“You can’t transform without diversity.”

In this episode of the Inclusive Growth Show, Toby Mildon speaks with Aaron Barnes, former Managing Director of Parcelforce and now a consultant in operational excellence and leadership development.

Aaron shares his powerful journey of confronting and transforming a lack of gender diversity at senior levels in Parcelforce. When faced with the challenge of doubling business revenue, he realised that a homogeneous leadership team posed a significant risk to change. His data-driven and deeply personal approach led to the creation of employee resource groups, allyship campaigns, mentoring schemes, and recruitment reform.

Key takeaways:

• Why Aaron saw a lack of diversity as a strategic risk
• The power of engagement surveys and what lies beneath the surface
• How to overcome resistance and “collateral damage” when championing inclusion
• Real-life examples of second-generation gender bias in action
• How inclusive growth can lead to personal and organisational transformation

Guest highlight: Aaron Barnes, ex-Parcelforce MD, now leading his own consultancy, shares honest, actionable lessons for leaders driving change.

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