Bio

Hi, how are you? I appreciate you taking the time to read my profile. I have about 22 years of professional work experience in the area of inclusive business support. I specialise in financial inclusion, working with banks, financial lenders, and the professional services sector to help make their business support services more inclusive and equitable for all, as part of their ESG and wider responsibility strategies. I achieve this Fintech, Board Advisory, Public Speaking, and Facilitation. I also present on an online business show, am chair of an award-winning charity, and am a Non-Executive Director. Over the years, my varied entrepreneurial and business journey has manifested into several ventures including founding one of the UK's first diverse recruitment companies for the BPFS sector, building an international business and training consultancy, co-founding an SME Lending firm, advising policymakers, economists, and central government on how to develop inclusive business support, and even a stint as diversity lead for Golf! I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of cross-sector clients and partners - from global organisations, No 10 Downing Street, and business associations, business incubators, accelerators, VCs and social-driven organisations. The most consistent thing I have found is that whilst any organisations may wish to be more inclusive, very few know how to implement inclusive business support that is innovative, sustainable, and commercially -viable. Have I earned scars? Yes, and wear them with pride! Have I learned a lot of lessons? Without a doubt and still do! I'm a bit of a 'rebel in a suit' but I can't help it! But I have seen the impact of helping organisations adapt to change, watched them grow, and provide immeasurable value to wider society. One of the proudest moments of my life to date was to have been awarded an OBE for Services to Business Support and Enterprise. A medal for a rebel, imagine that?! I am a great believer in partnership and collaboration, so if you would like to have a conversation about financial inclusion, fintech or global business support feel free to get in touch! Specialities: Financial inclusion, Fintech, Diversity, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Business Strategy.