Tim is blending all his experiences to expand inclusion within Deutsche Bank

On the surface it may not seem that a degree in sociology would lead to an eleven-year career in tech, but Tim has found his background to be invaluable in his work.

“I work in the Technology, Data & Innovation division within the bank, specifically eDiscovery Quality Control. My role is to ensure that appropriate controls are in place to minimize errors within our operations. I also investigate when things don’t go as they should. No two days are the same, because each investigation is completely different. But I’m always pulling a lot of people in together to solve a problem, and how we can improve for the future.”

Understanding people, critical thinking, making information clear, and writing are all skills from his sociology background which he uses every day to explain complex technical information in a meaningful and concise manner. It also underpins his work to drive awareness of equity, diversity and inclusion too.

“I think [my background has] actually equipped me really well to contribute towards efforts to address some of the challenges and difficulties facing the Bank right now. Initially, I designed and ran an initiative called Breaking Barriers. It was an education program designed to break down silos and help everyone learn about the different teams in our area.

Later, I was recommended for a training pilot on unconscious bias. It was amidst all of the Black Lives Matter protests in the US and across the world. I jumped on it.”

“Following the pilot, I became a facilitator myself and eventually started training other facilitators. I became the global lead for the team responsible for delivering this training to all managers in Technology. We adapted it into its current guise of the BeConsciouslyInclusive leadership program. We were able to articulate quite early on that it isn't just a tick-box exercise, it’s about creating a sustainable, grassroots community of leaders in Tech who are passionate about creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment here at Deutsche Bank.’

Tim knows the possibilities are endless for expanding his involvement in driving forward the bank’s agenda on inclusion.

“I’ve been able to facilitate sessions with leaders from across the Bank as well as partnering with Women in Technology, our Black Leadership Forum, and as part of Engineering Day! In recognition, I was invited to attend the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner: my first black-tie event! Looking forward, I am so excited about our German language version of the program called BeWusstInklusiv – so I’m really looking forward to what comes next.”

While it was his skills and background that helped bring the training to life, Tim cites the support of leaders close to him as what helped make this all possible. He wants that advocacy to be something everyone within Deutsche Bank gets the chance to experience.

“I think sponsorship and allyship are what been the difference for me and my career. I'm really fortunate: I've got incredibly supportive management and mentors who have encouraged and nurtured me at every turn. And I feel that quite strongly: this support around me has been the real watershed for my career. I have felt able to bring my whole self to work, I’m able to utilize all of my background and experience to enrich my career and drive change!”