Which talk/panel did you speak at?

Diversity and Inclusion: Ensuring Equitable Participation and Fostering Inclusive Cultures

What inspired you to speak at EVOLVE [25]?

Steve reached out to me after one of the panelists had to drop out and speaking about DEI, when not a DEI expert felt a little out of my comfort zone. However, as someone exec teams bring in to support on cultural transformation, team dynamics and helping leaders build high performance, innovative cultures, inclusion, fairness and psychological safety are all fundamental for this, which is ultimately underpinned by your DEI strategy. Mo and I also work well together and this was an opportunity for us to be on a panel together; win win!

What was the key message or idea you most wanted the audience to take away from your talk?

That leaders and founders it is YOUR responsibility to ensure you build the right culture, that your behaviours and the way you show up is reflective in how the org performs and the culture that is created. If you want high performance, then you need to ensure the right foundations. Frankly, shit rolls down hill and far too often DEI and culture “stuff’ is handed to HR, but it’s not HR’s responsibility, its yours as a leader.

Were there any audience reactions or questions that really stood out to you?

They loved the analogy of “shit rolls downhill” and intention vs impact. That you can have positive intentions but that doesn’t mean it’s the impact you’ll have.

How does the topic you spoke about connect to your current work or passion projects?

Everything we do is leadership related so very close alignment

What emerging trends or challenges in tech (or your field) are you most excited about right now?

The role of AI in coaching, overrelience on tech and the need for humanity in leadership. Overpromotion of leaders.

What advice would you give to someone looking to make an impact in your area of expertise?

Slow down. The world of tech moves so fast and the pressures when you’ve raised funding can be daunting. But when you’re in the human game (within tech!) the need to slow down is so important. Improve self awareness, take time for self reflection and master self regulation. Without it, you’ll struggle to be an effective leader.

How do you see the future evolving in your industry over the next few years?

AI (boring, everyone says that, I know). Coaching to become regulated (I hope) and sadly, more shitty managers as budgets in L&D are tightened. The impact of that will be catastrophic for organisations in the next 5-10 years.

What was your favourite part of the EVOLVE experience?

Ahh sooo much! Loved the buzz of the hall with all the vendors, the talks, panelists, seeing familiar faces. I’d say the panels with the diverse perspectives was most valuable for me personally.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, initiatives, or goals you’re excited to share?

We’ve just been shortlisted for our first awards with the Growing Business Awards and are being interviewed early September. Hopefully we do ok and win!!

What’s one book, podcast, or resource that’s inspired you recently?

Little Book of Coachable Questions

How can people connect with you or follow your work after the event?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonjonescoach/

Anything else you would like to share with our community?

Thank you for a brilliant event!