Ian Clarke

Ian Clarke is a leading figure in the fight for equality, declared as the first banking whistleblower on race inclusion. Having worked for 15 years in banking, Ian has since become a holistic management consultant, helping organisations to navigate the complexities of diversity and inclusion. Mixed heritage, identifying as LGBTQ+ and possessing invisible disabilities, Ian navigates inclusive conversations like no other and is booked to speak regularly as a diversity and inclusion expert. With empathy and energy, Ian helps humanity reach its full potential by making sure businesses and society are inclusive.

Ian began his career as an Information Systems Support Officer for The Royal Household, based at Buckingham Palace providing technical IT support to the Royal residency. After this, Ian began his 15 year career for HSBC, joining as the International Commercial Associate Manager of HSBC. During his time at HSBC , Ian continually developed his expertise, building knowledge in compliance, risk, legalities, sales, relationship management and marketing. Working his way up the company, Ian later worked as the Deputy Global Relationship Manager in Global Banking and Markets and the Director of Global Payments and Cash Management for HSBC.

During his time in banking, Ian was widely known as the ‘poster boy for diversity’ helping to establish three ERG’s and sitting on two DE&I committees, putting his all into making the institution more progressive and inclusive of all. Despite his hard work, Ian continued to see vivid discrimination in the workplace, and collated evidence of such discrimination in ‘Project Speak Up’ – interviewing minority staff and DE&I leaders. Outing the discrimination at the bank left Ian with no choice but to leave, going on to found Deilight Consulting, a company dedicated to helping organisations attract and support a diverse array of talent. On a mission to make the world more inclusive, Ian is a major contributor to the timely change toward inclusive workplaces and balanced communities.

Additionally, Ian is a qualified Psychologist, Counsellor and DE&I Practitioner, with his unique intersectionality perfectly positioning him as a DE&I expert at corporate speaking engagements. The first banking whistleblower on race inclusion, Ian is on a mission to increase racial representation throughout the industry and improve prospects for marginalised communities throughout society. Whether speaking on his personal experiences of discrimination or raising awareness of discrimination in the workplace, Ian Clarke is perfectly positioned as a DE&I speaker for events.