The DEI Problem

I help audiences transform DEI from an often dry corporate policy into a compelling human narrative, emphasising its profound impact on mental health, stress, performance, and ultimately, the organisation’s bottom line.

Credibility


As one of the first openly gay pilots in the UK Royal Air Force, I lived and worked in a hostile environment where being gay could have led to imprisonment. Not being my authentic self for over 6 years profoundly effected my performance in high g-force air combat situations.  I also witnessed the profound cultural shift after the ban was lifted, experiencing exceptional inclusive leadership, allyship, and support as the Royal Air Force rapidly evolved

Future Transformation

Through my powerful personal story, I provide a thought-provoking example that leaves audiences with practical strategies for cultivating empathy, inclusive leadership, and allyship within a corporate environment.

Watch Matts Keynote below:

 

 
 
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I cannot recommend Matt highly enough. He talked to the Close Brothers community about his journey and it resonated incredibly well with all colleagues, not just those from the LQBQT community. His candour and honesty really connected with people, and the ties with wider mental wellness and resilience were incredibly topical given the current pandemic. His humour shone through and it was one of the best received external speakers we have had to date. A thorough recommendation...
— Martyn Atkinson Group Chief Operating Officer

 

Airline and former Royal Air Force pilot Matt Lindley talks candidly about being one of the first openly gay pilots in the UK Armed Forces.  Listen to his journey of having a childhood dream to fly, almost crushed by a ban on gay serving personnel in the Forces.  Matt describes how he consciously suppressed his sexuality and joined an organisation knowing that being 'out' could have resulted in a possible prison sentence (The Armed Forces Act).  His story is one of self-motivation, determination, and drive. Matt fulfilled a boyhood dream and qualified as a Hawk fast jet pilot however soon after, high workload, geographical isolation and operating in a non inclusive culture, resulted in a catastrophic mistake at work.

Matt draws on his knowledge of human performance factors and psychology to self analyse the impact of mental health and stress on his performance at work and wellbeing. Listen to the importance of allies and the role of an inspiring inclusive line manager on Matts ultimate success in the Armed Forces.

But this is not just another 'coming out story', instead Matt uses his experience to discuss how the RAF positively adapted its culture from one of open hostility towards gay personnel, to acceptance and support.

 

 

KEY TOPICS
 

 
  • Mental health

  • Resilience - how to weather the storm

  • Stress and workplace performance

  • How to be an inclusive leader

  • Trust - building and maintaining

  • The importance of allies

  • Culture / transformational change

  • Goal setting, focus and drive

  • Emotional intelligence and empathy

  • Workplace banter - the pros and cons

 
 
 
 
 
It was brilliant - he was great, super engaging and people were hanging on his every word... EVEN ON ZOOM! We have had some great feedback already , so we are really pleased
— Charlotte, VP Operations Control Management . J P Morgan
 
 
 
Matt, I found your keynote very powerful- thought provoking, emotional and impactful. Both frustrating at how wrong we as humans can get it but also inspiring at how quickly we can change positively.
— Claire Transformation Director, EDF
 
 
We have had the privilege to hear Matt speak many times and he gets better every time.
He tells his story with humility and honesty through the lens of a military veteran, delivered in a way that is so relatable to the corporate world.
He gives credence to the hugely important role the leader plays in supporting their teams with mental health and personal challenges and in doing so supports them in a way that’s get their performance back on track
— Jane Hart - Nudge Your People
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Matt’s natural ability to connect with his audience along with his energy and positive vibe absolutely captivated our audience with his incredible story. His grit and determination really resonated with so many people in the audience. The presentation that Matt put together really enhanced his speech. It was one of most captivating talks I’ve ever been to
— Elliott Nice. EA to CEO Hyperion X (Insurance)
 
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From the very first briefing call, Matt was just a pleasure to work with - warm and charismatic and more importantly took the time to understand what it was we were trying to achieve and was very open to tailoring his talk where he could to really fit the content and purpose of the day. We have been inundated with feedback from our employees who were blown away by the bravery of Matt’s story. He has certainly left an impression and it’s a talk that I’m sure they will remember for some time.
— Metro Bank, Diversity and Inclusion lead
Matt came in to speak to our law firm about the impact a manager can have on someone’s life when they just listen. His talk was hugely powerful and emotional, but more importantly, it was based on real-life practicalities that we can all take forward into the legal workplace to help make a difference to those people around us.
— Emma Maksimovic Engagement & Inclusion Manager RPC Law
I was fortunate enough to listen to Matt speak at a recent LGBT diversity and inclusion event. Matt shared his own journey as a gay man growing up and achieving his dream to be a pilot which took him the macho world of the RAF and how throughout this time he kept his sexuality bottled. He was able to thread into this the impact that sustained stress and stressful events can have on your performance and if left unchecked the catastrophic outcomes that can result. He sincerely described how having to hide one’s sexuality is a significant source of sustained stress in one’s life providing a compelling reason why being inclusive is so essential to avoid this unnecessary situation. It also served as a reminder that each and everyone one of us faces stress and stressful situations everyday whether it be about being LGBT, a difficult family situations, illness the list goes on and reminded me how embracing diversity and being supportive of each other is beneficial to our overall well-being.
— Brad Rutledge. Royal Bank of Canada
You were incredibly genuine and honest which meant I felt I was going on your journey. It helped me think about people I know personally and question how their leaders and work culture may have impacted them. I left feeling a real responsibility to ensure I looked out for any obstacles, so people to feel secure, valued and respected for being themselves.
Throughout your story, the link was made back to the business environment. Especially the impact we can have as leaders. Having belief in our colleagues was particularly pertinent to me. It showed the importance that a little faith in someone, can impact the rest of their life and therefore what they give back in the work place. It helps you get the most out of your team.
It wasn’t just a lovely talk, I got a lot from it, which I will take away and implement in my working day/home life. I will encourage my team to do the same ...
— The co-operative bank
 
 
The keynote was truly amazing, talking honestly about his sexuality, his drive, motivation, mental health and leadership - everyone was able to take something from it.
Truly remarkable and in all honesty I am so glad he delivered for us
— Officer Commanding FD Flight, RAF Cranwell