Can you tell us about your journey into Adtech and what led you to where you are today?
My journey into Adtech was actually by chance. A friend of mine was working as an MD for a small digital media platform, one of three newly acquired businesses by the Adtech parent organisation, and they needed an HR Director to help integrate and harmonise the businesses. I worked there for 6 years before moving into the PE-backed, founder-led and scale-up industries to gain exposure to different operating models and industries.
What challenges, if any, have you faced as an LGBT+ professional?
In my youth, throughout University and even in my first two career roles, I faced both physical and verbal abuse for being gay. It was the reason I moved into the HR profession as I wanted to know my own legal rights, and ensure that other individuals did not encounter the same treatment. I have actively sought out, called out and openly challenged such behaviour in all roles since entering into HR.
Have you benefited from supportive employers, mentors or colleagues?
I didn't in honesty, but being the recipient of such behaviour, you grow resilience. Whilst you shouldn't have to, resilience (plus vulnerability, being brave and standing up to the behaviour) have stood me in great stead.
Have you seen the Adtech industry become more inclusive during your career? In what ways?
The Adtech (plus the tech. industry in general) is more progressive and open, inclusive and welcoming than other industries I have worked in, not just of the LGBTQIA+ community but difference in general. I felt empowered to partner within the Adtech parent to create an LGBTQIA+ gathering, to get us involved in Pride events and more importantly, that I could just be myself everyday.
What advice would you give to the next generation of LGBT+ talent entering the workforce?
Be yourself first and foremost. Don't let others or social media define you, your value set or moral compass. Support others. And be kind.
Which LGBT+ individuals do you look up to and why? (doesn't need to be Adtech)
Miriam Margolyes - whilst sometimes unnecessarily crude, Miriam has a direct and unapologetic attitude to her own self-expression, sexuality and openness to being gay. Her directness, boldness and carefree attitude is enviable.
What does Pride Month mean to you personally?
It doesnt anymore I'm afraid. I use to go to various prides in my youth, but as I have become older 1) im not a fan of big crowds 2) they seem to turn into excuses for excessive drinking, vandelism (often by the straight advocates rather than the LGBT community) and, although a potentially weird view, it seems we have taken the whole pride thing a little too far, with the inclusion of soooo many letters now representing the LGBT ........ community. It was nicer when it was simplier. to resimplify things we should just have something like 'accepting all differences' rather than some very long winded acronym, that most people in the community cant even explain what all the letters are or mean.