Pride Month invites us to reflect on the power of community -how it is built, nurtured, and sustained through connection, understanding, and shared responsibility. This year’s theme, Cultivating Community, reminds us that belonging doesn’t happen by chance. It grows when people are seen, voices are valued, and stories are shared.
At the heart of our culture are the individuals who show up with authenticity and lead with empathy. Throughout Pride Month, we’re proud to spotlight employees whose experiences, identities, and allyship help strengthen our sense of community every day. Their stories reflect the many ways inclusion comes to life—through mentorship, collaboration, and the courage to be yourself at work.
As you read these spotlights of our proPRIDE employee network group leaders, we invite you to listen, learn, and reflect on how each of us plays a role in cultivating an environment where everyone feels supported, connected, and empowered to thrive.
Ivo Arnaudov, Senior Consultant, LR&C-Risk, London, UK
What does being part of an inclusive workplace mean to you?
To me, being part of an inclusive workplace means making space to truly hear others – and feeling heard in return. Each of us brings a unique story that shapes distinct and valuable perspectives. When organisations actively create space for those perspectives through policies, systems and everyday behaviours, they build more resilient, high-performing teams.
Why is visibility and allyship important to you—at work and beyond?
Visibility and allyship are important to me because they help create safe, supportive spaces – at work and beyond – where people feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves and learning from one another. These spaces foster a lasting sense of connection, belonging and hope. These are the kinds of environments that have helped me better understand and express myself and build deeper, more meaningful connections with others.
How does inclusive leadership show up in your day-to-day work?
For me, inclusive leadership shows up through small, consistent actions – leaders who listen with intent and actively seek input from the whole team in conversations and decisions. It is reflected in genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn from and be challenged by different perspectives. It also shows up through creating opportunities for individuals to demonstrate and develop their strengths. Crucially, it comes through in taking feedback seriously and following through with meaningful action.
What’s one value or principle that guides how you lead?
One principle that guides how I lead – at work and beyond – is recognizing that we are as similar as we are different. I find this both grounding and energizing. It encourages me to approach every interaction with empathy and curiosity – seeking to understand others’ stories without making assumptions. In doing so, I have been able to relate to others more authentically and build stronger, more meaningful connections.
Chris Benvenuto, Managing Director, IAFA-Business Process Audit & Advisory, Metro DC
What does being part of an inclusive workplace mean to you?
To me, an inclusive workplace is one where people can focus on doing great work without having to navigate unnecessary barriers. It’s about feeling respected, heard, and clear on expectations, regardless of background or identity. When people are comfortable showing up as themselves, different perspectives surface earlier and lead to better decisions. Ultimately, inclusion makes the work stronger and the environment healthier for everyone.
How does inclusive leadership show up in your day to day work?
Inclusive leadership shows up through clarity, trust, and consistency. I try to be clear on direction and expectations, while staying open to input from the people closest to the work. I also think it matters how challenges are handled—focusing on learning and solutions rather than blame. That approach creates space for people to speak up, take ownership, and grow.
What message would you like to share with employees or future talent about belonging here?
Belonging here isn’t about fitting a single mold—it’s about being valued for what you bring and trusted to contribute. You don’t need to have all the answers, but curiosity, openness, and accountability go a long way. If you care about doing meaningful work and growing as a professional, you’ll find support, challenge, and real opportunity
