Pride in Leadership National Conference 2025

Pride in Leadership is pulling together a full day of brilliant talks, masterclasses and networking opportunities, and we expect over 200 LGBTQ+ leaders, aspiring leaders and allies in attendance.

Book your place online now  – or contact claire@onthelevelconsultancy.com to arrange invoice or BACS payment for multiple bookings.

We have also created a Pay if Forward ticket for those who would like to buy a ticket for someone who can’t afford it.

 

Designed to support LGBTQ+ leaders and aspiring leaders across sectors, our inaugural Annual Conference is not-to-be-missed.

Venue – The Grosvenor, Manchester, M1 7DZ

Agenda

08.30 – Registration and networking

09.00 – Introduction and opening

09.25 – Panel discussion – Leading with Pride in Challenging Times, with Laila El-Metoui and Kamran Khan

10.25 – TED style talk with Pam Burrows

10.45 – Break and networking

11.15 – Masterclass A &  Masterclass B (details below)

12.15 – Lunch and networking

13.15 – Talk | Quietly Catalytic – the introvert’s guide to leadership – with Bobbi Pickard

14.05 – Break – return to masterclasses

14.25 – Masterclass C & Masterclass D (details below)

15.25 – Break

15.50 – Keynote speech – The Power of Words: How what we say shapes who we become – with Joanne Lockwood

16.50 – Closing remarks

5pm – Networking drinks, food, and music from DJ Ian Breen.

7.30pm – Close

Book your place online now – or contact claire@onthelevelconsultancy.com to arrange invoice or BACS payment for multiple bookings.

 

Huge thanks to Crowe UK, Trowers and Hamlins,  Charity People, SAZ MEDIA and Shoosmiths for their support.

Speaker bios

Joanne Lockwood is an internationally recognised Inclusive Culture Expert, keynote speaker, and advocate for equality and belonging. A queer trans woman with a powerful personal story, she blends lived experience with deep professional insight. Joanne has spoken across Europe, North America, and beyond, helping leaders turn inclusion from awareness into everyday action. Her warmth, humour, and humanity make complex topics accessible, ensuring audiences leave both inspired and equipped to make real change happen.

Joanne is our keynote speaker, and will be talking about The Power of Words: How what we say shapes who we become.

 

Hannah Kennedy-Bardell served as the MP for Livingston from 2015 to 2024. During her nine years in Parliament, she held senior roles as her party’s spokesperson on Trade, Business and Digital, and Culture, Media & Sport, and was a member of the Panel of Chairs, overseeing legislation and parliamentary debates. She also represented the UK at the Council of Europe, serving on the Human Rights and Legal Affairs Committee as rapporteur on issues including drugs policy, press freedom, and the protection of human rights defenders.

Hannah built a reputation as a passionate advocate on issues ranging from LGBTQ+ rights, women’s health and equality, poverty and single parent families, to women’s sport, contaminated blood, and the Primodos pregnancy drug scandal. She also founded and chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Deaths Abroad and Consular Assistance.

Before entering politics, Hannah worked as a TV producer with GMTV, as an adviser to the First Minister of Scotland, and in senior communications and change management roles in the energy industry. She also advised the US Department of State on political affairs and protocol, and led crisis communications during major incidents including the Wikileaks revelations, Donald Trump’s Aberdeenshire golf course dispute, and a fatal helicopter accident in the North Sea.

Today, Hannah draws on this breadth of experience in her work on leadership, training, and communications, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ and equalities issues. She continues to contribute as a media commentator and aspiring filmmaker, driven by a passion for using communication to navigate the challenges of our time.

 

Bobbi Pickard is Chief Executive of Trans in the City, an organisation she founded in response to seeing a lack of co-operative working between global corporates to help the trans and non-binary community. It is now global, with over 350 major organisations collaborating on furthering trans awareness across the world.

With many years global diversity and inclusion experience along with senior operational and programme management experience in the banking, trading, technology and energy sectors she is extremely active in all areas of diversity and speaks at many events around the world on LGBTQIA+ inclusion in business, trans issues and diversity and inclusion in industry.

