People do their best work when they’re motivated. When they have control and opportunity. When they feel like work fits.
An ancient proverb maintains that “women hold up half the sky”. It’s a poetic reminder of the importance of inclusion.
Founded by Dr Zoe Young, Half the Sky is a specialist consultancy brought in by some of the largest organisations in the world. We help shape powerful internal cultures that result in positive outcomes for everyone. We help organisations forge an inclusive future of work, where diversity drives success for everyone.
Our experience has shown us that inclusion can be transformational. Evidence shows it’s how organisations achieve more on multiple metrics: quality, innovation, growth. It is the best way to attract, motivate and retain the best people, while improving everyone’s performance.
We are:
Specialists in equality and inclusion
Experts in systems and culture
At the forefront of innovation in work
Trusted partners in transformation
Our people
Half the Sky brings together high calibre consultants with academic credentials, deep expertise in EDI, and Big Four consulting knowhow – a rare mix.
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Zoe operates where academic research and real-world application meet. Her professional experience leading diversity and inclusion and her personal experience reconciling her own family life and career drives her passion for gender equality. Research underpins her practice, and a desire to build flexibility into jobs, teams, and working practices to provide women with the opportunities they deserve.
Zoe has spent over 20 years in research and consulting and held senior positions in HR. She specialises in working with complex organisations to develop talent and D&I strategies. Zoe developed the 5DFlex® model to assess and remedy flexibility in jobs and organisations. An academic Sociologist, she researches, writes, comments and consults on equality and inclusion and her ground-breaking academic study of women’s experiences became the book Women’s Work.
Dr Zoe Young
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Alison is a heavyweight in the study of equality and difference. We work with her because she is determined to see this knowledge make a tangible difference in the world. She has a PhD in psychology and organisational culture, an MSc in coaching and was previously a director at consultancy Lane4.
Having worked in senior positions in research, consulting and HR in both the public and private sector, Alison brilliantly spans theory and practice. Informed by her experience as a coach, she brings an inclusive approach to her work, understanding that every engagement is a collaboration and a journey.
Dr Alison Maitland
Rozina Checkland
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Rozina has 25+ years in HR, leadership development, coaching and facilitation. She has experience with many global industries including media, FMCG, music, travel, private sector, charity, and government.
The depth and breadth of her experience enables her to work skilfully in diverse contexts and deliver tailored and pragmatic behavioural solutions. Rozina is a certified coach (ICF) coaching and Mentoring (ILM); and EMCC Professional Diploma Coaching Accreditation (Sept 2021).
Having previously worked with clients in the legal and justice sector on equality, diversity, and inclusion training, Rozina is well placed to deliver the Everyday Inclusion programme.
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Katie is a culture change expert who has driven innovation across all aspects of the people agenda for nearly 14 years, working in EY and KPMG. She has a strong consulting mind-set and excels in stakeholder management, leadership alignment and engagement.
Katie brings a detailed and methodological approach to her work. Combining her background in psychology with her experience of working within highly regulated and sensitive organisational environments.
Katie Wynn-Jones
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Liz is passionate about learning and development – a field she has been working in for 20 years. With an Masters in Organizational Behaviour and EMCC accreditation as a coach, her skill is in translating research into culturally sensitive learning programmes.
Liz’s experience includes working in a range of sectors, at all levels of organizations including Boards. She likes the challenge of working with complex, global organisations. She has seen the power of experiential learning first hand. And knows it can transform behaviour and performance.
Liz Walker
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Wendy and her selectively curated agency experts specialise in supporting purpose-led organisations to meet their goals through improved efficiency and profitability, aiding the mission of creating a positive impact in the world. She has built almost 20 years of experience in administration and office, project and programme management. Her expertise allows her to advise and implement optimal bespoke systems that help companies and people, both realise and fulfil their business operations potential.
Wendy Rayner-Hall
Extended Half the Sky family
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As a Chartered Occupational Psychologist, Bindi has specialised in inclusion and diversity programmes for over 25 years and has developed a highly engaging facilitation style. Her expertise is in helping organisations develop and select talent in the most inclusive way.
Bindi Dholakia
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Seren is a chartered Psychologist with 25 years’ experience leading large-scale culture change programmes. She has delivered senior-level leadership programmes for the Civil Service, national media and global retailers and believes in partnering clients on their journey.
Seren Trewavas
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Katie is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Registered Psychologist with extensive coaching and consultancy experience in leadership development, organisational culture, inclusion, and wellbeing.
She is an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society with 14 years of consultancy experience in business psychology and organisational development. She is passionate about supporting people to learn, develop and feel their authentic selves in work.
Katie Clinton
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Cath’s purpose as a consultant and coach is to improve transform cultures and improve performance. Building on success as an Olympic rower and conflict diplomat, she has much wisdom to share with leaders. Her book The Long Win examines what winning means today.
Cath Bishop
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Karen is a former tax adviser and now creative facilitator who has extensive learning and development experience in multinational, multicultural matrix organisations. Karen is accredited in a number of psychometrics including MBTI, TRACOM Social Styles, Behavioural EQ and Lumina Spark.
Karen Dawson
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Sarah has 20+ years’ experience in HR, leadership development, coaching and facilitation supporting the C-suite to SME founders across technology, charity and professional services sectors.
Sarah designed a global design & online facilitation of an 8-week inclusive leadership development program for 300 senior leaders and front line managers in a global electronics company.
Sarah Dena
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Edleen is also a multi-award-winning Diversity, Inclusion, Communications and Culture Consultant. She started her career as an Investment Banker at Lehman Brothers working in Debt Capital Markets and has held a variety of revenue-generating and support-function roles across the Financial Services sector. Most recently as the International Relations, Corporate Affairs and Co-Partner for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Director at The Football Association.
Edleen John
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Hannah is committed to driving social change by helping organisations become more inclusive. Her passion is in supporting individuals, businesses, and organisations to embrace diversity and inclusion, with a key focus on intersectionality. She is a published academic author and her work on the career experiences of gay women in the UK has been featured in an international research handbook exploring diversity and careers.
Hannah Jepson
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Nic is an insightful and challenging coach with over 24 years of experience. He enables, nudges and inspires leaders and teams to significantly improve their levels of performance. Nic achieves this through perceptive facilitation, gaining a clear understanding of the business needs and working both with people’s strengths and development areas.
Nic Brocklebank
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Andrew has industry experience in Financial Services, Engineering & Manufacturing, Utilities, Not for Profit, Construction, Civil Service and Pharmaceutical. Andrew's areas of expertise include culture & change, team & leadership development, coaching & coaching skills and storytelling.
Andrew Whyatt-Sames
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Sarah is a highly motivated, innovative and globally confident senior people leader, board member, diversity practitioner and military veteran. She drives conversation and positive change at every level. Sarah is experienced in helping organisations tackle pay gaps to address lack of representative participation.