Leqture Speakers
Ben Wilberforce-Ritchie
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Time zone
Timezone: Europe/London
Ben Wilberforce-Ritchie
Ben Wilberforce-Ritchie is a philosopher and author who helps organisations and individuals challenge the status quo, understand their values, and develop better independence of thought. Having spent almost a decade honing his skills in business ethics and integrity, DE&I and public speaking in the FTSE100 Aerospace & Defence company BAE Systems, Ben has practical experience applying his methods to modern business challenges. As an Ethics Manager he led and delivered an ethics programme overseeing 4,000 employees; as a Chief of Staff to the Group HR Director he supported a global HR function; and as an LGBTQ+ Ally Programme Lead he inspired 3,000 UK allies to be more proactive. Now, as the founder of Phicilitate Ltd., he supports organisations as a consultant providing advice and guidance on business ethics and integrity, and also delivers training, workshops and facilitation on business ethics, ethical frameworks, LGBTQ+ allyship and cognitive diversity.
All Leqtures by this speaker
The Importance of Cognitive Diversity
While diversity is a priority for many organizations, Ben delves deeper into the concept, specifically focusing on cognitive diversity. Organizational challenges are plenty, such as promoting workplace equity, fostering inclusivity, building sustainable businesses, and adapting to evolving employee work-life balances. Given these challenges, there is a growing need for thought solutions, and encouraging cognitive diversity among employees becomes crucial. In this session, you will:
Understand the concept of Cognitive Diversity.
Explore its three key themes and their significance in ensuring business sustainability.
Develop practical ways to think outside the box, identify and overcome entrenched beliefs, and find meaning in your work
This session will leave you with greater confidence in the unique value of diverse perspectives, and how to put these perspectives to good use in your day-to-day roles.
In this expert session, Ben Ritchie discusses fostering an inclusive workplace for the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on self-awareness, understanding, and support. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in managing biases and emotions and introduces the UHT model (Understanding, Honoring, and Transforming communication) for respectful dialogue on sensitive issues.
Ben encourages ongoing learning about LGBTQ+ identities and challenges, advocating for visible support through symbols, pronoun usage, and creating a welcoming environment. He highlights the significance of everyday supportive actions, such as sharing resources and speaking up, to enhance inclusivity. Supporting Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and engaging in constructive discussions, even when disagreements arise, are crucial for fostering a supportive workplace.