Embracing Diversity
Creating inclusive workplaces through bespoke solutions
OK To Be Different offers a different style of equality diversity and inclusion support for organisations embracing kindness and belonging not just the formal training and policies, it's about-
Keeping it simple
Using relatable impactful stories
Providing an open learning environment
Safe spaces where mistakes are not criticised
People from all backgrounds being welcome
Respect for all
Samantha West (owner) has been described as inspirational to people on their journey towards being their authentic selves in the work place. She is able to show how employers can support all of their staff and work colleagues and make huge improvements in equality, diversity and inclusivity matters.
Organisations will benefit from a safer, more productive, innovative and a happier working environment.
Above all we can be confident that we are doing the right thing!!
Our Services
Keynote Speeches
Inspiring talks that promote diversity and inclusion
Diversity Strategy
Developing and implementing customized diversity strategies
Process Improvements
Optimising operational processes for inclusivity
Consulting Services
Tailored consultancy services to support diversity initiatives
Panellist contributions
Enhancing open debate amongst peer groups
Ask me anything events
Any question answered in an open learning environment
Great clients with happy teams.
A huge thank you to Samantha West from its OK to be different for speaking to us all at our Global Staff update on Wednesday. It was a hugely impactful session with great engagement from everyone. Thank you for sharing your experiences so candidly with us all. I can highly recommend Samantha if you would like someone to speak to your team about LGBTQ+ experiences, particularly those of trans people. Global Employee Engagement Manager Compassion in World Farming
Samantha you are such an inspiration 🙏🏻Diversity and inclusion Leader ISS
Thanks for taking the time to talk to us and sharing your personal journey, incredibly insightful, thank you!. Group Financial Controller RES (McApline)
I've heard great feedback about it from attendees. Many said it was the highlight of the day! Project Officer Community Mental Health Transformation Programme Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Proud of you Sam, You're a great ambassador. Looking forward to working with you again. FM recruitment and business development specialist.
Samantha's keynote speech was incredibly inspiring. It left a lasting impact on our team. Surrey and Borders NHS trust
You helped us create a more inclusive and welcoming work environment. Highly recommended to the point that one member of staff wishes to talk to you direct regarding their own transition HR Manager JLL
We were watching from the Glasgow office, it was a brilliant presentation! Office Manager RES
It was a lovely night and you delivered a very inspiring keynote address. MD Glen Group Ltd
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Such a joy listening to you speak on the panel this week about trans inclusion in the workplace! Can’t wait for the next one. Director Fresh and Fearless
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Samantha's keynote speech was incredibly inspiring. It left a lasting impact on our team. Surrey and Borders NHS trust
About Us
OK To Be Different is a pioneering consultancy led by Samantha West, a transgender senior director with 35+ years of industry experience, dedicated to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
About me
I am a formidable, fun, caring, truthful, daring, brave, transsexual, professional, colourful, inspirational, determined, engaging, confident, personable, joyful and analytical person. I also offer 36 years experience, having achieved Director status in the corporate environment wthin the construction and facilities management field, during which I transitioned and stayed in that position for 8 years.
My real life knowledge of what it's like to be different has given me the opportunity to deliver a multitude of speeches to a host of organisations including:
Amnesty International, CIPD, RICS, IWFM, Worshipful company of Patten Makers, RES(McAlpine) London Legacy Corp, Surrey and Borders NHS Trust, JLL, HS2,lion heart, workplace exhibition NEC Tech Co global.
I have contributed to Equality Diversity and Inclusion committees encompassing the Institute of workplace and Facilities Management, LGBT+ in Facilities Management and various EDI networking events being well known in industry. In 2019 I was awarded for bringing the inclusion conversation to an entire industry.
I am offering a different style not just the formal training and policies, it's about being pro-active. I have been described as inspirational to Transgender people on their journey and I am able to show that employers can support all of their staff and work colleagues. This involves being your authentic self, as well as equipping people to make their own choices and find their own coping mechanism. I have a library of good practice and guidelines.
Dealing with change!
Hear powerful presentations about dealing with change...
Whats in the Media.....
Fund raising front line support...
Hector Stringer took his own life at the age of 18. Hector's family subsequently set up Hector’s House charity in his memory, with the aim to prevent suicide and supporting mental health awareness and well being through education.
Hector's House visit schools and organisations providing mental health education and raising awareness around the stigma attached to mental health and suicide. They provide a listening service and support to all those reaching out to them, and helping to create a safety plan and establish a tailored pathway to fully funded further help, including support from other organisations and accessing therapy.
OK To Be Different will donate 5% of all fee earnings to Hector's House.
Impactful Lives (charity No. 1203136): https://il-org.uk
Tackling LGBTQ+ Stigma & Bias Hate Crime & Hate Incidents,
Carer Support, LGBTQ+ Mentoring
Creating Safe Spaces and LGBTQ+ social activities: LGBTQ+ Peer Group
Supporting LGBTQ+ people with a Disability
OK To Be Different supports this organisation. It has also benefited from some wonderful small business support from Impactful Governance (C.I.C. 10940809): https://ig-cic.org.uk
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Hector's House http://www.hectorshouse.org.uk
