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Bringing Face Equality to the Workplace

I’m beyond excited to share that I’ve been selected as one of a small group of trainers for Face Equality International’s (FEI) brand-new Lunch & Learn workplace inclusivity programme! This initiative is all about helping businesses understand and embrace facial and visible difference, ensuring that everyone – regardless of appearance – feels valued and included in the workplace.

Why This Matters

Face Equality International estimates that 1 in 111 people has a visible difference. Yet, conversations around workplace inclusivity often overlook this crucial aspect of diversity. The Lunch & Learn training programme aims to change that by exploring the realities of living and working with a facial difference, using research, real-life community experiences, and personal insights to educate, inspire, and drive action.

This isn’t just another diversity workshop – it’s about real impact. How can employers and colleagues be better allies? What practical steps can workplaces take to be truly inclusive of people with visible differences? These are the key questions we’ll be tackling in these interactive sessions.

My Story: Living & Leading with Bell’s Palsy

This mission is deeply personal to me. At 18 years old, I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, a condition that caused facial paralysis and changed my world overnight. I suddenly found myself grappling with a visible difference, navigating a world where facial expressions – and the assumptions people make based on them—played a huge role in daily interactions.

I spent years struggling with self-doubt, insecurity, and the pressure to overcompensate professionally. I became acutely aware of how much people judge based on appearance – and how often they do so without realising it. I masked my insecurities behind my achievements, pushing myself to succeed in leadership, business, and public speaking.

Fast-forward to today, I’ve built a career as a leadership, mental health, and wellbeing expert, focusing on creating inclusive spaces where people can show up as their authentic selves. I’ve worked closely with Facial Palsy UK, delivering sessions for Facial Palsy Awareness Week, and supporting others on similar journeys.

This opportunity with Face Equality International takes that work a step further – bringing these vital conversations into workplaces, where change truly starts.

Beyond Face Equality: My Work in Leadership & Wellbeing

While my role with FEI is incredibly important, my work in leadership, resilience, and wellbeing extends far beyond this programme. I offer a range of talks, workshops, and training sessions that help individuals and businesses navigate change, build confidence, and prioritise wellbeing in professional spaces.

💡 Looking for a speaker who can inspire, challenge, and empower? Check out my Speaker Page
💡 Want to explore my other leadership & wellbeing workshops? Take a look at my Wellbeing & Leadership Training

How Workplaces Can Get Involved

The best part? These Lunch & Learn sessions are now available to book! If your organisation is committed to meaningful inclusivity, here’s how you can get involved:

✅ Book a session via Face Equality International
Drop me a message, and I’ll pass on the details

This is an opportunity to ensure your workplace isn’t just talking about inclusivity – but creating an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and included.

My Final Thoughts

This training session with FEI, Tiwonge Cohn, Jono Lancaster, and an incredible group of new friends was an emotional, inspiring, and powerful experience. Being surrounded by people who are dedicated to driving real change is something I’ll never forget.

I can’t wait to start delivering these Lunch & Learn sessions and helping businesses step up their inclusivity efforts. Thank you to Face Equality International for this opportunity – let’s break the stigma, start new conversations, and make workplaces truly inclusive for all.

If you’d like to bring this training to your workplace – or learn more about my leadership, mental health, and wellbeing work –  let’s talk!

📩 Get in touch today

https://garyparsons.uk

A Leadership Mental Health Advocate and Inspirational Speaker, Gary works with businesses and leadership teams to break the stigma and begin prioritising their own mental health and wellbeing. Reach out today to discover how Gary can support your team in cultivating a culture of wellbeing and effective leadership.

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