Since I joined in 2011 Allianz has changed a lot. It’s much more multicultural and the business has actively pursued its inclusion and diversity strategy.

I co-founded our Employee Network for Race and International Cultural Heritage (ENRICH) in late 2018. We’re a well-supported, vibrant, active community of members of all backgrounds. We provide support, networking opportunities and our mission is to help our colleagues gain confidence, help the business become more culturally aware and reap the myriad benefits of inclusion. ENRICH organises awareness events, networking opportunities and celebrates international culture but we also shape the direction of the company; via input to HR policy, meeting with D&I Steerco that ExCo members including our CEO sit on and enhancing the skills of our members.

Through ENRICH’s work last year, the business signed up to a key race charter and we also created a Race at Work group comprised of key influential senior leaders to drive organisational and policy change. In May 2021 we undertook an in-depth Race at Work survey for all employees to tell us about their experiences and that’s now setting the priorities for the action we’re taking to further enhance the working experience for all.

Being part of our thriving employee network community has allowed me to grow professionally, expanded my thinking and created opportunities to influence the company, both nationally and globally. This isn’t always easy in a large corporate organisation, but it demonstrates Allianz’s commitment that the networks are pushing things forward for all employees, which helps our customers and positively influences society at large.

Since starting my career at Allianz insurance it has been clear that Diversity and Inclusion is important to the organisation and there is a clear commitment to ensure people from all

backgrounds are included. No matter your religion, race, gender or sexuality, you matter – and this extends to our customers, partners and suppliers in all their diversity.

I came out as transgender during the global pandemic and soon after accepted a position as Allianz Pride UK Network Co-Leader as well as the very first Allianz transgender ambassador. These positions have given my voice even more power, which now reaches beyond Allianz UK to influence Allianz as a global organisation.

Supported by our incredible COO Stephanie Smith, our Allianz Pride UK network regularly holds events to raise awareness of a range of issues affecting the LGBTQ community. We work to break down harmful stereotypes and strive to make a real difference within the insurance industry when it comes to furthering LGBTQ inclusion. To us, this means supporting the LGBTQ community every day of the year, rather than simply flying the flag during Pride month.

Allianz has introduced gender neutral facilities to support transgender and gender-fluid employees, and offered me a platform in my position as transgender ambassador to run a number of educational webinars and seminars. These initiatives are examples of the positive action Allianz has taken to bring its diversity and inclusion strategy to life and create a workplace culture that truly embraces everyone.

Allianz is a world-wide family that doesn’t rely on empty words or promises – the company truly champions change and understands the value of welcoming and supporting people from all walks of life.

Insurance is no longer suits and ties. I believe our company celebrates diversity, and offers a fantastic opportunity to those wanting to make a difference in the course of their career. If you want to be yourself and live authentically Allianz will support you, and it is with that that I know I will be with Allianz for my entire working life.