As Trans Awareness Week approaches, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the critical role that diversity and inclusion (D&I) plays in the consulting industry. As the parent of a non-binary child, this week holds personal significance for me and has prompted me to consider my own journey and the profound impact a diversity and inclusion (D&I) mindset has had in fostering understanding and support in both my family life and my professional life.
Our family’s story is remarkable in its ordinariness. When my child was 10, they asked us to use they/them pronouns and call them Max. My husband and I respected their request, and over several months, we discussed this change as a family. The name change came more easily than the pronoun shift, but eventually, we transitioned – a realisation that only struck me recently, highlighting the ongoing need for continuing to build D&I awareness across our personal and professional communities.
At 11, we met with Max’s school counsellor to ensure their name and pronouns were supported. The school was incredibly accommodating, changing Max’s name on the internal school rosters and providing a gender-neutral bathroom without us having to ask. At 16, we officially changed their name, and now, nearly a decade into our journey it is a natural part of our lives.
I attribute the general ease of acceptance our family has had of Max’s transition to some key principles that universally apply, whether it is acceptance of things you may not understand or supporting clients across the challenging landscape of consulting. It requires meeting people where they are, staying present to other’s points of view, and having the right tools and information to share.
As consultants, individually we stay informed on what our clients are experiencing, as well as trends and technologies available. For those who have established D&I programs these principles are likely part of your firm’s culture today. As contributors to Trans Awareness, we likewise need to use these principles, D&I best practices and leverage appropriate opportunities to lend our voices, share knowledge and amplify impact.
Meeting our clients where they are includes having a D&I mindset, partnering with organisations like Trans in the City and the MCA D&I working group can bolster this view throughout our collective profession. Trans in the City is a social enterprise run by trans people that aims to promote trans equality and inclusion in business and beyond. They provide training for companies to raise awareness of trans and non-binary issues, ranging from introductory “Trans 101” sessions to bespoke events tailored to a business’ specific needs.
This training helps build understanding and support for trans colleagues among the wider workforce. Specifically for younger persons just getting started in their careers, like Max, Trans in the City also provides representation and inspiration through passionate role models and speakers. Seeing successful trans professionals helps foster a sense of belonging and encourages younger trans individuals to bring their whole authentic selves to their careers.
The consulting industry, like many others, benefits immensely from diversity, equity and inclusion. The MCA’s Annual Industry Report 2024 highlights the sector’s growth and its increasing focus on diversity. D&I programmes play a crucial role in this landscape by enhancing understanding, and helping consultancies better serve diverse client bases. For example, Mott Macdonald has seen a 20% rise in client satisfaction scores since implementing D&I initiatives focused on trans and non-binary inclusion. And a decision intelligence organisation that actively studies business performance, consistently reports that teams with greater diversity are 80% more likely to make better business decisions compared to less diverse teams. Our combined experience and the data show that fostering an inclusive workplace supports a thriving consulting industry that delivers exceptional value to clients and communities alike.
There are many ways consulting firms can add to their D&I programs. Trans in the City organises and participates in events across the UK to support and raise awareness for the trans and non-binary community. For example, earlier this year, the MCA member consulting firm that I work for, North Highland, launched our sponsorship of Trans in the City during Pride Month. We held a panel discussion that highlighted how trans inclusion is a priority for an increasing number of clients, and how most people likely work with someone (colleague or client) who is trans/non-binary or has a trans/non-binary loved one. It’s inspiring to see more management consultancies and MCA member companies like ours and Mott Macdonald – as well as other major consulting firms – sponsor organisations like Trans in the City, who are working with many of our clients to help raise awareness, educate, and create safe and inclusive workplaces.
As Max moves from university into their career, I’m grateful to know that there are communities to support them and advocate for a more trans-inclusive future. Everyone deserves the opportunity to safely, securely and fairly participate in the workforce and live their life authentically. In the consulting world, this inclusive approach translates to better services for clients, more diverse teams bringing fresh perspectives to complex problems, and a more robust industry overall. Our sector is growing and evolving, and organisations like Trans in the City are at the forefront of this positive change.
During Trans Awareness Week, let’s reflect on the progress made and the work still to be done. Whether you’re a consultant, a business leader, or an individual ally, there are ways to contribute. You can educate yourself and others, advocate for inclusive policies in your workplace, support and amplify trans and non-binary voices, and consider partnering with or sponsoring initiatives like Trans in the City. In our case, having both the understanding that it is best to meet everyone where they are and an openness to diversity and inclusion made a world of difference. It’s heartening to know that there are so many working to create more supportive spaces like these, and that Max will be able to continue to be my remarkable child everywhere.
Kriste Elia, North Highland, Master Practitioner, Technology – Data & Analytics