Geffrye Parsons is keen on developing a new generation of inclusive leaders and does so through his work as Founder and CEO (Chief Empathy Officer) of The Inclusion Imperative – an independent, best-practice Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consultancy. He believes authenticity is key in the workplace and therefore works towards securing LGBTQ+ inclusion and intersectionality with other minorities in the workplace. He is now available to talk more about his philosophy and approach to inclusion at a range of speaking engagements.
Having worked all over the world like in Singapore, UK, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands owing to his rich career, he is a revered member in his field and community and was ranked as one of the ‘Top 100 LGBTQ+ Executives’ globally in 2018, 2019 and 2021. After he completed his BA (Hons) in English and History from Brunel University London and MBA in International Management from Royal Holloway, University of London, Geffrye worked as an Assistant Audit Manager at Shipleys LLP. He then worked his way up and held several eminent positions such as Senior Audit Manager at KPMG, Associate of Structured Finance at Asian Capital Partners, Director of Structured Finance at ABN AMRO, Director of Structured Finance at ING Bank, and Co-Head, CEEMEA Structuring & Solutions at BNP Paribas.
Geffrye was also Managing Director in Commodities and Global Markets Division at Macquarie Group for nearly nine years. He chaired the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group and helped Macquarie be shortlisted as one of the Top 10 Inclusive Employer by the British LGBT Awards in 2022. Geffrye also brought the Macquarie Group to rank #1 in Stonewall’s annual Workplace Equality Index in 2022. Macquarie also received the ‘Business Equality’ award at the Annual PinkNews Awards in 2018. For his remarkable work in leading inclusion programmes, he was bestowed the ‘LGBT+ Inspirational Leader’ award at the 2019 British LGBT Awards, has been featured in the Pride Power List in 2022 by The Guardian and was shortlisted for the ‘Corporate/Business Role Model’ award at the PinkNews Awards in 2018 and 2022.
Addressing difficult topics like conversion therapy, hate crime/speech, disability, agedness, faith and other topics revolving around LGBTQ+, Geffrye is known to promote authenticity and psychological safety in the workplace and otherwise. He is also currently a Board Trustee of Diversity Role Models and GiveOut, Board Member of Pride in Tennis, and an Advisory Board Member at Voda which is a self-guided app-based mindfulness and CBT programme. Available to speak at a range of events, renowned DE&I consultant Geffrye Parsons is a magnanimous, creative, and knowledgeable thought leader and speaker. Hire him today!
