International Women's Day
- Chartered civil engineer and tech entrepreneur
- Environment Agency manager and AI app founder
- BBC presenter advocating for sustainability and STEM
Ayo Sokale is a chartered civil engineer and tech entrepreneur who combines engineering expertise with broadcasting talent to advocate for sustainability, STEM education, and inclusive innovation. Her unique blend of technical knowledge and communication skills positions her as a compelling voice for positive change.
As a Business Manager at the Environment Agency and founder of AI-powered coaching app "Get Coached," Ayo demonstrates practical leadership in both public infrastructure and technological innovation. Her rapid achievement of chartered status and selection as one of the Institute of Civil Engineers President's Top 24 Role Models for 2024 highlights her professional excellence and influence.
Ayo translates complex technical concepts into actionable insights for organisations navigating sustainability challenges. Through her work as a BBC presenter on shows like "Get Set Galactic" and her executive coaching practice, she helps businesses leverage diverse thinking, implement sustainable practices, and develop inclusive leadership approaches that drive innovation and resilience.
Audiences gain practical frameworks for sustainable decision-making, strategies for cultivating neurodiverse talent, and actionable approaches to technological innovation that balance profit with purpose. Her personal journey with Asperger's syndrome provides authentic perspective on transforming differences into competitive advantages.
Book Ayo to inspire your organisation with practical solutions that turn today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities through the power of diverse thinking and sustainable innovation.
Ayo's Showreel and Videos
Topics, Sessions and Talks
Women in Tech/Construction and STEM
Ayo Sokale addresses the crucial issue of equal representation for women in tech, construction, and STEM fields. She emphasises the importance of having women involved in designing the built environment and technology that shape our lives. Ayo challenges existing biases surrounding women's careers and highlights their positive contributions to these industries. By exploring the evolution of gender representation and drawing lessons from nature's diversity, attendees will gain insights into overcoming biases and fostering inclusivity in their professional environments.
Ayo Sokale emphasises the importance of diversity of thought in her talk. As a black autistic woman in STEM, she reflects on how societal pressures often push individuals to conform, which undermines true inclusion. Ayo argues that genuine diversity requires creating spaces where everyone can authentically express themselves and be respected for their unique contributions. Attendees will learn about the barriers to inclusion and strategies to foster an environment that values diverse perspectives.
In this engaging talk, Ayo Sokale addresses the challenges leaders face in navigating political constraints and conflicting stakeholder needs while striving for meaningful change. Drawing from her political career and leadership experiences, she emphasises the importance of self-awareness and understanding the desired impact. Ayo introduces the GROW model for goal-setting and the Kotter 8-step change model to facilitate transformation. Attendees will learn five key lessons for driving positive change, including anti-dehumanisation and radical self-accountability.
Ayo Sokale emphasizes the importance of social mobility in the EDI conversation, particularly in the UK, where class issues are deeply ingrained in culture. She argues that acknowledging and addressing these issues is crucial for societal progress. Social mobility enables individuals to move through social strata, benefiting businesses and the economy. Attendees will learn about the structural barriers affecting social mobility and the necessary actions for policymakers and corporations to create inclusive opportunities for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Why We Recommend Booking Ayo
Ayo Sokale, a chartered civil engineer and tech entrepreneur, delivers transformative insights on sustainability, inclusive innovation, and leveraging neurodiversity as a competitive advantage through her unique blend of technical expertise and exceptional communication skills. Book this influential BBC presenter and Environment Agency leader to equip your team with practical frameworks that turn sustainability challenges into opportunities while fostering the diverse thinking essential for tomorrow's success.
Trusted by Environment Agency, Get Coached, BBC