Jersey-man named top ‘LGBT+ Future Leader’ in prestigious global lists

Friday 27 October 2017

Stuart Barette, Transgender Lead for the HSBC Pride UK Network, and Chair of the HSBC Pride Network in the Channel Islands, has taken top spot in the ‘OUTstanding LGBT+ Future Leaders List’, presented by the Financial Times.

The LGBT+ Future Leaders category recognises role models at all levels in a company who are making a significant contribution to LGBT+ inclusion. The judging panel was made up of a variety of people including Josh Spero, Deputy Editor of Special Reports, Financial Times and Suki Sandhu, Founder and CEO, OUTstanding.

Ms Sandhu commented: “These lists exist to challenge the assumption you cannot be out and successful in business, and to highlight the importance of role models in inspiring the next generation of business leaders. By recognising and celebrating those who are leading the charge, the lists demonstrate how far the quest for workplace equality has come. But there is always more to be done. Big business and the public sector have the power and influence to promote LGBT+ inclusion more widely, paving the way for real societal change around the world.”

Mr Barette also explained how it felt to be recognised at this level: “It is so important that this cause is pushed and that change is effected to make the workplace a more equal and understanding environment. Having been through the process of coming out at work and sharing the transgender experience with my colleagues, I know how daunting it can be, but I aim to make everyone else’s journey as positive as mine has thankfully been. Lists like these place positive role models and change-makers in the spotlight and remind us that times are changing for the better, as long as we keep inspiring and educating our colleagues and society as a whole.”