel Discussion: Towards a four-day work week
How feasible is this fundamental shift in working practices? Our expert will discuss:
- Can a four day week really help us to achieve a better work-life balance, or does it mean less productivity?
- How AI has the potential improve productivity?
- Tackling the negatives: shift patterns, disruption to work
- Will colleagues end up making up the hours to finish their work?
- How likely is a four day week for the mainstream? Could it actually happen, and if so, how and when?
Moderator: Andreena Leeanne, Author
Panellists:
Charlotte Lockhart, Founder, 4 Day Work Week Global
Tai Dotson, Head of Global Culture, Apex Systems
Zena Burgess, CEO, Australian Psychological Society
2:50pm EDT /
7:50pm BST
Advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion in professional cricket
- Discussing key initiatives and strategies implemented to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion within the organization
- Sharing insights and experiences on advancing diversity and inclusion in professional sports
- Exploring the importance of leadership and advocacy in driving positive change for marginalized communities
Donna Fraser OBE OLY, Director, Professional Cricketers’ Association
3:25pm EDT /
8:25pm BST
Taking an intersectional approach to diversity and inclusion in Australia
- Acknowledging the interconnectedness of gender, race, and other dimensions of identity
- Promoting inclusive practices that address the complex experiences of diverse employees
- Recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals with intersecting marginalized identities
- Fostering an environment that values intersectionality and prioritizes the needs of all colleagues
Nidhi Kalaiya, Specialist, FW (Future Women)
