Ian Clarke

Ian Clarke is a pioneering figure in the fight for equality and inclusion, recognised as the first banking whistleblower on race inclusion. With a 15-year career in banking, Ian has since emerged as a holistic management consultant, helping organisations navigate the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). His unique intersectional identity—being of mixed heritage, identifying as LGBTQ+, and living with invisible disabilities—enables him to lead inclusive conversations like no other. Ian is a highly sought-after speaker who infuses empathy and energy into his mission to help humanity reach its full potential by ensuring businesses and society are genuinely inclusive.

Ian’s career began at Buckingham Palace as an Information Systems Support Officer for The Royal Household, providing crucial IT support to the Royal residence. He then transitioned to HSBC, where he spent 15 years building a diverse skill set across compliance, risk, legalities, sales, relationship management, and marketing. Rising through the ranks, Ian held pivotal roles including Deputy Global Relationship Manager in Global Banking and Markets and Director of Global Payments and Cash Management.

Throughout his banking career, Ian became widely recognised as the “poster boy for diversity,” founding three Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and serving on two DE&I committees. Despite his significant contributions, he witnessed ongoing discrimination, which led him to spearhead ‘Project Speak Up,’ a groundbreaking initiative that collected testimonies from minority staff and DE&I leaders. This project culminated in a viral report that highlighted the role of banks in perpetuating oppression, making headlines globally and setting seven world records, including the appointment of the first Black female board member in global banking history.

In 2021, Ian founded Deilight Consulting, now part of the Deilightful Group, which pioneers what Ian terms a “Change Engine”—a revolutionary sector dedicated to fostering authentic, intersectional talent and driving systemic change. A published author, Ian is also a qualified psychologist, counsellor, and DE&I practitioner. His authority on humanism, change, and true leadership is unparalleled, making him a leading voice in the global conversation on equity and inclusion. Recognised by prestigious bodies such as Rising Stars and Lead5050, and with numerous accolades to his name, London-based Ian, 39, has dedicated his life to championing rights, mobility, and intersectional talent through initiatives like Kickstart and Young Enterprises.

As a speaker, Ian is known for his warm, engaging, and conversational style, backed by multi-disciplinary fluency and a proven track record of success. He has a remarkable ability to distil complex topics into simple, cohesive narratives that inspire, educate, and provoke positive change. Ian Clarke is not just a speaker or consultant; he is a catalyst for change, dedicated to making the world a more inclusive and equitable place for all.