Lopa Patel MBE joined social enterprise The Sustainable Place’s ‘Rethinking Diversity & Inclusion in a post-COVID World’ panel debate on Friday 12 November 2021 at the Oriental Club in Central London. The panel, which also included Roger Griffith MBE, Shravan Joshi MBE and Dr Zhen Ye discussed the importance of diversity in the modern workforce and how it is integral to create a better and more inclusive society.
In the last decade, we have seen many corporations and professional services firms have increasingly begun to regard inclusion and diversity as a key enabler of growth. Governments also see a more diverse workforce as a key to promote social inclusion and strengthen the society. Yet, the overall progress on cultural and gender representatives has still been slow, with many organisations being uncertain as to how diversity and inclusion initiatives can support their growth and long-term value creation. In particular, many companies appear to be viewing diversity as a “luxury we cannot afford” during the COVID-19 crisis.
We believe that the crisis reveals how inclusion and diversity matter more than ever, as the impact will be felt not just on an organisation’s profitability but also in people’s lives and the wider society. We are pleased to invite our speakers, Lopa Patel MBE, Roger Griffith MBE, Shravan Joshi MBE and Dr. Zhen Ye sharing their own perspectives of diversity that go beyond gender and ethnicity, reflecting on the challenges they face throughout their career journey, and suggesting ways that how the organisations and professional services firms should approach diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Lopa Patel MBE is a serial digital entrepreneur and holds senior positions in various social enterprises and public organisations. She received her MBE for services to the UK’s creative industries and an honorary doctorate in recognition of her efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in science and technology and broader contribution to British industry, society and culture.
Roger Griffith MBE is passionate in sharing cultural stories, global observations on race and social inequality. He is the CEO of Creative Connex and was also the former CEO/Chair of Ujima Radio. He was awarded an MBE for his services to Diversity and Arts in 2019.
Shravan Joshi MBE is an elected member of the City of London where he sits on several committees including the main Policy Committee. He is a protagonist for improving Equality, Diversity & Inclusion within the City Corporation and within the financial services sector.
Dr. Zhen Ye is a barrister at 3 Paper Buildings chamber. She is passionate in improving diversity within the legal profession. She is also known to be the first Mainland Chinese professional to be called to the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple.
The Sustainable Place ‘Rethinking Diversity & Inclusion in a post-COVID World’ panel debate took place on Friday 12 November 2021 from 6.00pm – 8.00pm at the Oriental Club, London.
About The Sustainable Place
The Sustainable Place is a social enterprise founded in 2021 by a group of like-minded people who believe that a sustainable society can only be achieved through collaboration and determination.
Our vision is to convene a collaborative community of people who are passionate about social, economic and environmental change. We want to take the step in bringing together fellow members around their area of expertise to share learning, explore opportunities for collaboration and spark new thinking.
For further information, visit https://www.thesustainableplace.org/