ABSTRACT
Diversity and inclusion are becoming an increasingly important topic on the agenda for organisations. Organisations who understand the value of having a diverse workforce are more likely to benefit (Stockdale & Crosby, 2004; Noe et al., 2003). Benefits include a stronger employer brand, increased employee engagement and performance, a variety of talent and experience in the workforce, innovative thinking, a culture of openness and an increased talent pool. The aim of this chapter is to inform individuals about the activity which is present today in organisations to promote diversity and inclusion, especially at senior leadership levels. This chapter captures the personal reflections of the author on how diversity and inclusion were viewed whilst she was growing up, how her working experiences have transformed her perception and how she envisions the topic to develop in the future. The author explains her personal experience that being female and coming from an ethnic minority group, there have been many times where she has been discouraged from pursuing her passions due to the perceptions of others. However, within the roles she has undertaken over the last few years she has seen the promotion of diversity and inclusion within organisations and worked on several initiatives herself. Having a diverse representation across the leadership board will still take time; however, if young people grasp opportunities now and develop the skills required, there is no reason why this cannot happen in the future.
