This is D&I for a white guy.

Let's be honest about D&I (Diversity & Inclusion), it can be tricky, head scratching, complicated - even the acronyms can be confusing.

That’s why I want to create a new kind of leadership space. I’m here to challenge the usual way of doing things, and I believe real change starts with those who traditionally hold power - people who look like me - the “reference man”.

This is where we learn to embrace our differences, beyond the corporate fluff, in a way that's human.

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The reference man. A young man with dark hair and light skin is wearing a black polo shirt and using a headset microphone. He appears to be mid-speech or presentation on a stage with purple and orange background lighting.

More specifically, "reference man" is often defined as a male between 20-30 years old, weighing 70 kg, and standing 180 cm tall, and is of Western European background. - Google Search

"Reference man" is a hypothetical or idealised representation of a typical adult male, used as a standard in various fields, with the goal of standardising results and relating biological effects to a common base…

My Services

A man is giving a presentation in front of a large digital screen displaying an image of two young men looking at a smartphone. The screen shows text about 'we're unique together' and includes a blue and white background in a conference room.

Workshops

I run workshops that are less about theory and more about the messy, human conversations we often avoid. My job is to create a safe space where we can drop the corporate BS, talk openly, and get to the heart of what's holding your team back.

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Group of people sitting on tiered wooden seating, engaging in a discussion or presentation in a modern, plant-filled room.

Consulting

A decade working in the DEIB space has moulded my approach where I roll up my sleeves and get in the trenches with you. I get beyond generic strategy to uncover what’s really going on, helping you build a human-first culture where people feel seen, safe, and truly supported.

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Who I am

I’m Tom, and my journey into leadership and inclusion began in a place you might not expect: the shop floor of a major UK retailer. It was there, as a young manager, that I saw firsthand what great leadership looked like, and more often, what it didn't. That experience taught me a core truth: genuine impact comes from building people up, not tearing them down.

Today, I’m leaning into my position as - the 'Reference Man' - the standard that science, business, and medicine often use to represent all of humanity. He’s 180cm, 70kg, and of Western European descent.

I happen to be that guy (anatomically).

My work is to use that position - that immense privilege - to challenge what it means to be the ‘standard’. I'm here to show that when you're the default, you have a unique opportunity to lead the charge for a more human, compassionate, and better world.

I don’t claim to be an expert in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, or Belonging (DEIB), but a joyful, curious, and relatable guide on the journey.

  • "You can’t underestimate the impact you’ve had on this business. Phenomenal."

    Cheif Customer Officer - VMO2

  • "You’ve truly made a difference in the lives of others, and I couldn’t be more grateful for everything you’ve done in the DE&I space and beyond."

    CRM Manager - Tesco Mobile

  • "The interns raved about your session. Class act."

    Talent Operations Manager - Checkout

  • "A true leader in this space"

    Global Accessibility CoE Lead - Unilever

  • "Really interactive and ignited some great conversations"

    Agile Tribe Leader - Tesco