This year, Ed Riseman, Co-founder and General Manager at big group, has made the prestigious IPA iList 2024. This list celebrates industry changemakers who are role models in diversity and inclusion, recognized for creating lasting impact through their work, initiatives, and leadership.

The 30 honorees are breaking barriers, adopting innovative practices, and fostering safe, inclusive environments. Their dedication and vision made the judging process both empowering and emotional.

Hear from Ed about his journey and what this recognition means to him:

I undertook big group’s certification as an LGBTQIA+ majority-owned business through OutBritain, marking us as the first company in the UK to receive this recognition. In 2023, we created a more equitable future by transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust, safeguarding the unique culture we have nurtured. My focus on LGBTQIA+ inclusion, the transition to an Employee Ownership Trust, and our recognition as a great place to work highlight my multifaceted approach to positive transformation.

For me, it’s about celebrating and recognising diversity in characteristics and celebrating those differences. I’m guided by ‘for diversity to be what you see, inclusion is what you do’ – it’s about ensuring there are no barriers for anyone to be themselves. At big group our motto is ‘side by side’ and we mean it.

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I know firsthand what it means to be labelled ‘that one’. Diversity, to me, is about recognising differences, accepting them, and finding joy in our diversity. It also means being a role model for others who can relate to our experiences. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that our industry is seen as an appealing career choice for folk from backgrounds and cultures that have been excluded in the past. It’s time to share the fun! What recent developments should we be celebrating in the diversity debate? I would hesitate to consider diversity a debate to me, it’s a fact and I will happily celebrate that our industry has finally recognised the need to change and is working hard to be more reflective of today’s culture. This is evident in both the content we create and also in the talent and management driving it forward.

Adventurous, optimistic, diplomatic.

Jeremy O. Harris is not only an exceptional playwright and talented actor but he also creates inclusive spaces through his ‘Black Out’ theatre performances. We can all learn a lot from his radical invitation approach.

You can find the full IPA iList 2024 issue here.