I joined this group because it represents an opportunity for the whole of our industry- clients, agencies, media owners and every aspect of our sector- to drive change and truly reflect the audiences that we work for.
If we can assess where we aren’t being as inclusive as we should be, we can address diversity and have workplaces where everyone feels they belong. Diversity and Inclusion creates better workplaces and stronger work. I am delighted to be surrounded by a group of people who want to create a lasting and transformative industry movement.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community I know what it feels like to be a little on the outside, to not always feel welcome, or to feel pressure to cover up some part of myself at work. As a well-educated, middle class white man I also know I’ve had it reatively easy, and enjoy huge privilege which has no doubt helped me in my own career. I’m passionate about using that privilege to make the advertising industry more open and inclusive for all comers to join, not least because I know we’ll be richer and more impactful as an industry when we do embrace that diversity. Advertising can have a huge impact on society and I know that working together we can make that a positive one.
We want our industry to represent the world we live in and the world we see. This is a big challenge, bigger than the individual and it is tough. We need to work collectively with clear commitments, be authentic to drive trust in our industry and drive action. I am proud to be part of this change.