The Power of Inclusive Leadership

Sharon Amesu is a multi-award winning Professional Speaker who started her career in Law. She was a Criminal Barrister for 16 years with a successful practice across the Northwest of England. Sharon now runs a Consultancy that supports organisations with Leadership Development and Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. As a Professional Speaker, Sharon is invited to speak to national and international audiences on Women in Leadership, Inclusive Leadership and Leading with Courage.

Sharon is a Founding Fellow of the Society of Leadership Fellows, St George’s House, Windsor Castle, a former Industry Fellow of the University of Salford Business School, and former Branch Chair for the Institute of Directors. Sharon is a member of the Northwest Business Leadership Team and is a Board member of The Hallé Orchestra.  Sharon was recognised as a Northern Power Woman in the prestigious in the Northern Power Women list of 2021.

Catherine Millan is a trailblazing advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), transforming education and business landscapes with her bold and innovative approach. As the Founder and Company Director of Be What You See Consultancy Ltd, she has spent her career breaking barriers, challenging discrimination, and empowering individuals to become champions of inclusion.

With a global footprint in designing and leading groundbreaking discrimination prevention programmes, Catherine has worked tirelessly to elevate the voices of marginalised communities. Her work goes beyond advocacy—she is a true changemaker, driving systemic shifts that create lasting impact.

Her passion for empowering young people and adults has led to the creation of award-winning initiatives that challenge bias, dismantle barriers, and foster true inclusion. From revolutionising curricula with diverse children’s books to launching industry-leading EDI training, Catherine is relentless in her mission to create spaces where everyone belongs and thrives.
A visionary leader, speaker, and educator, Catherine knows no limits when it comes to fighting for equal rights. Her work is a catalyst for real change, inspiring individuals and organisations to take meaningful action towards a more just and inclusive world.

Gillian is an experienced chair, non-executive director, advisor, and mentor, with a strong track record of supporting purpose-driven organisations that prioritise people and growth. Currently holding a number of NED role, Gillian serves as Chair of Back on Track, a Manchester-based charity, and as a Board Member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter.

With extensive leadership experience in global retail, Gillian has held pivotal roles within IKEA Group across diverse international markets. She was CEO for IKEA in China, UK & Ireland, and more recently, led IKEA’s global consumer experience. Her career has been defined by a passion for making a meaningful difference to both people and businesses. She is known for driving business growth and sustained profitability by fostering inclusive organisational cultures and transforming business practices.

Gillian’s leadership at IKEA UK led to a significant milestone in 2017 when the company became the first large retailer to achieve accreditation as a Real Living Wage Employer. This achievement highlights her long-term commitment to humanistic values—believing that when employees receive fair compensation and positive working conditions, it not only boosts their well-being but also enhances customer experiences, driving long-term growth and success for the business.

An exiled Scotsman, Ian has spent his career working on environmental and public health issues – and the socioeconomic policies that underpin them – from community to international levels.

Starting his career as an environmental health officer with Carlisle City Council, he has worked in delivery, policy and leadership roles for Edinburgh City Council, the Health and Safety Executive, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, The World Health Organisation (Euro), the UK Public Health Association, Groundwork UK and The Growth Company.

Since March 2019, he has led the development and implementation of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, – an initiative established by the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham in his first term and now a major policy foundation to help address employment related inequalities and build economic and social resilience in his second.