Diversity Alliance Talks

Birmingham born, Shannie Mears is Co-founder & Head of Talent at The Elephant Room, alongside iris worldwide's former CEO, Dan Saxby, who asked her to be his co-founder after recognising her ability to build, connect and develop relationships with young people from the wider creative industries.

Formed to directly address advertising's lack of diversity and inclusion, The Elephant room was created with the mission to help build brands that are genuinely inclusive. Shannie consults with top brands on how to find fresh talent and new ways of approaching recruitment, so we were keen to see if their approach is something the events industry could emulate.  

Shannie also regularly lectures at Kingston University.

We originally planned for this podcast to be about inclusivity in branding and how to fix underrepresentation in the events, marketing and advertising industry (don't worry, we still cover this) but the conversation just flowed and ended up being a 50 minute recording! So we have decided to split this episode into 2 parts. 

In Part 1 we talk about Shannie's journey up to this point, we reflect on the advice we have been given and advice we would give to those looking to make that next step in their careers, plus the importance of passion and purpose.

Shannie has come along way and made a lot of impact in her 27 years, so it was a real delight to have her as a guest on the show.

Be sure to follow Shannie and The Elephant Room on socials: 

Linkedin: Shanice Mears

Instagram and twitter @elephantroomuk and @Shannieloves

Part 2 will be out on 13th May 2021, SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss it!

Seattle based Dr Jen O'Ryan designs LGBTQ+ inclusion strategies for organisations. She also provides consulting services, ranging from employee training to managing large-scale organisational changes. Through years of research and advocacy, Jen specialises in making potentially “awkward” topics more accessible.   

Leveraging two decades of experience in change management and organisational behaviour, she understands the challenges leaders can face in developing a culture of inclusiveness for employees, clients, and consumers.

On this weeks episode, Gabby and Jen discuss

Jen is the author of Inclusive AF: A Field Guide for Accidental Diversity Experts, designed for anyone thinking about Inclusion and Diversity in their business or organisation. It provides practical advice on safely and effectively leading culture change. Whether you are one person working with zero budget, or have funding and an enthusiastic team.

Jen O'Ryan Linkedin  

This weeks episode features Maria Gaillez relationship manager on the hosted buyers programme at IMEX.  Maria heads up IMEXs DEI Squad and is also a member of the Diversity Ally committee.

At Diversity Ally, we have had many organisations and associations come to us, saying that their D&I committees are struggling to have impact.  In response to this we decided to record this podcast where we discuss:

We have also created a CPD (continuing professional development) module of the same title, so If you are interested in learning more about all of our CPD modules and/or your company is looking to facilitate conversations or a workshop about diversity, book a call in with us to discuss how we can support you: calendly.com/gabbydiversityally

https://www.diversityally.co.uk

Follow us:

Twitter @DiversityAlly1

IG @DiversityAlly 

This weeks episode features Maria Gaillez relationship manager on the hosted buyers programme at IMEX.  Maria heads up IMEXs DEI Squad and is also a member of the Diversity Ally committee and we talk about how and why committees should to set goals, develop strategies to have a real  impact on their organisation. And we also discuss the common challenges that occur when setting up DEI committees.

Diversity Ally also recently hosted an invite only roundtable discussion on "how to set up a successful diversity committee" with industry leaders from finance, government departments, recruitment firms and associations, which was incredibly enlightening and educational.

We have also created a CPD (continuing professional development) module of the same title, so If you are interested in learning more about all of our CPD modules and/or your company is looking to facilitate conversations or a workshop about diversity, book a call in with us to discuss how we can support you: calendly.com/gabbydiversityally

https://www.diversityally.co.uk

Follow us:

Twitter @DiversityAlly1

IG @DiversityAlly

On this weeks episode we are joined by the Fast Forward 15 Ambassadors.  Fast Forward 15 gives 15 women the opportunity to be mentored, encouraged and advised by an industry expert for one year, as well as becoming part of a wider community of successful women supporters. 

Ambassadors; Benedicta Asante (Events 101) and your host Gabby Austen Browne (Diversity Ally), a previous mentee, plus mentors for 2021/22 Felicia Asiedu (Cvent) and Priya Narain (EMA and Event First Steps) discuss the strategies they use to engage women of colour in the events and hospitality industry and to encourage them to apply for the FF15 programme.  

We also discuss the importance of putting yourself forward for opportunities and engaging in mentorship programs, and training and development initiatives to level up your career.  And we talk about how to take space and show up for yourself and your peers.  

We all need someone to look up to, or feel like we can connect with and to see ourselves represented in these kind of programs, roles and positions within companies.

