The transformative power of a truly diverse and inclusive workplace: Emma’s personal examples
In our career journeys, there are moments of clarity that shape us, moments that lead us to discover our true passions and values. For me, after hundreds of job applications in 2003 I began my career in a media start-up.
Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the responsibilities, trust and autonomy I was given at such a young age, and the experience of being part of a rapidly scaling business.
But I always wanted to do something creative with my life. The first to go to university in my family and from a farming background I didn’t have a role model of someone who had made a successful creative career path, so had no idea what a creative career could look and feel like, or what my ‘way in’ might be. As the years past I found myself yearning for more creativity in my life and started talking to recruitment agents. Little did I know that journey would not only introduce me to the world of workplace consultancy but also illuminate the immense significance of inclusive talent attraction strategies in our professional lives and general happiness.
The catalyst: A wise recruitment’s guidance
I always considered studying architecture at university. But in the end, I did Geography, via almost studying Fine Art. But when it came to it, I was too scared to break the family mould so much and reverted to the safer territory of geography!
As I started my career, I couldn't help but wonder if I should have pursued a path in architecture. It was during this time of introspection way back in the mid 2000s that I encountered an incredible recruitment agent. She not only took the time to understand my passions and values but also recognised the unique strengths that come with being dyslexic. She saw beyond the challenges and embraced the strengths that dyslexia can bring, such as creativity, problem-solving, and thinking outside the box. It was her insightful guidance that led me to explore the field of workplace consultancy, something I never knew existed. Workplace consultancy blended my motivation to help make other people happy in life – with design and strategy consulting, a perfect recipe for me at that time. I will always be grateful to her for understanding that when people are placed in roles that align with their energy, strengths, and in a company culture that shares their values, they have the potential to thrive and excel in their careers.
My squiggly career journey
Embarking on a new career path in workplace strategy at HOK, I had the privilege of collaborating with a fascinating range of organisations such as The Guardian, American Express, and Parliament. Later, the unexpected opportunity to work in the public sector emerged, and I discovered even greater alignment with my values of such a shared purpose organisation. Engaging in workplace strategy meant finding what makes people truly happy at work, and being part of a sector dedicated to improving the lives of the people of the UK was the ultimate fulfilment. I spent several years at the House of Commons and later at the Cabinet Office, spearheading diverse initiatives from hybrid working to the refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster and prompt payment for SMEs.
The pivot point
In my early 30s, I realised that my work life would never feel satisfactory if I didn't prioritise my creative side. Despite the demanding nature of my role as a director at Parliament, I made the decision to retrain as a graphic designer through night school. Juggling an intense job and a fast-tracked graphic design degree was a daunting task, but my unwavering passion pushed me through the ups and (very!) downs of putting all social life on hold for many months. Eventually, I transitioned to working part-time in my job and established my own graphic design studio. The joy of using left brain and right brain was unparalleled, but the demanding nature of two "part-time" full-time jobs eventually led to burnout. If I had seen role sharing as an option at that time, things might have been different!
We are The Loves: Storytelling for talent attraction
Seeking a better work-life balance, I co-founded We are The Loves with Jules. Our vision was to help businesses celebrate their EVPs through employer branding and telling the stories of the real-life experiences of the people that work there as a key component of talent attraction (and retention!).
I run We are The Loves alongside being a Non Executive Director at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and being an artist. These are three legs of a stool that supports and nourishes me and I feel very grateful to have found that balance. This is perhaps a whole other story in itself!
This means within We are The Loves we fully embrace flexible work arrangements, fractional careers that cross-pollinate creative ideas between one another, work-life balance, and we take care nurture an inclusive and supportive atmosphere.
Final thoughts:
My career journey has taught me the transformative power of inclusive talent attraction not just for a fulfilling career but for general wellbeing and happiness. When individuals are placed in roles that align with their passions and values, and when they work within a culture that supports their growth and well-being, remarkable things happen.
The key lies in understanding each individual, their unique strengths, and what energizes them. When companies prioritize this approach, they create an environment where everyone can truly thrive, contributing their best work and achieving both personal and organisational fulfilment.
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