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LYNNE JARRETT

Title Head of insight (OOH)   
Company Geosophy Media, GroupM
Pronouns She/her

What does D&I mean to you?
That no one is marginalised. Everyone’s voice is represented and celebrated so they can be themselves and feel part of something bigger. 

What’s your passion area in diversity? 
As a Black British African woman, I am driven to provide support and give a voice to all marginalised voices.

What recent developments should we be celebrating in the diversity debate? 
I would prefer we use the word conversation rather than debate as this focuses on what is right and a positive outcome as opposed to who is right and a potentially negative one. I’m encouraged by the increase in embracing of different cultures in recent years, and the acknowledgement of cultural events and their importance in our multicultural society. I like that the advertising I see is more inclusive. Although I’m not a fan when the ad seems like a box-ticking exercise.

 What is top of mind for 2024? 
While diversity is being celebrated, I’m concerned about DEI ‘fatigue’. It feels like, for some, the DEI box has been ‘checked’, so seeing the removal of DEI roles and programmes in the US leaves me thinking, will the UK follow suit? I would also like more transparency on the ethnicity pay gap, like we have with the gender pay gap.

Which three words describe you best?
Passionate, loyal, fair.

Who should be on the next iList? 
Maria McDowell, founder of lollipop mentoring, which supports marginalised women in the ad industry. Her charity has helped me and so many others.

D&I: MY STORY

I thrive on championing talent and galvanising changemakers. It’s why I’m a mentor and sit on DEI councils and inclusive planning teams and use my research expertise to pioneer projects that displace stereotypes.

I joined WPP’s steering group for its Consumer Equality Equation study and I’m working with a GroupM agency on its inclusive planning research. My current mission is social grade representation for minority ethnic groups, which I believe will move us towards more equitable planning.