As an out lesbian, I use my voice to promote openness, acceptance and authenticity at work. For example, my reflections on the importance of coming out have helped others feel safe to be themselves, showing how authenticity fuels both belonging and performance. I lead with courage, compassion and clarity. I create safe spaces, inspire allies and drive impact that reaches far beyond the boundaries of my role. I go above and beyond to ensure all voices are heard and valued. I have used my lived experience to change culture, policy and people.
In my tenure as Chair of the Global Allianz Pride Board, that came to end at the end of last year, I led the Board’s successful efforts in advocating for and facilitating LGBTQ+ inclusion across Allianz business globally and supporting the creation and growth of local Pride networks. Out of 156,000 employees worldwide, over 80% now have access to a local Pride network.
My ability to connect across diverse teams, advocate for meaningful change and drive awareness make me a strong leader. My unwavering commitment to advocating for marginalised communities is evident in both my words and actions. Through bold policies on domestic abuse, transitioning at work and menopause, I have challenged systems that often ignore marginalised identities. I have created safe spaces for uncomfortable for necessary conversations – like platforming LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse or spotlighting trans men on International Men’s Day – and ensured these conversations led to actions.
My approach to my work is always intersectional – keen to have all voices heard, not approaching inclusion in a siloed way. I have leveraged Allianz’s partnership with the Olympics and Paralympics to highlight queer athletes and parathletes (including a fantastic event in Paris with Marie Patouillet, an out queer paracyclist and an online event with Lauren Rowles, Team GB queer para rower).
I have also used my lived experience to speak about a still very taboo topic of domestic violence in same sex relationships – creating a space to hold a conversation on this topic with external speakers, being part of the Domestic Abuse Task Force in Allianz UK and ensuring that any change in policy or conversations on this topic is inclusive, moving away from the narrative of man as the perpetrator and woman as the victim. My engagement on this topic was also reflected in an article that I have written for DIVA that was published in February, on which I received great feedback.
My leadership and dedication to equity goes beyond Allianz as I am the Chair of the Diva Charitable Trust – and also a trustee of Kaleidoscope Trust and I sit on the Senior Advisory board of LINK (the LGBTQ+ Insurance Network) – I approach these engagements with as much energy and enthusiasm that I do my work at Allianz – keen to give back to the various communities I serve.
This can be most recently seen in the fact that I have also founded Lesbian History Day – a day dedicated to honouring the rich and diverse history of lesbian individuals and their contributions to society over the years. This annual observance aims to highlight the stories, struggles, and triumphs of lesbian women throughout history that are often forgotten or erased, while fostering a sense of unity and pride within the LGBTQ+ community. I have received the support of DIVA, Curve, We Create Space and other organisations to create awareness on this initiative.