
DIAL GLOBAL VIRTUAL SUMMIT 19 - 20 MAY 2021
CHANGING LIVES
Together, we’ll join some of the world’s most inspiring and dynamic leaders to explore the impact and changes that have impacted us in the last year.
Leaders from Unilever, Walgreen Boots Alliance, The Co-op, Verizon Media, Alfa Financial, Accenture and many, many more will discuss how key issues in diversity and equity are changing people’s lives around the world.
Don’t miss these candid, in-depth panel discussions exploring the most pivotal and critical issues facing diversity, equality and inclusion leaders around the globe. Reserve your free place today.
19th May 11:30am - 6:45pm BST
20th May 11:30am - 6:45pm BST
Our last two summits reached 200,000+ worldwide STREAMS & over 2,000+ ATTENDEES from leading global organisations!
Catch up on the previous summit highlights here
Stay tuned for speaker announcements coming up...


SIMON EAVES
MARKET UNIT LEAD – UKI
ACCENTURE

ANDREW DENTON
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
ALFA

PETE MARKEY
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
BOOTS UK

SHIRINE KHOURY-HAQ
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CO-OP

SIAN GABBIDON
PRESENTER

KELLY NAGEL
PRESIDENT & GM
JABRA

KIMBERLEE ARCHIBALD BRADSHAW
DIRECTOR OF BRAND & DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
HUAWEI

LIU BATCHELOR
CREATIVE PRODUCER & PRESENTER

LA MONDRE POUGH
CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER
RUH GLOBAL IMPACT

SHIRINE KHOURY-HAQ
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CO-OP

GURU GOWRAPPAN
EXECUTIVE VP & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
VERIZON MEDIA

KELLY NAGEL
PRESIDENT & GM
JABRA

LIANNA BRINDED
DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
VERIZON MEDIA

STEVE MURRELLS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CO-OP

MARC DONOVAN
CHIEF PHARMACIST
BOOTS UK

NATHAN COE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
AUTOTRADER

ALICE CHOI
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
MCCANN HEALTH MEDICAL COMMUNICATIONS

DEBBIE HEWITT MBE
PLURAL NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SAM ALLEN
MANAGING PARTNER
SAM ALLEN ASSOCIATES

STEVE INGHAM
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PAGEGROUP

MUNNAWAR CHISHTY
GLOBAL VICE PRESIDENT & MARKETING DIRECTOR BEAUTY
WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE

BUTA ATWAL
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
WRIGHTBUS

AMAZIN LE THI
ACTIVIST
PUBLIC SPEAKER
FOUNDER OF AMAZIN LE THI FOUNDATION

KWOKLYN WAN
PROFESSIONAL CHEF &
AUTHOUR

ANDREW PEARCE
MANAGING DIRECTOR
ACCENTURE

MISTY GAITHER
DIRECTOR & GLOBAL HEAD OF DIVERSITY INCLUSION & BELONGING
INDEED.COM

LEILA MCKENZIE-DELIS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
DIAL GLOBAL

SIAN GABBIDON
PRESENTER AND FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
SIANMARIE.COM

JOHN MCCALLA LEACY
TECHNOLOGY M&A
KPMG

SILKE MUENSTER
CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER
PHILIP MORRIS INTERNATIONAL

MARGOT SLATTERY
GLOBAL DIVERSITY & INCLUSION OFFICER
SODEXO

TAMI ERWIN
EXECUTIVE VP & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
VERIZON BUSINESS

MARCUS RYDER MBE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF NEW MEDIA
CAIXIN GLOBAL

ALEX UY
TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIST DIRECTOR
MICROSOFT

REGINA CURRY
CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON

PEPI SAPPAL
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
FAIRPLAY TALKS

TINSHA AGRAMONTE
CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER
MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS

