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MATT DAVIS
Title Co-owner and ECD
Company Red Brick Road
Pronouns He/him
MATT DAVIS
Title Co-owner and ECD
Company Red Brick Road
Pronouns He/him
What does D&I mean to you?
For me it’s about marginalised groups that are out of conventional eyelines – and simple fairness, of course. Digging deeper, it’s about human rights, the survival of society, and our industry. The sat nav’s on and we’re heading in the right direction. But there’s a way to go. Mistakes will be made.
What’s your passion area in diversity?
I try to always open my eyes, educate myself and turn awareness into action. I’ve been yanked towards autism – forced on me when my son was diagnosed over a decade ago. I have been fortunate to work with everyone at Red Brick Road who, having witnessed an unbelievably unlevel world for autistic people from childhood to adulthood, have been massive contributors in helping to make our industry more accepting and giving young autistic people opportunities.
What recent developments should we be celebrating in the diversity debate?
Just that it’s a public conversation really. And we shouldn’t be afraid to pose tricky questions. Employers making workplaces more neurodiversity friendly is a biggie.
What is top of mind for 2024?
Social mobility in its broadest sense. The intersection of autism and social disadvantage is pressing – both society and our industry struggle badly with it. Antisemitism is also once again rampant, which is something I never thought I’d say. Its implications for inclusion are complex.
Which three words describe you best?
Listens, learns, laughs.
Who should be on the next iList?
Trevor Robinson. His Create Not Hate programme is a gamechanger.
D&I: MY STORY
We’ve created many pro bono and award-winning campaigns for autism charities and committed to employing an autistic member of staff – a huge success for him and us.
Our Open Minds programme with The Courtyard School – for students with special educational needs – has been our biggest contribution. Devised by us, it educates on all areas of advertising. Employees from all disciplines work tirelessly teaching – as a group and one on one. We will take our first paid internships of graduated students this summer.
What does D&I mean to you?
For me it’s about marginalised groups that are out of conventional eyelines – and simple fairness, of course. Digging deeper, it’s about human rights, the survival of society, and our industry. The sat nav’s on and we’re heading in the right direction. But there’s a way to go. Mistakes will be made.
What’s your passion area in diversity?
I try to always open my eyes, educate myself and turn awareness into action. I’ve been yanked towards autism – forced on me when my son was diagnosed over a decade ago. I have been fortunate to work with everyone at Red Brick Road who, having witnessed an unbelievably unlevel world for autistic people from childhood to adulthood, have been massive contributors in helping to make our industry more accepting and giving young autistic people opportunities.
What recent developments should we be celebrating in the diversity debate?
Just that it’s a public conversation really. And we shouldn’t be afraid to pose tricky questions. Employers making workplaces more neurodiversity friendly is a biggie.
What is top of mind for 2024?
Social mobility in its broadest sense. The intersection of autism and social disadvantage is pressing – both society and our industry struggle badly with it. Antisemitism is also once again rampant, which is something I never thought I’d say. Its implications for inclusion are complex.
Which three words describe you best?
Listens, learns, laughs.
Who should be on the next iList?
Trevor Robinson. His Create Not Hate programme is a gamechanger.
D&I: MY STORY
We’ve created many pro bono and award-winning campaigns for autism charities and committed to employing an autistic member of staff – a huge success for him and us.
Our Open Minds programme with The Courtyard School – for students with special educational needs – has been our biggest contribution. Devised by us, it educates on all areas of advertising. Employees from all disciplines work tirelessly teaching – as a group and one on one. We will take our first paid internships of graduated students this summer.
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