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In our increasingly digital world, technology is transforming how organisations identify, recruit, and develop talent. From automated recruitment systems to digital collaboration tools and online professional networks, these technologies are reshaping workplace dynamics and opportunities for inclusion. While digital platforms promise to democratise access and create more equitable workplaces, technology can just as easily reinforce existing power structures and bias, and can create new forms of exclusion that impact underrepresented groups.
At the heart of this conversation lies a critical question: how can we design and implement digital systems that genuinely enhance diversity rather than simply digitising existing inequalities? As virtual workspaces become more common, how do patterns of visibility, recognition, and advancement shift? What happens to informal networks and mentorship in digital environments, and who benefits from these changes?
This discussion is particularly timely as recent political and social developments in the United States and globally have brought renewed attention to issues of equity, inclusion, and representation in institutional settings. As organisations navigate these complex social contexts, understanding the role of digital technologies in either advancing or hindering diversity efforts becomes increasingly crucial.
As part of the Digital Futures Institute's Living Well With Technology series, a multidisciplinary panel will examine how educational institutions, media organisations, and businesses can harness digital technologies to create genuinely inclusive environments while navigating the complex challenges that digital transformation presents for diversity efforts across sectors.
You do not need any prior knowledge of technology to enjoy this event.
Please arrive at 6:15pm for a drinks reception, the main event will begin at 7pm and finish at approximately 8:15pm.
This event will be recorded and live-streamed, the live-stream will begin at 7pm. To receive a link please select 'online registration' at the check out.
Speakers' Info:
Birgit Neu, Senior DEI Advisor
Birgit Neu is a UK-based independent Senior Advisor with award-winning expertise centred on inclusion strategy design, change management, research and communications practices. She previously held a variety of global roles at HSBC including Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, and she has had a broad business career spanning multiple sectors including digital, retail, publishing and financial services. Birgit is a regular speaker, panellist and facilitator focussing on the crossroads of inclusion, AI and the future of work. She is a Visiting Lecturer for Warwick Business School. Birgit also holds a number of UK network leadership roles including co-founder and co-chair of KNIT for corporate inclusion specialists, senior advisor to Nexus LGBTQ+ for LGBTQ+ employee network leaders, and co-chair of Gender Networks for women’s/gender employee network leaders. As one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices, she is an influencer with a wide international reach in her field.
Lewis Iwu, CEO and Founding Partner, Purpose Union
Lewis Iwu specialises in advising organisations on devising and executing winning arguments and campaigns on social and environmental issues. For nearly two decades, he has worked with some of the world’s influential organisations and individuals. A leader in his field, he was named 2025 Most Purposeful Professional globally by PRWeek. He was also named in the Innovative 25 by PRvoke.
He has worked with organisations across the world, including advising Unilever, Sky, the UN, Rosewood Hotel Group, National Grid, Allen & Overy, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi and Pfizer. In 2021, Lewis published a Masterclass with Malala Yousafzai on how to achieve social change.
A global public speaking and debating expert, Lewis has participated in or moderated over 1000 debates. He is a former World Debating Champion and has coached England to win the World Championship in 2016. He is the author of Words that Win, a book about how to win arguments on social and environmental issues.
Educated at New College, Oxford University, Lewis holds a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, where he was elected President of the Oxford University Student Union. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of East London for his social justice work in 2019.
Elisabeth Kelan, Professor of Leadership and Organisation, King’s Business School, King’s College London
Professor Elisabeth Kelan's research explores digitalisation and diversity at work, inclusive leadership, and gender in organisations. She has published widely in leading academic journals and is the author of five books. Her book ‘Men Stepping Forward: Leading Gender Equality in Organizations’ won the 2025 Management Publication of the Year award. Her latest book ‘Patterns of Inclusion: How Gender Matters for Automation, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work’ (Routledge, 2025) is based on a Leverhulme Trust Major Research Fellowship. She regularly advises companies and international organisations on issues of leadership, inclusion, and the future of work.
Dr Nessa Keddo, Senior Lecturer in Media, Diversity and Technology, Department of Culture, Media & Creative Industries, King’s College London
Nessa is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Media, Diversity and Technology. She is Programme Director for MA Global Media Industries and the Department’s EDI Lead. Nessa was previously Senior Lecturer in Communications and Media at the London College of Communication, where she was Co-Chair of the EDI Steering Group and Knowledge Exchange Coordinator. Throughout her career, Nessa has pioneered EDI strategies and technological change management within HE and industry as a Research Director and Consultant. This includes advising Senior Management Teams, contributing to industry reports and thought leadership.
Event details
Bush House AuditoriumBush House
Strand campus, 30 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BG