Anj Handa is the visionary Founder of Inspiring Women Changemakers, a dynamic community dedicated to fostering fairness and safety for women across all spheres of life. Recognised by Forbes as one of the ‘10 Diversity & Inclusion Trailblazers You Need to Get Familiar With’, Anj is a sought-after keynote speaker and a respected authority on Good Governance and Inclusive Leadership. Her work centres on cultivating inclusive cultures and driving positive social change, ensuring organisations can effectively engage with their missions.
With a robust background in UK leadership and governance, Anj brings nearly two decades of experience as a professional lobbyist. Her multilingual capabilities and international experience, including diplomatic assignments, provide her with a unique global perspective. This expertise allows her to guide organisations in attracting and retaining diverse talent and developing leaders who are both effective and globally aware.
Anj’s talks are enriched by her personal journey and professional insights, particularly in the realms of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She addresses nuanced topics such as psychological safety, emotional correctness, and establishing healthy boundaries. Her collaborative work with organisations in the UK, Europe, and the US has been instrumental in creating better opportunities and advocating for policy changes that support these goals. Her impressive client list includes Sky Business, Regeneron, the NHS, and Leeds Beckett University, among others.
Beyond her social enterprise, Anj holds significant Board-level experience, having served as Chair of Freedom Studios and as an Independent Governor at Leeds Arts University. Her leadership in these roles places her among the mere 1% of Black and brown women in the UK occupying such governance positions. Her accolades include being named one of Grant Thornton’s 100 Faces of a Vibrant Economy and winning the AFSA Positive Action Award.
Anj’s impactful storytelling and strategic insights inspire individuals and organisations to initiate meaningful change.
Anj Handa presents "Navigating the Labyrinth – Shattering the Myth of the Glass Ceiling," sharing her personal journey and motivations for becoming a changemaker. She discusses the importance of building a support network both inside and outside the workplace and explains the 'rules of the game' regarding gender equality and barriers like the gender pay gap. Anj introduces the labyrinth as a more accurate metaphor than the glass ceiling and explores how workplace 'masks' and imposter syndrome can hinder progress. Attendees will learn strategies to overcome these challenges.
Anj Handa presents "Self Care for Changemakers," focusing on the power of storytelling through her own experiences. She emphasises the importance of prioritising self-care, likening it to putting on your own oxygen mask first, to remain effective and engaged. Anj discusses the impact of change on physical and mental wellbeing, introducing the double change curve concept using the pandemic as context. Attendees will learn to build a resilience toolkit with tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to navigate change effectively.
Anj Handa explores why organisations often fail to harness diverse talent and offers solutions. She emphasises that diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives must be led from the top and highlights the significance of understanding intersectionality. Handa discusses how accessible products and services benefit everyone and stresses the importance of inclusive language to prevent people from feeling excluded. She also examines the roles of allyship versus employee networks. Attendees will learn strategies to effectively embrace diversity.
Anj Handa empowers young changemakers with the skills and confidence to transform passion into action. She shares how to build movements, advocate for causes, and mobilise communities for meaningful change. Through real-world examples and practical advice, she helps young leaders navigate challenges, amplify their voices, and make a lasting impact. Whether tackling local issues or driving global campaigns, this session equips the next generation with the tools to lead with purpose and resilience.