ZEINA HATEM POPOVIC
MANAGING DIRECTOR
EMEA PAYMENTS BUSINESS

AMANDA MCCALLA-LEACY
GLOBAL INCLUSION & DIVERSITY LEAD
ACCENTURE

NAOMI SESAY
KEYNOTE SPEAKER ON RACE FLUENCY, INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP AND QUANTUM D&I

EMMA BROWNE
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
ALFA

DIANE LIGHTFOOT
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
BUSINESS DISABILITY FORUM

JEROEN WELS
EVP HR FOR BEAUTY & PERSONAL CARE & TALENT
UNILEVER

COLLETTE KING
HR DIRECTOR
STUDIO RETAIL

ALESSANDRO VENTURA
CIO AND VP ANALYTICS AND BUSINESS SERVICES - NORTH AMERICA
UNILEVER

AARON HARVEY
CO-FOUNDER, ADVOCATE & PRINCIPAL
THE MADE FOR MILLIONS FOUNDATION

STEVE ROWE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
MARKS & SPENCER

JANAKY GRANT
CHIEF LEARNING OFFICER
OLAM
WEDNESDAY 19th MAY 2021
PANEL 1 12PM - 12:45PM BST | CEO Panel 2020 COVID & Economic Crisis – How does crisis impact the D&I Agenda?
All of our lives have changed in the last year as people, countries, governments and businesses have had to navigate the COVID19 crisis. 2020 was a rollercoaster year with everyone on the planet feeling the impact of COVID-19 and the economic crisis – but what has that meant for the D&I agenda at organisations? When crisis hits, how do organisations and leaders stay on track?
In this session we will cover: how our leaders have been able to keep diversity and inclusion on the agenda in the midst of a crisis, what steps they took to ensure their workforce was supported and taken care of in the turbulent times of 2020 as well as their candid reflections on what they got right and what they got wrong and what actions were true game changers.
PANEL 2 1PM - 1:45PM BST | The Reality of Being a ‘Trailblazer’
The world often remembers and celebrates the ‘first person’ to do something and we’ve gathered some truly amazing trailblazers to share their stories with you. Whether they made history in politics, fashion, science, or entertainment, these people have helped changed the course of history for the better. But being the first in anything is a struggle with many seen and unseen obstacles that challenge the opportunity of success.
We’ll hear from our trailblazers about their personal stories and also hear the highs and lows of what it took for them to ‘make it’. We’ll also speak to them about their position as a role model for the next generation to follow. And learn about the impact they have had on the people in their lives and organisations.
PANEL 3 2PM - 2:45PM BST | How Women in Technology are changing all our lives
It’s common knowledge that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) fields have historically been dominated by men. With so many of our biggest challenges rooted in science, tech, engineering, and math, STEM careers are some of the most powerful ways to make positive change in the world. To get, and keep, more women in STEM, we need to show girls that STEM careers align with their interests, values, and desire to make an impact.
Today we will hear from some amazing role models working in STEM about how they have blazed their trails and how they are changing our lives through their work.
PANEL 4 3PM - 3:45PM BST | How Technology is Changing Lives for People with Disabilities
One of technology’s most fundamental purposes is empowering people to do more. Those of us with visible and invisible disabilities are always on the lookout for newly conceived tools and products that can help make life even better. And while new technologies and tools help improve quality of life – it also makes good business sense. If a million more disabled people could work, the UK economy alone would grow 1.7%, or £45bn ($64bn), says disability charity Scope.
Today’s panelists will discuss the new technology and advancements that are changing people’s lives at home and at work. We’ll hear how companies and brands around the world are making changes to improve inclusion of people with disabilities in their workforces and changes to ensure their products are accessible to everyone. Our experts will dive deep to discuss this powerful intersection between accessibility and technology.
PANEL 5 4PM - 4:45PM BST | Exploring Mental Health with Verizon Media
The last year has seen a soar in economic, health, and social uncertainty which has had a huge impact on mental health and wellness bot inside and outside of work. We have been bombarded with a plethora of negative news stories from every channel and news outlet around the world - but how do we go about managing our wellness in difficult times?
In this session, we'll hear from Guru Gowrappan, Executive VP and Group CEO at Verizon Media & others about their thoughts on mental health and some insights from Yahoo Life and other media experts about the importance of regulating what we read/consume to ensure positive mental wellness and mood.
PANEL 6 5PM - 5:45PM BST | CEO Panel: Collaboration not Competition: How the last 12 months have changed lives
Over the last twelve months, the world has seen changes and events like never before. From lockdowns and travel bans, to mass demonstrations against police brutality and racism – much has changed in the last year. But are we better off? Have we made any gains? While 2020 could have driven us apart, there have been amazing and inspirational examples of how it has also brought us all together. In 2020, we even saw many examples of direct competitors collaborating together to drive change.
In this panel, we’ll hear from leading CEO’s on how their lives have changed over the last 12 months, how their companies have changed and how their diversity policies have changed. They’ll discuss what impact they are having on changing people’s lives and what real progress has been made.
PANEL 7 6PM - 6:45PM BST | Leadership in the new ‘Normal’
If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that leadership in today's world requires a wide range of hard and soft skills. Being real, authentic and transparent is critical. As is being flexible and adapting to swiftly changing situations. Partners, vendors, and clients don't want to be associated with companies that aren't transparent about the way they do business--and the masses don't want to support companies whose actions don't align with their mission statements.
