2024 Role Models for Inclusion in Hospitality, Travel, Leisure and Retail Index Launch
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Gathering in the company of such an inspirational group of people at one of WiHTL & Diversity in Retail’s favourite annual get-togethers is an absolute privilege — and this year was no exception! Hosted at the fabulous DWF offices in the iconic Walkie-Talkie building in London, attendees were able to take in the breathtaking views while enjoying time engaging with their peers, hearing from speakers, and celebrating the incredible advocacy work being undertaken by all those featured in this year’s Role Models for Inclusion in Hospitality, Travel, Leisure and Retail Index, produced in partnership with The MBS Group.
Within the pages of the Index, we have curated some of the most dedicated individuals in the Hospitality, Travel, Leisure and Retail sectors— each working towards making their organisations more aware, more active and more successful around equity, diversity and inclusion. In addition to the 75+ Role Models, this edition also includes 20+ Advocates for Change — senior leaders who are leveraging their influence to make better progress in the EDI space.
Highlighting how EDI advocacy can come from a broad range of functions in an organisation, this year we are seeing Role Models from Data Science, Marketing, Procurement, Operations, Talent Acquisition and L&D to name but a few, as well as from those working directly in HR and EDI. The Advocates for Change section of the Index identifies a group of Executive and Non-Executive senior leaders actively driving meaningful change in their organisations. They share best practice, advice on EDI advocacy and give practical tips to improve representation and “leading from the top”.
Tea Colaianni, Founder & Chair of WiHTL & Diversity in Retail, Jane McGlynn, Partner, London DWF and Elliott Goldstein, Managing Partner at The MBS Group who collaborated in the production of the Index, welcomed attendees. Jane emphasised that although you cannot change other people’s behaviour, you can change your own and be supportive of others. Elliott explained how role models play a critical role in moving the dial, particularly through sharing origin stories which bring to life people’s motivations, the opportunities they have seized and the risks they have taken throughout their careers.
Moira Benigson, Founder of The MBS Group, shared her reflections on “how much progress has been made in the EDI space — through peer pressure, public scrutiny and shared objectives”. She expressed her admiration for those featured — “leaders making a difference, who are committed to the cause and who are inspiring others with the energy to redouble their efforts as changemakers”.
Tea brought the celebration to a close with words from Melinda French Gates about being a force for good: “Maybe my voice will give way to something I didn’t even know was there”.
Following on, WiHTL & Diversity in Retail Director, Joanna Auñon, hosted an insightful panel discussion with three of this year’s Role Models. Priscila de Carvalho Serff, Head of PR & Social, Kingfisher (Brico Iberia) gave a wonderful account of how an initiative to give employees “the knowledge that they are supported and can feel safe, regardless of how they identify, goes beyond the workplace to reach families and friends”. Danny Ayton, Category Director Drinks, Greene King, stressed that prioritising EDI “should never be a tick-box process but become normalised and part of everyday culture”. Shakeel Ahmed, Accounts and Partnerships Executive, ODEON explained the necessity of “communicating the work being done and celebrating what has been achieved, so that everyone understands that change is possible”.
Moira Benigson, Founder of The MBS Group, shared her reflections on “how much progress has been made in the EDI space — through peer pressure, public scrutiny and shared objectives”. She expressed her admiration for those featured — “leaders making a difference, who are committed to the cause and who are inspiring others with the energy to redouble their efforts as changemakers”.
Tea brought the celebration to a close with words from Melinda French Gates about being a force for good: “Maybe my voice will give way to something I didn’t even know was there”.
Check out this highlight video from the event, showcasing the joy, inspiration, and powerful words from some of our featured role models including Phoebe Dodd and Louise Sparks from Monica Vinader, Michael Honey from Pets at Home, Girish Kanoor from Dunelm and Shakeel Ahmed from ODEON.
Request your copy of the Index
Request your copy of the Index
The 2024 Role Models for Inclusion in Hospitality, Travel, Leisure and Retail Index produced in partnership with The MBS Group shines a spotlight on over 75 equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) champions from across the industry.
The role models featured in the Index are highly effective advocates of inclusion, working to ensure that everyone benefits from equitable opportunities in the workplace and can progress their career with confidence and a sense of belonging. Representing a broad range of job roles and functions, the Index serves as a reminder that equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) does not have to be the core focus of your role for you to passionately champion a mindset and working environment that enables everyone to thrive.
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