It changed everything for me and sent me into, a classically female response, a whirlwind of research and information gathering to try and understand what this meant for me, about me and my future. The great blessing of this was a truly in-depth and considered approach and understanding of the neurodivergent brain which has helped me shape our culture and environment to cater to these impressive and unique individuals.
Interestingly, my own stereotypes and preconceptions were one of the first things I had to overcome when dealing with my diagnosis.
By proxy I knew we needed to start by neutralising these stigmas as a business, true destigmatisation and a genuinely transparent and safe culture has to be the first step. A lot of lip-service is paid to establishing an open culture but to truly achieve this there has to be an honest commitment from the top, and an agreement that you will make changes and cater to the needs of all your staff not simply the ones it is easy to cater to.
In looking to create this as organically and authentically as possible it was essential to establish a safe lexicon of behaviours and attitudes that made everyone comfortable with conversations around their mental health and that of their colleagues. We joke a lot about leaving meetings or gatherings to go to therapy and starting meetings with breathing exercises but our openness around treatment and the resulting needs has been fundamental in normalising the experience of our neurodivergent team members whilst educating our business as a whole. Practically it has also meant that we are incredibly selective when choosing services or ‘perks’ for the team in order to ensure that things like healthcare cover adequately provide for everyone without discrimination – an extremely challenging task at times given the categorisation of these health concerns by most service providers.
As part of this programme everyone who enters the business provides a great deal of detailed, neurodivergent-friendly, information on how they work and how they like to work with one another. We consciously encourage colleagues to absorb and utilise this information and celebrate the ways of working that come with this. When you unbridle yourself of the working conventions that have dominated the last centuries and take a truly investigative and curious approach to new styles wonderful things can happen. As I write this we are about to embark on the UK four-day-week trial, data for which suggests that it can be transformative for neurodivergent employees as well as business productivity and profitability which makes sense.
When you are focused on the unilateral happiness of your employees, whatever their needs, all that can come is more success and often all that is required is a little bravery.
Samantha Losey, Managing Director at Unity, has a true passion for genuinely purposeful, insight-led campaigns having worked across sectors and specialisms to deliver some of the most impactful behaviour change campaigns internationally.
With a career spanning global brand launches, impact campaigns, local and international strategy and planning, digital and social activations, global toolkits and much besides planning and strategy is where she truly feels at home, surrounded by data and digging for insights. Notable campaigns include Selfridges Project Ocean, This Girl Can, Lloyds ‘Get The Inside Out’, BT Beyond Limits, Sky Ocean Rescue and Public Health England ‘Life Saving Wax’ delivering research, insights and strategy to shift perspectives and behaviours.
May
19may18:0020:30The Future of Fairness in Leadership and Business | WBS
19/05/2025 18:00 - 20:30(GMT+01:00)
WBS at the Shard
London, SE1 9SG
This is your chance to engage in powerful dialogue and spark meaningful change in your professional sphere. After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries
After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries over drinks and canapés, against the vibrant backdrop of London.
This event is held annually in collaboration with our partners We are the City, Women Engineering Society, Forte, City Women Network and 30% Chair; We are delighted to welcome a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers:
Dr Dawn Eubanks – Associate Professor of Behavioural Science & EI and Panel Chair
Rukasana Bhaijee – Global Head of DEI at the Financial Times. A DEI leader with over 13 years of experience across media, technology, professional services, and higher education. Formerly led DEI for Google’s EMEA tech division and consulted at EY, Rukasana brings deep expertise in strategy, race equity, and inclusive culture change.
Geraldine Gallacher – CEO of the Executive Coaching Consultancy, author of Coaching Women: Changing the System, Not the Person, and City Women Network Board member.
Mark Swain – WBS Client Director & Executive Coach, and Fellow of The Learning and Performance Institute. With over 20 years experience in leadership development Mark has developed a framework supporting Women in Strategy.
Ben Evans – New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis, ED&I Advocate and Warwick MBA Alumnus (2013)
Together, they’ll share their invaluable insights, strategies, and real-world experiences in fostering fairness and driving success in today’s dynamic and changing corporate landscape.
Key Topics Include:
Whether you’re a mid-career professional, an established leader, or an entrepreneur passionate about shaping the future of fairness, this event will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact.
Free
21may12:0013:00Master the Art of Incredible Interviews | WeAreTheCity & City CV
21/05/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present a
Do interviews leave you feeling uneasy, underprepared or unsure of how to showcase your best self? Are you stuck in a loop of missed opportunities, wondering how to stand out and seal the deal? You’re not the only one. On average, people apply for 27 roles before they land just one interview.
But don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Whether it’s been years since your last interview, you’re chasing a promotion or new role, or simply trying to stay sharp, this free one-hour masterclass will give you the edge to win your next role. Your interview isn’t just a conversation – it’s a marketing pitch where you’re the product. Discover how to demonstrate your value, convince employers you’re the best investment they can make, and leave them thinking, “We’d be foolish not to hire you.”
In this jam-packed session, Victoria McLean, Founder & CEO of City CV, guides you through the art of wowing interviewers. With a proven track record of helping people at all career levels secure their dream roles, Victoria brings decades of expertise, countless success stories and award-winning career strategies to the table.
What you’ll learn:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
23may10:0012:00Online* Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop FREE | Karen Ellis - Postnatal Recovery Expert
23/05/2025 10:00 - 12:00(GMT+01:00)
With former Midwife, Karen Ellis. *Available on replay. Exactly how to rebuild strength in your pelvic floor after pregnancy. All the information you should have got from
All the information you should have got from your midwife about how to recover your pelvic floor PROPERLY after having a baby and how to exercise SAFELY so you can smile with excitement and enjoy the moment when your toddler takes your hand and pulls you towards the bouncy castle instead of the feeling of dread taking over as you decline their invitation.
You are a mum who;
And so you can have dry knickers!
Free