Being an effective leader today, and especially while navigating our "new normal," isn’t easy. In today’s panel we’ll hear how leaders are navigating this?
PANEL 8 12PM - 12:45PM BST | Changing Boardrooms – Attracting Diverse Talent
The reality is that for many businesses, diversity is still a 'nice to have' not a strategic imperative. But companies that are driven to succeed, know that attracting diverse talent in the boardroom and top leadership positions can keep them one step ahead of the rest. Those companies are committed to levelling the playing field for executive and non-executive talent, finding opportunities for women, ethnic minority, LGBT+ , neuro diverse and supporting inclusion for disability in all its forms and other diverse candidates.
But finding the right candidates who want to join your leadership team can be hard…..or is it? In today’s session, we’ll hear from top executives about their strategies for attract and retaining the best talent in the market. They’ll share their advice and best practice for recruiting high performance and diverse teams.
PANEL 9 1PM - 1:45PM BST | Does the UK media have a racism problem?
Whether in news reports or popular culture, the media can generate and influence how we perceive stories and people. Looking across headlines, it often seems that journalism’s end product — what we see and what we read — isn’t always fair depending on who and what they are reporting on. With institutions around the world looking at their practices for systemic racism, do the media also need to take a hard look at themselves?
In this panel, our experts will talk about the responsibility journalist have to report unbiased news and ethics in sensationalised headlines that sell. We’ll also hear the thoughts and opinions from people working in traditional and new world media as they talk about whether racism exists in the media and if so, what steps are needed to address it.
PANEL 10 2PM - 2:45PM BST | A Crisis within a Crisis – How Isolation due to COVID is worsening intimate partner violence
One in 4 women and one in 10 men experience intimate partner violence (IPV), and violence can take various forms: it can be physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological. People of all races, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, socioeconomic classes, and religions experience IPV. However, such violence has a disproportionate effect on communities of colour and other marginalized groups. Economic instability, unsafe housing, neighbourhood violence, and lack of safe and stable child care and social support can worsen already tenuous situations.
In this panel we’ll speak to change-making leaders about how are they are addressing this serious situation with their teams. We’ll learn how are they communicating the message that people are not alone and there is help and support available. We’ll find out what types of guidance and education are they giving to managers to raise the awareness and respond to this fragile situation and discover what can every one of us do to raise awareness, acknowledge and help our friends, colleagues and families.
PANEL 11 3PM - 3:45PM BST | Moving beyond ‘optics’ - How to evolve from ‘feel-good’ optics to creating real and measurable change?
In this powerful session, we'll hear from leaders on the importance of turning words into action and how the D and I focus has shifted beyond the “feel-good” rhetoric and positive optics of diversity. How have each of them ensured measurable change is happening in their own organisations?
They’ll share the impact this has had not only on their teams, but on their business performance – both positive and negative. You’ll learn about their own public commitments to drive equality and diversity and the lessons they’ve learnt along the way about what works and what doesn’t, as well as their unique stories that will help us see that there is no ‘one-way’ to make progress but understand how we can all reach our destinations in different ways.
PANEL 12 4PM - 4:45PM BST | #Stop Asian Hate
Hate crimes committed against Asian Americans in major US cities last year rose by nearly 150 percent. And police data in the United Kingdom indicate a 300 percent rise in hate crimes toward people of Asian descent in the first quarter of 2020 compared with the same period in the previous two years.
As stark as these numbers are, they don’t capture the fear, anger, and grief that Asian communities are feeling. In this special panel, Asian leaders raise their voices and share their stories—on what Asian identity means, what allies can do to support them, and how they are processing this moment.
PANEL 13 5PM - 5:45PM BST | CMO's: How actively showing diversity in advertising is changing lives
Why we need to show diverse faces/abilities in advertising What makes you purchase a product? Typically, it’s something you can see yourself using and the imagery the company puts forth in its advertising should reinforce that. But, according to a survey conducted by Adobe, as many as 120 million Americans — especially Blacks, Asian Americans and Latino/Hispanic Americans — don’t feel they’re represented in advertising, and say it has an impact on them and which products they purchase.
And what about people with disabilities – do they also use your products. The world of marketing and advertising is changing rapidly as they realise people want to see people like themselves on TV, magazines, as heroes and heroines of their own lives. We will speak to marketing leaders and executives in the advertising world to discuss how representing diversity is changing lives.
PANEL 14 6PM - 6:45PM BST | A Year on from George Floyd - What still needs to be done?
25th of May marks one year since the killing of George Floyd. A lot has changed since his death, but not nearly enough. In today’s panel we’ll talk to leaders to discuss and acknowledge all the deep work and change that has happened since that day.
We have seen global tributes and protests. We have seen many world's biggest brands and companies pledge their support for the Black Lives Matter movement and look deep inside their organisations to address systemic racism.
In this panel, we’re hear personal reflections from our leaders about the best changes to have come out of this tragedy and what more still needs to be done.