Bobbi is a Patron of FFLAG and of Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, a very proud golden champion of Stonewall Housing and a champion of Chippenham Pride, a delegate for the UK United Nations Compact on Equality for Women and a Diversity Role Model. She is the first trans person ever to close the London Stock Exchange, was voted #1 in the Yahoo Finance OUTstanding 50 LGBT+ Future Leaders’ List 2019, #4 in 2020, included in the PWC Stonewall 50 Inspirational Role Models 2019, was winner of the Rainbow Honours LGBTQ Champion Award 2019, the Nestle Diversity Champion Award at the 2020 British LGBT awards, placed #14 in the Pride Power List 2020, 12 in 2021, was a business nominee in the 2021 Diva Awards, winner of the Diversity Hero Award at the European Diversity Awards 2021 and was awarded Changemaker of the Year 2022 by Stonewall. She has raised over £500K for LGBTIQA charities in the last 10 years.

After very many years when she struggled to stay alive she now finds such joy in life – that joy does not extend to tomatoes, aniseed or sultanas! She plays guitar, bass and sings, enjoys painting, has two grown up children, a Cavapoo puppy and lives in Wiltshire.

 

Laïla El-Métoui (pronounced: ‘lila el-mehtwee’) is a multi-award-winning Equity and Wellbeing Educator and Human Rights Campaigner, with nearly 40 years of experience driving inclusion and social justice across public, private, and charity sectors.

As a global consultant, Laïla designs and delivers transformative learning experiences that create lasting organisational change. Fluent in multiple languages and bringing deep cultural sensitivity to her work, she connects effectively with leaders and communities worldwide, offering strategic consultancy on psychological safety, diversity, equity and inclusion, and systemic change.

Laïla has founded Pride in Education, Educating Out Racism, SWANA Queers (formerly UK Queer Arabs), Proud London Councils, and Embassy Model Summit. She has been named on the 2025 DIVA Power List, myGwork’s Top 20 Trailblazing Lesbians, served as a UN Women UK Delegate, and received Stonewall’s 2020 Lesbian Role Model of the Year award.

Living with an invisible disability, Laïla brings authentic understanding to the complexities of intersectional identity and remains a powerful advocate for systemic change, particularly skilled at supporting leaders through challenging political and social contexts.

 

Kamran Khan (He/Him) is a Workforce Transformation Consultant and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Specialist with experience driving systemic change across healthcare, education, government, and the not-for-profit sectors. He is currently leading an Elton John AIDS Foundation pilot to deliver life-changing preventative HIV medication (PrEP) and education to under-represented communities in Liverpool and Sussex.

Coming from a multi-religious, -cultural and -racial household in the UK, Kamran is also a passionate advocate for equity and champions decolonial and intersectional approaches to inclusion. Kamran is committed to fighting for justice and amplifying underrepresented voices. He serves as a volunteer director for Pride in Education, supporting inclusive education in the UK and around the world and also co-founded the Embassy Model Summits.

He was recently featured as one of myGwork’s 27 South Asians advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion (for South Asian Heritage Month) and has served as a UN Women UK Delegate in 2024 and 2025. Kamran is increasingly recognised as a leading figure in the global movement for intersectional LGBTIQA+ inclusion and justice.

 

Pam Burrows | For over 30 years, Pam Burrows has been on a mission to help leaders and teams stress less, smile more, and perform at their best and she does it with a contagious energy that leaves a lasting impact. From boardrooms to international conferences, Pam’s powerful, practical approach to wellbeing has transformed workplaces and won awards, including a European Health and Safety Award for reducing stress in the workplace.

Armed with expertise as a Nursery Nurse, Social Worker, and Master Practitioner in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Pam blends science with heart to create interactive, high-energy sessions that spark real change. A Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association and author of books – Burnout Buster and The CARE Wellbeing Model – she’s not just about theory, she’s about real-world results that help leaders and their people feel good and work smarter.

 

 

Junior Beaman | Junior is a dynamic Executive Coach and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion advocate with a passion for empowering individuals to thrive personally and professionally. With years of experience leading employee resource groups and facilitating inclusion programmes across global organisations, Junior brings deep expertise in creating safe, reflective, and transformative spaces.

