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NIC ALFORD

Title New business manager
Company BBH London
Pronouns He/him

What does D&I mean to you?
The beauty in – and celebration of – difference. Sometimes diversity and inclusion feel like buzzwords – or something to have a policy about in case somebody asks. But then you find things like the iList and are empowered by the idea that one day there won’t be closed doors. And through those opened doors will be beautifully different people with different experiences and skills, who will be celebrated and respected. By everyone.

What’s your passion area in diversity?
Advertising is about selling. Selling gives us all the chance to champion and demand D&I. To ensure people feel seen, and diverse voices are heard. To ensure everyone has the opportunity to work wherever they want, do whatever they want, snog whoever they want. We have the opportunity to change the way that gender, sexuality, race, disability, age and/or social mobility are represented in the ads we make, and in the people that make them.

What recent developments should we be celebrating in the diversity debate?
We have built a roadmap of revolutionary initiatives, built on lived experiences [see D&I: My Story]. Watch this space.

What is top of mind for 2024?
The trans+ community is under attack. Hate crimes are rising, hate speech is everywhere. Our offices and policies need to be inclusive, our trans+ colleagues and the trans+ community need to be safe and our ads and media strategies need to be inclusive.

Which three words describe you best?
GenZennial Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

Who should be on the next iList?
A lot can change in two years. Hopefully the judges have an impossible task next time.

D&I: MY STORY

I led a team championing queer talent. I met with clients to help them understand the importance of authentic celebrations of Pride. People would laugh when I emceed a Pride comedy night, but did anybody write queer stories into their ads?

I suggested to all UK agencies within the [IPG*] holding company that shared resources create a bigger impact. I launched a network-wide EMEA committee – and we consulted on a survey ensuring inclusive language before its global rollout.

^{*based on Nic’s experience at MullenLowe before his move to BBH London}