Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Sustainability Calling 2026: A Personal Reflection on Speaking at the Conference

Public Speaking

21 Oct

Sustainability Calling 2026 – Speaking Reflections

Dr Tyra Oseng-Rees speaks about her reflections of EDI in the workplace.

Alongside making the awards, Dr Tyra Oseng-Rees also spoke on the panel The Reality of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Organisations, together with Adam Taylor Board Member of Natural Resources Wales and Director of Ad Infinitum Consulting, Anna Jones Strategic Lead for Tirweddau Cymru / Landscapes Wales, and Bret Willers Head of Sustainability at Coventry City Council with Dr. Hushneara Begum as the host and chair.

Speaking on Identity, Bias and Lived Experience

Tyra shared her reflections as a foreigner and as a woman navigating a traditional, linear industry. She highlighted how women are often met with comments linking their achievements to appearance rather than capability, and how organisational blind spots form when leadership lacks diversity of background and perspective. True diversity is not about appearance alone, it is also about diversity of thinking, lived experience and the courage to challenge established norms.

The feedback was overwhelming.

I think you did an amazing job articulately complex and sensitive themes of EDI and develop over the years and with your business.
We loved your kindness, openness and energy at the event. You spoke to people at their core, that’s what people take back home. I’ve had a number of people mention your voice was like the voice of many women, women trying to navigate a career/carve out a business but afraid to speak up.
You spoke confidently for and to the many, not the few! I can say your voice was felt by many, even men who may not have realised (…due to their privilege) how they may come across or how they can be a Allie – something for them to reflect on.
You clearly explained how you navigated an established and traditional linear industry; this sat well with many and become a ‘case example’ of what can be done and how innovation is also at the heart of the future.”
Shared by Dr Hushenara Begum, Founder of Sustainability Calling

Looking Ahead

What made this conference special was seeing what Dr Hushneara Begum is building with the Think Tank Centre for Sustainability , the conference and the authenticity brand. It shows how much thought and care she puts into creating a space for sharing and networking, and this is a vision I truly support.

This is what Sustainability Calling is all about. A space where real conversations happen, where different viewpoints are welcomed, and where people leave with something meaningful to take forward.

A great thank you to all for the feedback, the conversations, the ideas and to everyone who was there. It has been great to have been part of this and we are already looking forward to next year, and excited to see how these conversations continue to grow.

Sustainability Calling is exactly that: a place for real dialogue, shared insight and collective growth.

Thank you to everyone for the conversations, ideas and reflections. I am already looking forward to next year and excited to see how these conversations continue to grow.