Fostering a truly inclusive business means creating an environment where every individual feels valued, safe, and heard. Hannah Stringer, Marketing Director at Moneypenny, emphasizes the importance of nurturing a culture that celebrates diversity in all forms, allowing people to bring their authentic selves to work.

True inclusivity goes far beyond quotas and policies. When we feel comfortable expressing ourselves, our experiences, and perspectives, great things can happen: innovation flourishes, creative problem-solving becomes the norm, and collaboration thrives…

The question is therefore, how can we all contribute to making true inclusivity in business the norm for the next generation?

Active Listening and Representation

Creating a positive and productive work environment relies on active listening and representation. It’s not enough for leaders to simply appoint someone to champion diversity—they must genuinely engage with their teams to understand diverse needs, challenges, and aspirations. Actively soliciting feedback and creating spaces where all voices are heard is essential. Beyond fostering a more inclusive culture, this also benefits overall business performance. Why? Because including a variety of perspectives in decision-making processes enriches discussions and leads to better business outcomes.

Embracing Authenticity

As individuals in the marketing field, we thrive when we can be our true selves at work. When we feel empowered to express our identities and bring our best selves to work, we are ultimately happier in all aspects of our lives. For this to succeed, it is important to recognize that authenticity comes with different working styles. Some of us may prefer collaborative environments, while others may work better independently. However, by understanding these differences and encouraging working methods that suit individuals, businesses can cater to diverse needs and enhance productivity. At Moneypenny, we use personality profiling within teams and are very open about our individual styles and preferences to ensure we enable everyone to be their very best self.

Expanding Opportunities

Inclusion means providing opportunities for people to step forward and participate. Encouraging them to do so requires the creation of an open and non-hierarchical environment. One example of this is the marketing network The Marketing Meetup (TMM). I am a regional organizer for TMM, and the entire business is built on fostering an open, inclusive environment for marketers of all levels to socialize, learn, and flourish together. It’s a place where CMOs mingle with marketing interns and is an excellent platform to create pathways for new talent to connect with mentors, learn from industry leaders, and expand their networks.

This networking is particularly good for women in marketing. One challenge that I hear about a lot and see within my own network is imposter syndrome—the persistent feeling of self-doubt despite evident success, which typically affects women more than men. This can hold people back in their careers, preventing them from seizing opportunities and advancing professionally. Mentoring can be a powerful tool in overcoming imposter syndrome, as can supporting individuals to take small steps outside their comfort zone in a safe space, slowly encouraging them on a journey of growth and confidence.

Having said that, traditional female traits such as empathy, collaboration, and creativity are strengths that make marketing teams more effective. These qualities enable deeper consumer insights and more innovative campaigns, proving that diversity of thought is not just beneficial—it’s essential for success.

Leaders Need to Lead Real Inclusivity

When leaders model inclusive behavior and prioritize diversity, the entire organisation follows. It’s not enough to talk the talk—they must walk the walk. Leaders should demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity by embedding it into company culture, ensuring it is a core value rather than an afterthought.

Taking Meaningful Action

True inclusivity considers the needs of all people, regardless of gender, background, ethnicity, or ability. It’s about building a community where everyone feels valued, happy, and connected so that both individuals and businesses can thrive.

Celebrating diversity and inclusion isn’t a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing commitment that not only makes our workplaces happy spaces but also drives success. Let’s pledge to work towards a future where every individual feels empowered and included, ensuring that all voices are heard and all contributions are valued.