How I’m putting something back into our community.

Miles Russell has worked in financial services for more than 30 years, and he is currently  WTWs global head of communication at WTW, and executive sponsor of the Company’s  LGBT+ inclusion network.  

Throughout his career, Miles has been openly gay and has seen tremendous change but is currently concerned that the rights of many within the community are taken for granted and worries that they could easily be reversed. 

Miles is working with colleagues across WTW to ensure the workplace remains a safe and inclusive environment for everyone within the LGBTQ+ community. 

“We have a whole series of inclusion and diversity networks at WTW globally. I'm now the global sponsor for our particular community. I've always been open about myself personally, but I've never become actively involved in this kind of network before.

“So the last year has been incredibly valuable for me personally in terms of putting something back into the community.

“I'm now supporting people more actively with a whole series of initiatives around the company globally, not just here in the UK.”

Miles has become concerned by the increasing politicisation of LGBTQ+ rights and a growing backlash against the community in certain quarters. 

“I think we got to a point, a very good place as a community, having achieved equality in many countries around the world, however that progress is now potentially under threat.

“Therefore we shouldn't take things for granted. I'm seeing and hearing stories around the world that give me genuine cause for concern that we shouldn't take our rights for granted and we need to step up and we need to challenge.

“I have this sense at the moment that things are changing and not necessarily for the better.”

“Working for a global company, clearly we have operations and therefore employees in countries where it is illegal to be gay. 

“As a company, we take the view that what we can control is what happens within our own four walls, regardless of whether we're talking about the various countries around the world where being gay may be illegal or at the very best, seriously frowned upon. In those countries, we support our people internally and make sure that they feel able to be themselves at work. But there's little we can do outside of our four walls. We have no control over that.

“One of the things the company does is actually advise clients on inclusion and diversity. It's one of our areas of focus on workplace culture and employee engagement.”

With never being afraid to be his authentic self, Miles is now continuing to share his perspective on being openly gay in the workplace for over 30 years and tells people within the community to be authentic. 

“Be authentic and bring your true self to work.  I think the way I interpret that for me is just being honest with yourself and being honest with others. 

“That's about everything in life, to be honest.  In my experience, generally, that tends to get you the best result. 

“Yes, there will always be exceptions. People are people. Not everyone will always like you, but at least be honest to yourself and trust your gut instinct.”

LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION WITH MILES ON THE PROUD TO BE QUEER PODCAST:

WTW ARE THE CATEGORY SPONSOR FOR THE QSA2023 EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR - see the full shortlist here.