Diversity Project - Investment Industry

Diversity is not only our social obligation, it's a business imperative. Introducing our 2023 DP Aims and Objectives – learn more about the Diversity Project, our aims and objectives for the future. www.diversityproject.com #ImpactThruInclusion 

We are delighted to share the winners of the Beyond Finance Awards 2024 in partnership with Portfolio Adviser. A massive congratulations to all of the winners – see Portfolio Adviser's post below for the full list! A huge thank you to everyone who entered or submitted a nomination, our judges were truly inspired by the incredible work happening across the industry. We also extend our gratitude to our expert panel of judges: Darren Johnson, Gavin Perera-Betts, Helena Morrissey, Joanna Munro, Lauren Hardy, Linda Russheim, Mouhammed Choukeir, and Steve Butler, for their time, dedication, and thoughtful selection of this year’s winners.    Do you know someone or a Firm making a difference? Nominations are now open for the 2025 Beyond Finance Awards. Submit the name of a colleague, industry leader or Firm who deserves recognition. See the full list of categories and nominate here: https://lnkd.in/eiGY3Dx5 #MaximiseTeamPerformance

Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating the auspicious Islamic religious celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. We wish you and your family a happy, blessed and peaceful Eid. Find out about Eid and how it is celebrated via this link: https://lnkd.in/etZW2Rh #EmbRACE #RaceAndEthnicity #MaximiseTeamPerformance Kelly Tran, CFA Saira Farooq Faisal Javaid Lin Yue Govinder Heer

How should companies change their DEI policies in the era of Trump? First, they should avoid throwing out the baby with the bathwater. DEI, like ESG, when properly implemented can create substantial long-term value for both shareholders and society. As Helena Morrissey writes in an excellent The Telegraph article: "The calls to “ban” DEI are just as simplistic as the box-ticking approach the critics despise. Winning organisations in an increasingly complex world will be those with truly meritocratic recruitment and promotion practices along with inclusive cultures, where the best ideas are heard, regardless of source." But the key words are "properly implemented". Just like ESG (or negative feedback from a boss, customer, or investor), rather than going on the defensive and immediately assuming that critics are wrong, we can ask first ask if any of their concerns may actually be right and learn from them. Also in the article: "The best investment decisions emerged from robust debates among people who thought differently. Was it always comfortable? No. Did it lead to better results? Absolutely. Yet too many DEI initiatives have lost sight of these principles. Art exhibitions excluding white male artists, dubious promotions that seem based on demographic credentials rather than qualifications, the blatant valuing of certain “characteristics” over others, and the stifling of open debate and free speech – all done in the (false) name of DEI. And let’s be clear – done properly, true merit-based diversity means opportunity for everyone. I’ve heard proud DEI advocates declare they would “never hire an Old Etonian”, which entirely misses the point." https://lnkd.in/g-ZaShav

74% of neurodivergent professionals in recent Neurodiversity survey reported difficulties in securing employment. What hiring changes would make the biggest impact? Join the discussion by sharing your thoughts #MaximiseTeamPerformance #Neuroinclusion #Neurodiversity Nalini Solanki Tim Edmans

Have you experienced or witnessed bullying, discrimination of any kind, or harassment at work in investment and savings industry in the past five years? The Diversity Project's Safe Space offers a secure and confidential way to share your story. All reports are anonymised and reviewed to help create lasting change in workplace culture. Report an experience and learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eaciEXta #SafeSpace #MaximiseTeamPerformance #DPSafeSpace

Pathway participants had the opportunity to experience the fast pace of trading first-hand at L&G – Asset Management, where we held our Trading in Modern Financial Markets session. The session opened with a brilliant panel hosted by Ed Wicks, featuring Kate Hill, Kelly Moohan, CFA, and Lara Mousa, who shared valuable insights on life as a trader, how they balance high-pressure roles with personal priorities, and what to keep in mind when building a trading career. Anthony Cheung from AmplifyME then led a high-energy trading simulation, where participants reacted to live news events—putting trading psychology and real-time decision-making to the test. Huge thanks to Jacquline Alcindor and the entire LGIM team for making this exciting and insightful session possible, and to all our speakers for sharing their expertise! #ClosingThePMGap #FutureWomenInvestors #MaximiseTeamPerformance #DiversityProject #PathwayProgramme Helena Morrissey Shyla Hoenigschmid-DeVeaux Emma Hamilton

Thank you to Maria Johannessen (Head of UK Investment at Aon Investments) for delivering a powerful call to action, summarising key takeaways and inspiring us to turn today’s discussions into meaningful change. It was great to see so many of you at the event today, packed to the rafters and lots of people joining us virtually as well. Let’s commit to making a lasting impact beyond IWD and throughout the year. #MaximiseTeamPerformance #AccelerateAction #IWD2025 Linda Russheim, Adriana Weber, Abigael M. Kara Robinson and Hatty Goodwin Jay Harvey

Our interactive session is underway, we are delighted to have welcomed Bijingo back to the stage for a scenario that takes place during a hiring process with four candidates: - Sarita, 2 years in business - Keith, joined in 2001 - Hannah, returning after 3 years - Matt, returning after 6 months paternity leave The audience meet Liz, who is creating a shortlist for a role within her firm - privy to her inner thoughts, we hear her biases and thought traps. The conversation that arose centred around empathy and how we can counter those biases. Thank you to everyone for their input and Bijingo for facilitating this discussion. #MaximiseTeamPerformance #AccelerateAction #IWD2025 Aon investment Linda Russheim, Adriana Weber, Abigael M. Maria Johannessen, Kara Robinson and Hatty Goodwin

Up next, our Dragon’s Den: Accelerating Action for Women session is about to begin. Moderated by Jay Harvey (Aon Retirement), this interactive session will feature a number of speakers on different topics: - Tanya Tracey (CEO, GAIN UK) – Early careers - Amit Singh (Head of Inclusion, Diversity & Engagement, AXA Investment Managers) – Paternity leave - Monique King (Head of Risk, Julius Baer International) – Menopause support - Georgina Taylor & Edwina Ollimo (Invesco Ltd.) – Sponsorship for women The audience hear four different pitches from our contestants, each with very valid and interesting ideas of how we can #AccelerateAction to improve gender equality the most, they discuss the merits of each pitch and audience needs to vote on which idea they would invest their money in. Which would you vote for? Or would you vote for something else? Let us know in the comments. #MaximiseTeamPerformance #AccelerateAction #IWD2025 Aon investment Linda Russheim, Adriana Weber, Abigael M., Maria Johannessen, Kara Robinson Hatty Goodwin