SWiFT welcomed Suzy Levy, best known for her leadership of the people agenda as well as author of her book “Mind the Inclusion Gap”, to their latest guest-speaker event.
Suzy talked about her background growing up in the USA, before moving to London for work in 2004. That year she took on the diversity and inclusion portfolio for her company, which she cited was a “huge awakening” when she understood the abuse that LGBT colleagues face in their daily lives. This led her to one of key lessons, “Out is not one moment in time” which is highlighted in her book.
There was an engaged discussion with the audience around ‘editing’ where people try to blend in to conform to their workplace and therefore lose their own authenticity. This conversation included the SWiFT members highlighting the pressures of clothing and hair choices, and overall ‘editing’ for strengthening career progress.
Other interesting discussion points were around language; understanding people’s fears; and the meanings of ‘merit and privilege. Suzy explained the need for actions around the use of language and avoiding sayings like “I don’t see colour”, which may be meant well but are unhelpful in highlighting issues of racism. The author highlighted that “we all have fears, but they aren’t rooted in the same thing”, and that through the perceptions of merit and privilege we have to realise that our careers don’t all have the same starting line.
Suzy pointed out that we all have a role to play in closing the inclusion gap – both women and male allies. She led the conversation around how we as a society need to redefine masculinity which is important to support men and will in turn positively impact women. The audience shared examples, including one of which a male colleague was factoring paternity leave into career progression, and there was an agreement from all that the phrase “Man Up” is massively counter-productive.
After the event Suzy said: “We sit at a moment where expectations of inclusion are rapidly rising, but the skills we have as individuals to keep up with those inclusive expectations are not keeping pace. Mind the Inclusion Gap is about sharing my lessons, and many of my humbling mistakes, in order to help others build those much-needed skills. The in-depth questions, nuanced conversation and feeling of camaraderie between the women and men in the room made the SWiFT event a joy to be part of.’”
The evening was hosted by Shamit Weinberger Gaiger, Managing Director for West Coast Partnership Development, and the SWiFT lead and Women in Rail (WR) Trustee. She said: “It was a real honour to listen to Suzy talk about diversity and inclusion, and I personally feel inspired by the stories and anecdotes that she shared from her illustrious career. She brought a relaxing feel to the evening, which enabled her to have a meaningful and engaging conversation with our members around their experiences, their fears and their aspirations.”