2026 Shortlisted nominee
D&I Consultancy Award
Aspire Consultancy, led by Dr Carlton Brown, is a specialist diversity, equity and inclusion practice recognised for advancing racial equity, inclusive leadership and organisational transformation. Carlton brings a rare combination of academic research, commercial insight and lived experience, helping organisations move beyond compliance toward measurable cultural change. His work spans executive coaching, leadership development, organisational diagnostics and evidence‑based frameworks, including the Race Paradox model which supports leaders to embed accountability and shift systems that sustain inequality. Aspire Consultancy also drives inclusive economic development through supplier diversity, CSR strategy and sector‑shaping research such as the Black Entrepreneur Report. Carlton convenes national roundtables, leads the UK Black Business Entrepreneur Conference and serves on the Board of the National Windrush Museum. Aspire Consultancy’s approach is grounded in challenge, empathy and practical action, creating fairer organisations where racial equity is embedded into leadership, strategy and culture.
