Championing diversity and inclusion during the pandemic

We had a very special guest join us in the latest edition of Kaizo Live! We welcomed Scarlett Allen-Horton, Founder and Senior Partner at Harper Fox Search Partners and The Apprentice 2019 finalist, to discuss insights into the topic of continuing championing diversity and inclusion during the pandemic.

Scarlett pioneered diversity and inclusion recruitment campaigns in the corporate world and called for the need to attract ethnic minorities and women into these spaces. Her previous experience of this environment led her to start her own company, which recruits underrepresented groups into senior positions in the global transport, engineering and manufacturing industries.

In the context of the pandemic, she discusses how currently there is a huge shift in the recruitment market with people being furloughed, made redundant, working from home and even employees feeling insecure in their position, who are now considering new opportunities. Scarlett explains how Harper Fox have had to adapt quite significantly during this period, moving away from automotive and transport industries towards the energy and engineering sectors.

The panellists discuss the growing demand for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, due to social movements such as #MeToo, Black Lives Matter and the gender pay gap, highlight issues that were previously unknown to the majority. Scarlett notes that companies are responsible for ensuring that their vision and values are diverse and inclusive, and practiced on all levels. She advises to candidates that they can stand out by being their true authentic selves when applying to jobs.

Scarlett predicts 2021 to be turbulent, but full of optimism! She hopes the message of diversity and inclusion continues to spread further.

Finally, we couldn’t let go of Scarlett before she told us a bit about her time on The Apprentice and now working with Lord Sugar, which is undoubtedly valuable during this unprecedented time. She tells us that he’s as straight-talking in real life as he is in the board room.

Catch the full episode, hosted by Kaizo Director Steph Macleod, here. Browse our previous episodes here.