Karen Blake

Karen Blake is a highly regarded DEI strategist and organisational transformation expert. She specialises in innovative solutions for workplace inclusion, particularly within the tech and digital industries. Her distinguished career spans the public, private, and third sectors, providing her with deep expertise in driving organisational change that produces measurable business results. With specialisms in intersectional diversity, neuro inclusion, and disability equity, she transforms how organisations approach inclusion in the digital age.
Karen's consulting approach combines strategic insight with practical implementation, which is informed by her experience at leading organisations, including Deloitte and EY. She specialises in:

Strategic DEI Leadership & Implementation
Architecting comprehensive DEI strategies that leverage advanced analytics and predictive modelling to drive measurable business outcomes.
Developing sophisticated intersectional analysis frameworks that identify systemic barriers and unlock opportunities across all diversity dimensions.
Creating data-driven methodologies to measure DEI impact on business performance, employee engagement, and innovation metrics.
Designing integrated talent ecosystems that embed inclusion throughout the employee lifecycle, from recruitment through leadership development.
Implementing advanced DEI governance frameworks that align with ESG objectives and enhance organisational accountability.
Building strategic succession planning programs that accelerate diverse talent progression while ensuring sustainable leadership pipelines.
Establishing metrics-driven DEI scorecards and dashboards that enable real-time progress tracking against strategic objectives.
Developing evidence-based change management approaches that transform organisational culture while maintaining business momentum.
Creating innovative funding models and resource allocation frameworks that sustain long-term DEI initiatives.
Designing comprehensive DEI risk assessment and mitigation strategies that protect organisational reputation and enhance stakeholder trust.

Technology & Inclusion Excellence
Pioneering inclusive tech function development and digital transformation.
Implementing AI-based HR tools with built-in inclusion safeguards.
Develop workforce cultures and environments for diverse thought that accelerate innovation.
Developing specialised tech talent acquisition, retention and progression strategies for underrepresented groups.

Neuroinclusion & Disability Equity Expertise
Designing comprehensive neuroinclusion frameworks for workplace optimisation.
Creating specialised assessment tools and workplace adaptations.
Developing inclusive recruitment and career progression pathways.
Implementing evidence-based support systems for neurodivergent talent.
Building disability-confident leadership capabilities across organisations.
Leadership Development & Cultural Transformation
Delivering bespoke inclusive leadership coaching programs.
Facilitating senior team development in DEI competencies.
Establishing and optimising Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
Creating measurable cultural change through systematic intervention.
Governance and risk compliance advisory and ESG optimisation.

Speaking & Thought Leadership
Karen is a sought-after keynote speaker and thought leader, delivering compelling presentations at major industry conferences, corporate events, and policy forums across the globe. Her speaking repertoire encompasses:

Gender Equity and Women's Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Accelerating Progression.
Disability Inclusion and Accessibility: From Compliance to Competitive Advantage.
Neurodiversity and Neuroinclusion: Unlocking the Power of Cognitive Difference.
Age and Generational Inclusion: Bridging Divides and Leveraging Multi-Generational Strengths.
Intersectionality in Practice: Creating Systems That Work for Multiple Identity Experiences.
Building Belonging: Moving Beyond Diversity Metrics to Authentic Inclusion.
Inclusive Culture Transformation: Systematic Approaches to Organisational Change.

As the former co-CEO of the Tech Talent Charter, Karen pioneered innovative approaches to DEI that have influenced national policy and transformed corporate practices. Her work has impacted over 800 companies, delivering tangible improvements in organisational culture, employee engagement, and diversity metrics.