I was honoured to be part of the project team delivering Brighton & Hove City Council’s Future Leaders Diverse Talent Programme, working with participants who each brought lived experience of racism, ableism, or both, through inclusive leadership, imposter syndrome, leadership theory and intersectional inclusion.
What struck me most wasn’t just the knowledge shared but the community built, a room full of people ready to step into the leadership roles they belong in. The programme took place against a difficult backdrop of rising racism, a Supreme Court ruling that’s left many trans and non-binary people feeling unseen, and everyday ableism and homophobia, which only underlines why this kind of work matters.