Lara Joannides

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT LARA JOANNIDES

I am a passionate and effective Culture, Development, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programme lead, with more than five years of experience delivering DEI and culture-change initiatives in a large, matrix organisation. I currently lead the BBC\'s award-winning 50:50 The Equality Project, having spearheaded its expansion from a gender equality initiative to one working to increase the representation of gender minority, ethnic minority and deaf, disabled and neurodivergent contributors in all BBC Content using data-driven solutions to harness the grassroots efforts of hundreds of production teams across the organisation. I have previously led on Talent & Leadership Development, Culture and Wellbeing strategies and programme delivery for BBC News. Prior to this, I worked in the UK\'s leading newsrooms at the BBC and Sky as a senior journalist and producer, with a particular focus on delivering creative content for underserved audiences, and improving workflows and processes through successful pilots and transformation projects. I believe that creating and sustaining a workplace culture which prioritises wellbeing, respect and inclusion is key to the success of any organisation. I am driven by helping others realise their full potential, and am a Level 5 Professional Coaching apprentice and experienced mentor. I was a shortlisted finalist for the Women of the Future Awards 2020, and named on the Global Diversity Professionals List 2021.