Speaking & Training
Ellen has spent the best part of a decade speaking to and training organizations on how to improve their inclusion and diversity, with a particular focus on neurodiversity, disability and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Ellen’s delivered talks and training for the world’s foremost businesses including Google, M&C Saatchi, Universal Music, Soho House Kelloggs, Viacom, Atlassian, Ocado and many more; for leading universities such as Cambridge Univeristy, Hyper Island and University of Arts London, Queen Mary University; for cultural institutions like the National Portrait Gallery, V&A and Tate, and for non-profit organisations including Oxfam, UNICEF, akt, Stonewall & Girlguiding.
She’s a storyteller at heart, infusing humour and empathy into my presentations to diffuse the tension some people feel when tackling so-called ‘tricky topics’. She has a unique ability to connect with diverse audiences, from youngsters to seasoned professionals.
Example talks
-
This talk dismantles common misconceptions surrounding neurodiversity and neurodivergence, advocating for genuine inclusion of neurodivergent individuals in organizations. It explores the benefits of embracing neurodiversity, addressing legal, ethical, and business imperatives. Offering practical support and solutions, the talk emphasizes the essential role of inclusivity in ensuring organizational success and innovation.
-
This talk explores the essential nature of including LGBTQ+ people within workplaces and the benefit it brings for all. We are living in challenging times: more and more LGBTQ+ people are coming out and yet restrictions are being placed on our lives every single day. As author of Outrage: Why The Fight for LGBTQ+ Equality Is Not Yet Won And What We Can Do About It, Ellen will explore the interconnectedness of LGBTQ+ rights with broader social justice issues, this talk advocates for inclusivity as both a moral imperative and a strategic advantage.
-
Disabled people and their families have a spending power of 13 trillion dollars every year - more than China - and yet businesses regularly exclude this key demographic. In this talk, I’ll take you through the critical issue of disability exclusion in workplaces worldwide. We discuss how excluding 1/4 of the global population who are disabled not only contravenes legal and moral obligations but also stifles organizational innovation and progress. Through practical strategies for fostering inclusivity in the workplace, I advocate for a shift towards universal design principles and accommodations. Ultimately, by prioritizing disability inclusion, workplaces can unlock the full potential of their workforce and cultivate a more diverse, equitable, and innovative environment for all.
-
This talk emphasizes the crucial role of inclusive marketing in today's competitive brand landscape. We explore how embracing diversity and inclusivity isn't just ethical but strategically essential for businesses aiming to connect with diverse audiences and differentiate themselves from competitors. We explore practical strategies for implementing inclusive marketing practices, such as conducting audience research, collaborating with diverse creators and influencers, and ensuring representation across all marketing channels. By embedding inclusivity into every aspect of the marketing process, businesses can foster genuine connections with consumers and build brands that resonate on a deeper level. By authentically representing diverse perspectives and implementing inclusive marketing practices, companies can drive brand loyalty, enhance reputation, and capture market share. This talk serves as a call to action for businesses to prioritize inclusivity in their marketing strategies to thrive in the modern marketplace.
What people say
Most compulsory trainings you forget. Ellen delivered a talk to staff maybe three or four years ago now. I still think of it often - how she took us through some incredibly tricky topics around wellbeing with humour, wit and practical tools. I wish more staff training were like this.
— Staff Member, University of the Arts London.
Ellen delivered a phenomenal talk about neurodiversity for my company. As a neurodivergent person myself, I was a little bit sceptical about whether the talk would be any good as sometimes they aren’t. Ellen was able to hold space for complete newbies and those with lived experience alike with sensitivity, care and respect.
— Staff Member, VoucherCodes
Ellen delivered a 2-day workshop upskilling our Employee Resource Group teams. She united staff - who came from six countries and spoke six languages - handing over tools and information before helping them devise a strategy which has been coming to fruition successfully over the past year.