Christine John, Head of Social Impact and Sustainability Manager, talks about her unique blend of characteristics which continue to influence her and the work she does.
Like many people while growing up, Christine didn't know what she wanted to do when she was older. Even while at university, she didn't know that roles like her current role existed, but there had always been a recurring influence and interest in her life when it came to community and support. "Being from an under-represented background meant I used to participate in a number of programmes designed to ‘bridge the gap’ so when I graduated, I naturally went to work with charities that aimed to promote social mobility as I wanted to give back in some way. Throughout my career I have worked with young people, introducing them to different careers, so to now be able to work on social mobility programmes in a firm like ours, is a bit ‘full circle.’"
Being a Black woman, someone with a long-term health condition and being from an under-presented background play a crucial role in the work Christine does.
“My role lends itself to these multiple intersecting characteristics, as I think it has enabled me to lead with empathy and compassion for the under-represented groups that our social impact work tries to support. I don’t see any of these things as trumping the other, they are just what make me me. I can recognise this in the people we try and help every day.”
On joining the firm, Christine set about using her experiences to influence change. Implementing the responsible business agenda, and over time seeing it grow is something that Christine proudly recognises as a great achievement for her and the firm. This has further empowered her to set up new programmes that support and positively impact under-represented groups in partnership with charities and NGO’s.
As we enter Black History Month, with this year’s theme of 'Saluting our Sisters', Christine is aware that the identities she lives by and negotiates on a day-to-day basis are rooted in her identification as a Black British woman. “Black History Month acts as a reminder to me that the varying cultures and experiences we have should not be hidden in the workplace. I read a quote recently by graphic designer, David Carson, who said ‘you have to utilise who you are in your work. Nobody else can do that. Nobody else can pull from your background, from your parents, your upbringing, your whole life experience’. Not only is the work we do the right thing to do, but it is also a business imperative. Having a responsible business programme in place and being part of such a diverse team here at the firm means that we can use our own experiences to inform policies and initiatives and to create sustainable change.”
"I would love businesses to know that - whether it's Black people, women, LGBTIQ+ people, those with disabilities - you can give them the opportunity to speak and share their experiences and widen representation without it being perceived as taking away from others. Under-representation is leading to a lack of diversity of thought within the workplace and we have to strive to make space for these groups to flourish and prosper. This will inevitably add to the success of your business at large and ensure we do our part to create a fair and equitable society for generations to come."
