I’m CPL – I’m an LGBTQIA+ advocate, keynote speaker, and I’m passionate about inclusivity. I share my lived experience as I navigate the world as a queer, non-binary, coeliac who had a severe hearing loss, with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) & GAD (generalised anxiety disorder).
In March 2023, I founded “Questioning Normal”, set up to challenge norms and change the lack of diversity. As a non-binary, queer, coeliac with a severe hearing loss, I’ve utilised speaking engagements, podcasts, workshops, and webinars to drive conversations on inclusive communication – I aim to instigate innovative growth within organisations.
Overcoming obstacles like homophobia, I remain dedicated to promoting inclusivity. Questioning Normal isn’t just a business; it’s a lifelong mission, striving to create an inclusive world where everyone can thrive. My goal is to transform society by celebrating diversity and reshaping perspectives. The journey to make a lasting impact continues as I advocate for a more inclusive future.
In the ever-evolving world of finance, where I’ve dedicated the past 11 years of my career, adherence to rules and regulations is paramount. This industry has historically, been dominated by a specific demographic: white, straight, middle-aged males. However, my journey took a remarkable and transformative turn when, in March 2023, I took a bold step and founded my own company, Questioning Normal.
The past 12 months have witnessed an exceptional growth in my profile. It all began with an award-winning keynote speech, a turning point that set my trajectory in a new direction. Following this milestone, I was invited to participate in various podcasts, predominantly within the finance space, but also in conversations with coaches, speakers, and other professionals. I had the opportunity to share my unique journey as a non-binary, queer, hard of hearing, and coeliac individual in an industry that often lacks the diversity found in other professions. I became, in a sense, the living embodiment of diversity. My talks resonated with many, prompting individuals to reach out, share their own experiences, or seek advice on how to navigate similar challenges, or help their children in similar situations.
Subsequently, I embarked on a series of amazing opportunities, such as hosting my own workshops and webinars on Inclusive & Accessible communication. The core mission of Questioning Normal is to provide practical guidance, imparting knowledge that guides firms and organisations toward becoming more inclusive environments. This pursuit extends beyond social justice; it’s a sound business strategy. Diversity within a workforce serves as a potent catalyst for innovation and growth. A myriad of backgrounds and mindsets brings fresh and unique perspectives to the table, driving revenue and competitive advantage.
My focus in these initiatives centres on impactful yet seemingly small changes. I underscore the significance of recognising and respecting people’s pronouns, the importance of correctly pronouncing names, and advocating for a shift from binary language choices like “Ladies & Gentlemen” to more inclusive alternatives such as “everyone” or “all.” In the digital age, I emphasise the critical role of inclusive communication tools, like providing captions during virtual meetings, ensuring that individuals who are hard of hearing can actively participate and engage.
I’ve earned recognition as a subject matter expert in this field, with word-of-mouth recommendations leading from one company to another. These referrals have provided me with opportunities to conduct the webinars I’m passionate about. The feedback from audience members has been overwhelmingly positive, with 96% of participants stating that the webinars offered them valuable insights they could apply to their daily lives and workplaces.
In recent times, my efforts have been acknowledged with prestigious awards, including recognition as one of the Top 10 Inspirational Leaders by the British LGBT Awards, becoming a Top 10 Trans & Non-binary role model with LGBT Great, a place on the Top 50 LGBT Gamechangers list by LGBT Great, and shortlisting for the Overall D&I Champion Award by PIMFA.
My journey, as a non-binary and queer individual, has come with its own set of challenges. Unfortunately, I’ve been the victim of several homophobic attacks, both physical and mental. Being hard of hearing presents another layer of unique challenges. These experiences, while difficult, have served to amplify my mission to raise awareness and promote inclusivity.
Questioning Normal is not just a business endeavour; it’s my passion project, my life’s mission. I am committed to making the world a more inclusive place by changing the perception of one person at a time. I firmly believe that every small step taken to challenge the status quo contributes to the larger goal of creating an inclusive and accessible world.