In this episode learn more about:

The ambassadors event “Shine bright like a diamond” organised to engage and encourage racially diverse women to apply to be mentees or mentors on the FF15 programme

And why we are on a mission to rebalance the industry, so that there is less repetition of the type of people who are offered opportunities

Plus:

Join our LinkedIn Group Ambassadors of Racial Diversity in Events, specifically for Black, Brown and ethnic minority women and men

Find out more about Ambassadors here

"The Fast Forward 15 programme aims to inspire, encourage and empower women in the events, hospitality and related industry to be the best they can be."

On this weeks episode we are joined by the Fast Forward 15 Ambassadors.  Fast Forward 15 gives 15 women the opportunity to be mentored, encouraged and advised by an industry expert for one year, as well as becoming part of a wider community of successful women supporters.

Ambassadors; Benedicta Asante (Events 101) and your host Gabby Austen Browne (Diversity Ally), a previous mentee, plus mentors for 2021/22 Felicia Asiedu (Cvent) and Priya Narain (EMA and Event First Steps) discuss the strategies they use to engage women of colour in the events and hospitality industry and to encourage them to apply for the FF15 programme.

We also discuss the importance of putting yourself forward for opportunities and engaging in mentorship programs, and training and development initiatives to level up your career.  And we talk about how to take space and show up for yourself and your peers.

We all need someone to look up to, or feel like we can connect with and to see ourselves represented in these kind of programs, roles and positions within companies.

In this episode learn more about:

The ambassadors event “Shine bright like a diamond” organised to engage and encourage racially diverse women to apply to be mentees or mentors on the FF15 programme

And why we are on a mission to rebalance the industry, so that there is less repetition of the type of people who are offered opportunities

Plus:

Join our LinkedIn Group Ambassadors of Racial Diversity in Events, specifically for Black, Brown and ethnic minority women and men

Find out more about Ambassadors here

"The Fast Forward 15 programme aims to inspire, encourage and empower women in the events, hospitality and related industry to be the best they can be."

Keneisha is an event planning professional with nearly 10 years of experience working within and outside of Canada. She has worked in both the corporate and not-for-profit industries managing both small to large-scale events.

She is also the co-founder of the Black In Events Network - a globally inclusive initiative creating awareness and opportunity for Black event professionals. She is the owner of the Gene Belvidere agency which is a full-service event agency for live and virtual events. She is also a mentor at the Scarborough Women's Center, enjoys anything personal development and family.

Most recently, in honour of Black History month, she launched the 100 Black professionals campaign, highlighting and showcasing Black events professionals from around the globe.

This week we discuss why the Black In Events Network is a necessary initiative for the events industry, the power of personal development and the thrilling journey to realising your goals and dreams. We also touch on the magic of women supporting women. And why she is remaining laser focused on racial diversity.

The Black in Events Network connects, supports, amplifies and promotes talent in a safe space. With the aim to aid in having diversity thrive in the events industry.

So, whether you are looking to employ Black professionals, add them to your supplier diversity list be sure to connect with the Black In Events Network on their socials

IG and Twitter: @BlackInEvents

Keneisha is passionate about creating spaces and experiences that enrich the human journey. For more information about her please visit her site www.keneisha.co

Keneisha is an event planning professional with nearly 10 years of experience working within and outside of Canada. She has worked in both the corporate and not-for-profit industries managing both small to large-scale events.

She is also the co-founder of the Black In Events Network - a globally inclusive initiative creating awareness and opportunity for Black event professionals. She is the owner of the Gene Belvidere agency which is a full-service event agency for live and virtual events. She is also a mentor at the Scarborough Women's Center, enjoys anything personal development and family.

Most recently, in honour of Black History month, she launched the 100 Black professionals campaign, highlighting and showcasing black events professionals from around the globe.

This week we discuss why the Black In Events Network is a necessary initiative for the events industry, the power of personal development and the thrilling journey to realising your goals and dreams. We also touch on the magic of women supporting women. And why she is remaining laser focused on racial diversity.

The Black In Events network connects, supports, amplifies and promotes talent in a safe space. With the aim to aid in having diversity thrive in the events industry.

So, whether you are looking to employ Black professionals, add them to your supplier diversity list be sure to connect with the Black In Events Network on their socials

IG and Twitter: @BlackInEvents

Keneisha is passionate about creating spaces and experiences that enrich the human journey. For more information about her please visit her site www.keneisha.co

In this episode, we are joined by Dean Carby and Laura Toogood, the powerhouses behind the Elite Vendors Network, a network of African Caribbean wedding & events vendors.

Dean and Laura share the journey of the Elite Vendors Network which started as a WhatsApp group to allow quick messaging and instant communication between its members, to fully a fledged business making inroads to venues and event bookers looking to diversify their supply chains.