As a Platinum-tier facilitator of Google’s global #IAmRemarkable programme, Junior has delivered impactful workshops to hundreds of participants, helping them find the confidence to speak up, share their stories, and own their value. He combines coaching skill, lived experience, and a people-first approach to challenge imposter syndrome and support authentic leadership.

 

 

Catherine Millan | Catherine is a trailblazing advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) with a strong track record of helping organisations and individuals create more inclusive environments. As the Founder and Company Director of Be What You See Consultancy Ltd, she has spent her career breaking barriers, challenging discrimination, and empowering individuals to become champions of inclusion.

Catherine has led EDI initiatives in both national and international settings, designing and delivering training and resources that support the development of inclusive cultures. Her work centres on elevating underrepresented voices, preventing discrimination, and equipping people with the tools to become active allies and inclusive leaders.

Passionate about empowering young people and adults alike, Catherine has developed educational resources, including diverse children’s literature and school programmes, as well as training for professionals looking to build their confidence in EDI practice. Her work is rooted in practical action and meaningful dialogue, helping clients move beyond box-ticking to create real impact.

Whether working with senior leaders, educators, or community groups, Catherine’s work is a catalyst for real change, inspiring individuals and organisations to take meaningful action towards a more just and inclusive world.

 

Anna Marsden | Anna helps professionals create more effective and compassionate workplaces. With over 20 years’ experience as a trainer, coach, and facilitator, she draws on social neuroscience and behavioural insights to empower people and teams to grow and thrive.

A proud member of the LGBTQ+ communities, Anna is dedicated to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. Because of this, her work focuses on the skills needed to navigate today’s evolving world of work, in an ever (dis)connected world.

Since completing her MA thesis on Identity in Cyberspace (2005), Anna has explored how digital and social media transform communication, business, and everyday life. She is passionate about helping people understand themselves, recognise their strengths, and adapt with confidence.

As a certified Barefoot® coach and Emergenetics® practitioner, Anna helps leaders and managers develop self-awareness, enhance communication, and foster inclusive, people-centred workplaces. A social and structural thinker, she designs and delivers interactive, energising programmes that inspire action and lasting growth.

Anna runs Luminescence Communications, and after 10 years working alongside her co-founder wife Anna (yes, really!) she can be found up and down the country in a training room near you!”

Masterclasses 

Masterclass A | Being your own advocate – why self-promotion is a leadership skill (with Junior Beaman)

Inclusion isn’t just about creating space for others – it’s also about claiming space for yourself. Yet for many professionals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, talking openly about their achievements can feel uncomfortable or even risky. This silence comes at a cost: to confidence, to visibility, and to career progression.

#IAmRemarkable is a global initiative that empowers underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond. This practical and empowering session is part of the global #IAmRemarkable movement, designed to help you develop the confidence to speak up, celebrate your accomplishments, and own your worth – without apology.

This masterclass provides a supportive space to explore how cultural norms, internalised bias, and workplace dynamics can hold us back from self-advocacy, and what we can do about it.

You’ll leave with:

• Greater clarity on what makes you remarkable, and how to speak about it with confidence
• The ability to challenge the social perceptions around self-promotion
• Tools to challenge the internal barriers that keep you quiet
• Techniques to track and communicate your achievements without feeling like you’re “bragging”

Whether you’re building a career, leading a team, or stepping into a new opportunity, this workshop helps you reconnect with your voice and realise the power of showing up fully as yourself. Because accomplishments don’t always speak for themselves!

Masterclass B | When they zig, we zag: Unlocking the power of difference in leadership (with Anna Marsden)

In a world that often rewards conformity, truly exceptional leaders dare to zag when everyone else zigs. Inspired by Sir John Hegarty’s iconic creative philosophy – and the spirit of innovation it represents – this Masterclass explores how embracing difference is not just a personal strength, but a strategic advantage in leadership.

Through storytelling, reflection, and practical exercises, participants will discover how their unique perspectives, lived experiences, and authentic voices can fuel innovation, deepen connection, and reshape organisational culture.

During the session you will be invited to create your own ZAG leadership model and develop a personal ZAG Commitment for the future.

