Holding Purpose When the World Pushes Back

Facilitated by Lisa Shoko.

Organisations are navigating a period of profound change. Political polarisation, anti-DEI backlash, economic uncertainty, workforce pressures, technological disruption, and increasing scrutiny of equity initiatives have created a challenging environment for those leading Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism (IDEA) work.

Traditional approaches to organisational change often assume stability and predictability. Yet many leaders and practitioners now find themselves operating in environments that are increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous, brittle, anxious, non-linear and at times incomprehensible.

This session explores how the concepts of VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) and BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-Linear and Incomprehensible) can help us understand the challenges facing IDEA work today.

About the Facilitator 

Lisa Shoko is a senior leader in anti-racism, equity and organisational change with extensive experience supporting healthcare organisations to address inequity through governance, leadership, workforce improvement and cultural transformation. As Anti-Racism Programme Lead at University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, she leads work to embed anti-racism across organisational systems, decision-making and accountability structures.

Lisa facilitates strategic discussions with boards, executive teams and system partners, helping organisations strengthen accountability, improve staff and patient outcomes, and deliver sustainable change. She is known for creating environments where people can engage honestly with complex issues while remaining focused on practical outcomes. Her approach combines strategic thinking, evidence, lived experience and a strong understanding of how organisations create and sustain change.

Alongside her NHS role, Lisa holds regional leadership responsibilities as Deputy Chair for the C&M EDI Network and the Chair of the Liverpool City Region Race Equality Panel and contributes to national conversations on race equity, leadership and system change, bringing a practical and evidence-informed perspective to improving outcomes for staff, patients and communities.