From Strategy to Systems Change: Insights on Inclusion, Equity & Leadership

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been reminded again and again that inclusion is more than policy – it’s about people, courage, and persistence. Whether in boardrooms, webinars, or global stages, the conversations I’ve been part of have underlined a truth we can’t ignore: inclusive cultures don’t just happen – they are built, nurtured, and sustained through intentional action.

This edition brings together highlights, insights, and resources from across my work – I hope you find inspiration, practical tools, and opportunities to connect.

Navigating Crossroads – Wellbeing, Resilience & Research

Our recent Navigating Crossroads webinar on wellbeing and resilience was a powerful reminder that burnout is real – and avoidable. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 1 in 6 workers experiences a mental health problem related to stress each week.

My reflection: Resilience isn’t about enduring more – it’s about setting boundaries and creating environments where people don’t need to constantly recover from harm. Check out our toolkit for more wellbeing tips.

But Navigating Crossroads is about more than events – it’s also about building evidence and influence. I’m currently writing a peer research paper drawing on the insights of the women who have contributed through surveys and 1:1 interviews. This work is close to my heart because it will:

• Capture lived experiences of Black women navigating career transitions and leadership challenges
• Highlight systemic barriers that too often go unaddressed
• Offer actionable recommendations to employers, policymakers, and support networks

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible women who have already shared their stories, time, and wisdom. Your voices are shaping a resource that I hope will create real impact – making career crossroads easier to navigate for the next generation of women. Please DM if you would like to receive a copy of the report when it is published.

Coming up in the Navigating Crossroads series:

• Entrepreneurship Online Workshop: Tuesday 28 October – Gain practical tools to navigating business ownership and learn what it take to be a successful entrepreneur. Register Now.
• Navigating Crossroads Live - In-person Event: Saturday 29 November – Join us for half day summit focused on connection and strategies for thriving, with a rota of inspiring speakers.

And for Black History Month, I’ll be sharing weekly video insights from Navigating Crossroads. My aim is simple: to make the pathway easier for others and support personal and professional development for thriving careers. Lookout for the videos on Linkedin and Instagram.

Building Strategy & Inclusivity at Pepper Money

I recently hosted a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy Day, for Pepper Money UK . We looked at how far we’ve come – and where we still need to go. I’ve been developing DEI strategies for Pepper and measuring impact, alongside the DEI Committee for over five years, which is positive considering only 70% of companies have a DEI strategy, and 35% measure its impact meaningfully (McKinsey, 2023).

My takeaway: Strategy without accountability is just a plan. The most effective DEI work is rooted in data, lived experience, and measurable outcomes.

👉 If you’re building or refreshing your DEI strategy, this is a great resource you can use from Communicate Inclusively .

Shaping the Future of Social Investment

It was great to have such a strong turnout for the recent Diversity Forum event on the ‘Future of EDI in Social Investment’ which highlighted both progress and persistent gaps. One of the key findings from the survey I conducted, was the need for more Accountability and Data in relation to EDI within the sector. My perspective: Equity in social investment is essential. If we’re not addressing systemic barriers in capital flows, we’re reinforcing them.

Special thanks to Better Society Capital for hosting and to the amazing panel Patricia Hamzahee OBE FRSA Amy Gutcher Mark Norbury James Adeleke (FRSA) Annelise Sauter

👉 If you're in the social investment sector and want to support the work of the Diversity Forum visit: Diversity Forum UK or email info@diversityforum.org.uk

Inclusive Travel on the Global Stage

As I prepare to host a Masterclass at World Travel Market (WTM) London on inclusive travel, one fact keeps me focused: over 1 billion people globally live with a disability, yet less than 10% of travel businesses have accessibility on their websites (UNWTO, 2023).

My view: Inclusive travel is not a niche – it’s the future. Businesses that ignore accessibility and representation aren’t just excluding customers; they’re leaving revenue on the table.

If you’re in travel, join my Masterclass at WTM London on 4 November: Register for WTM here

Recognition & Awards

I’m honoured to be nominated for three upcoming industry awards:

• Women’s Recognition Award – Entrepreneurship Category
• Mortgage Introducer Awards – Woman of Distinction and Excellence in DEI (with my BMPAN co-founders)

Why this matters: Recognition is not just personal – it’s about visibility. When we amplify underrepresented leaders, we widen the horizon of what’s possible for others.

Black Mortgage Professionals & Allies Network (BMPAN)

This month marks one year since we launched BMPAN. Alongside my co-founders Aleka Gutzmore Jeffrey Krampah-Williams , we’re preparing our fourth networking event, hosted by Lloyds Banking Group and Rose St Louis to celebrate how far we’ve come – and the community we’re building. Our theme is: Power, Pride and Purpose, to align with Black History Month.

In an industry where only 1% of senior roles are held by Black professionals, networks like BMPAN aren’t optional – they’re essential. BMPAN exists to create a safe and empowering space for networking, professional development, career progression, and upskilling through learning and leadership opportunities.

🔗 If you work in mortgages or the financial services sector you don’t want to miss this one. Visit the website to see our amazing line-up of speakers and to register.

The Next Chapter: The Inclusive Impact Lab

I’m beyond excited to share that the ‘DEI Change Maker Programme’ is evolving into the Inclusive Impact Lab – a new hybrid eLearning programme blending self-study, live sessions, and peer support.

💡 Why now? Because leaders need flexible, scalable tools to create real change – and because learning about diversity, equity and inclusion, should be as inclusive as the change we’re aiming to create.

👉 Early registration opens soon: Inclusive Impact Lab Interest List

Closing Thoughts

From strategy development to global stages, this season has been a reminder of the power of resilience, equity, and collective action. My challenge to you:

• Where can you measure impact more boldly in your inclusion work?
• How can you use your platform to create equity in your sector?
• What support do you need to thrive at your own crossroads?

Let’s keep the conversation going – reply with your thoughts, share these resources, ask for support and join me at one of the upcoming events. Together, we can build workplaces and industries where everyone belongs. Atlyn

www.communicateinclusively.com