Ater the session, you will leave with an increased awareness of how to:

1. Articulate your own sources of distinctiveness and how these contribute to authentic influence.
2. Recognise how embracing difference enhances leadership effectiveness and innovation.
3. Foster a mindset that celebrates individuality while empowering others to do the same.
4. Apply the ZAG Leadership Model to lead more inclusively and courageously.
5. Develop a personal “Zag Commitment” – an actionable way to lead differently.

Whether you are already a leader or not, lead a team, an initiative, or a community, this session will help you reframe your difference as your leadership superpower – empowering you to stand out proudly, purposefully, and powerfully.”

Masterclass C | Finding courage in the moment (with Catherine Millan)

Every leader wants to create an inclusive, respectful workplace, but what happens in those subtle, awkward moments when someone says something inappropriate or exclusionary can determine the real culture of an organisation. Microaggressions often go unchecked not because people don’t care, but because they don’t know how to respond. This session equips you to change that.

Rooted in the evidence-based ‘Active Bystander’ model, this practical and reflective masterclass will help you take meaningful action when it matters most — whether you’re the person being impacted, witnessing behaviour as a colleague, or leading a team where culture is everything.

This session combines deep understanding with a highly practical approach. Catherine brings a wealth of experience supporting leaders across sectors to confidently step into inclusive leadership — even in the moments that feel uncomfortable or uncertain.

You’ll leave with:

• A clear understanding of what microaggressions are, how they show up in professional spaces, and the harm they cause, especially for LGBTQ+ colleagues and clients
• Insight into the four key intervention strategies: Direct, Distract, Delegate, and Delay – and how to choose which one fits the moment
• Tools to confidently challenge problematic behaviour without escalating conflict
• Techniques for embedding inclusive leadership habits that prevent microaggressions before they start
• Space to reflect on your own role in shaping safer, more inclusive environments

This session offers sharp insight, relatable scenarios, and no-fluff strategies you can apply immediately – not just to protect others, but to lead with clarity, courage, and impact.

Masterclass D | The politics of progress: from margins to mainstream
Exploring how minority voices and their issues can shift national agendas, and what business leaders can borrow from those tactics (with Hannah Bardell)

Across history, minority voices have sparked some of the most transformative shifts in politics, policy, and culture. From grassroots activism to national legislation, The first brick of the Stonewall Riots to one wee Swedish girl protesting outside her school. Progress often starts at the edges – often with the smallest of actions – or with people and movements brave enough to challenge the status quo. But how do ideas once seen as radical move into the mainstream? And what can business leaders learn from that journey? 

In this session, Hannah draws on her experience as a former Member of Parliament and an advocate for equality to explore how change really happens — in politics, in organisations, and in society. Blending political insight with practical leadership lessons, this masterclass will help you understand how influence is built, momentum is sustained, and inclusion becomes embedded rather than performative. 

You’ll leave with: 

·                A deeper understanding of how minority movements shift narratives and shape national agendas 

·                Insight into the power of storytelling, strategy, and solidarity in driving meaningful change 

·                Lessons from political leadership that apply directly to inclusive business cultures 

·                Tools for amplifying underrepresented voices within your organisation and sector 

·                Inspiration to lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose — even when the path ahead feels uphill 

This is a session for leaders who want to do more than celebrate progress — they want to create it. Expect honest reflections, real-world examples, and actionable ideas to help you turn values into visible change. 

Our DJ | Ian Breen has been a mainstay of the UK independent/DIY music scene since 2002 – moving between bands and projects of varying style, scale and location, never settling down for too long before forging a new musical path. It’s this sense of adventure that has resulted in a varied musical resume, one that spills over in to Ian’s eclectic DJ sets.

A former member of the forward-thinking collective This City Is Ours, he went on to co-found the DJ duo What Do I Tell My Friends, running acclaimed club nights across the North West and playing iconic events including Homobloc, Manchester Pride, Bollox and Dandy.

Now forging ahead as a solo DJ, Ian with gigs in London, Brighton and Sheffield in 2025, with standout sets over the Manchester Pride weekend at Love Riot (The Deaf Institute) and in the Pride Parade with the University of Manchester. Ian will close the conference on a real high.

 

 

Please note that we do not refund cancelled tickets. We will, however, allow you to transfer them to a friend or colleague, up to a week before the event.

 

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The Pride in Leadership Annual Conference is proudly sponsored by:

 

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