Keynote + How to use ERGs as support networks

Speakers:

• M

  

  Benjamin Firth

  Communications and Engagement Leader, LGBT+ Network Co-Chair
  EY

  Ben is Communications and Engagement Leader at EY in the UK. He’s also Co-Chair of Unity, EY’s LGBT+ employee network and a trustee of the charity, MindOut. Ben has over 15 years of corporate communications experience, gained through a variety of sectors in the UK and Australia. He’s passionate about working with leaders to drive positive change, business outcomes and inclusive cultures – all through compelling communication. Prior to EY, Ben spent eight years at the Financial Services Authority and Financial Conduct Authority working in internal and change communications throughout the financial crisis and shake-up of financial services regulation. Before then, he worked in corporate PR at Sydney Opera House and the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Born and raised in Gloucestershire, Ben regularly gets back to the Cotswolds to enjoy the countryside and see his family. He met his Partner while living in Australia. They moved to the UK in 2008 and have been living in North London since. When Ben’s not at a spin class with Psycle London or more recently doing a HIIT at home, he’s usually at the theatre or socialising with friends.

  CONNECT WITH ME

• M

  

  Damien Shieber

  Head of Culture, Inclusion and Experience
  Santander UK

  Damien is the Head of Culture, Inclusion and Experience for Santander UK plc. Alongside the role at Santander, Damien sits on the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter Industry Board as the UK Banking representative and on the Business in the Community Wellbeing Leadership Team with the aim to build a movement that is committed to positioning health and wellbeing as strategic boardroom issues with a particular focus on mental health; driving collective action through evidence-based, practical solutions.

  CONNECT WITH ME

• M

  

  Chloë Davies

  Head of Social Impact
  Lucky Generals

  Chloe Davies is a proud bisexual woman, mother of two, a creative, global inclusion & belonging consultant, chef and entrepreneur. Her work sees her campaigning for inclusion and equality in social spaces, corporate organisations and the wider community. She spent over 15 years working in retail, artist management and PR before starting her own catering company in 2015. In September 2021 she took on the role of Head of Social Impact for Lucky Generals – the creative company for people on a mission. Where she will be responsible, in conjunction with management, for setting the company’s social impact goals and ensuring that they are met in the most effective and creative ways possible. The role will be focused on building a sustainable, diverse and inclusive company culture and output. Before this Chloe spent over two years working for Mygwork - The global recruitment and networking hub for LGBT+ students, graduates, professionals and organisations who believe in true workplace equality. As Head of Training & Engagement (Public & Community) she oversaw necessary internal and external conversations surrounding LGBT+ inclusion, training and external consultation. Chloe volunteers with UK Black Pride (UKBP) as the Head of Finance & Governance, working closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees to help shape the future of UK Black Pride. She is the Head of Relations for the London Queer Fashion Show - An annual showcase of fashion, identity, and expression, a Trustee for the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre and an Ambassador for Mental Health First Aid England. She describes herself as a mental health survivor, openly discussing her own journey with depression and mental health and advocates on usualising these conversations both in and outside of the workplace and starred alongside Denise Welch in ‘Depression & Me’ – a short film produced by Mental Health First England which shines a light on lived experience of depression and recovery. In all of her work, which takes Chloe around the globe, she aims to further connect those within the community while educating allies to continue disrupting and push for increased visibility, understanding and appreciation of the communities she works to serve. In July 2021, Chloe was shortlisted out of 52,000 nominees as a finalist for The National Diversity Awards – Positive Role Model of the Year – LGBT..

  CONNECT WITH ME

• M

  

  Preston Taylor

  Head of Supplier Content Programmes
  RS Group

  Preston is Chairman of the employee-led, SPECTRUM LGBTQ+ community within RS Components, in his own words "I believe everyone should be able to bring their true selves to work. We have created an open and honest environment, whilst shining a light on diversity and inclusion through our campaigns and events. As a proud transman, I am always willing to answer questions, provide insight, mentor, guide, or just listen." Preston is currently Head of Supplier Content Programmes and divides his time between digital transformation and his tireless work for the community. "Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Already Taken" - Oscar Wilde

  CONNECT WITH ME

• M

  

  Peter Lewin

  Senior Director, Global Direct-to-Consumer Strategy, Growth & Investment, and Global Loyalty Lead
  Levi Strauss & Co.

  Peter Lewin is Senior Director of Global Direct-to-Consumer Strategy, Growth & Investment, and Global Loyalty Lead, for Levi Strauss & Co. Peter serves as a member of the Global Direct-to-Consumer Leadership Team, a founding member of the European Diversity Council, and sponsor of Unlabeled - the European LGBTQ+ and ally employee network. Previously, Peter built and ran Levi's European Strategy, AI and Consumer Insights team. Before joining Levi Strauss & Co., Peter worked in the Technology Advantage practice in BCG’s London office. He has also been a member of the Strategic Planning Group of American Express, where he led a variety of digital projects, has consulted on a freelance basis for LVMH and News International, and spent nearly a decade in investment banking with UBS in New York and London.

  CONNECT WITH ME