Annika Allen works at the vibrant intersection of communications and diversity and inclusion building communications, strategies, developing initiatives, interventions and practices to empower others to build their capabilities and maximise their performance in an inclusive environment that fosters their success.

Annika currently works in Global Diversity & Inclusion at Barclays where she wrote and project managed Barclays inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Annual Report, led on the creation of the Power of Allies Toolkit, which is a popular internal resource to help colleagues take conscious, positive steps to make everyone feel that they belong. She also recognised that conversations around various topics on diversity, equity and inclusion are difficult, but having difficult conversations is vital to the success of all workplaces so she designed Courageous Conversations – a global monthly thematic webcast and podcast series, produced to share meaningful dialogue and to empower and encourage colleagues to listen to and learn from each other, and to speak up and challenge in thoughtful, constructive ways. She also drove forward the creation of a new D&I Hub and was involved in the Race at Work taskforce creating the internal site to engage colleagues on Barclay’s Race at Work action plan.

Prior to working at Barclays, Annika’s communications background led her to a career that spanned journalism, content and TV production. She worked on entertainment and reality formats, on shows that appeared on the BBC, Channel 4 to MTV.

Annika is an award-winning speaker, broadcaster and podcast host and is passionate about championing diversity, empowering women and sharing and amplifying stories from underrepresented voices, breaking down barriers and helping others to fulfil their potential.

If that isn’t enough, she also co-founded The Black Magic Awards – an annual awards ceremony that celebrates, honours the changemakers and the trailblazers in the Black community and provides a platform for stories of triumph and shinning a light on Black role models. This event creates a space for people to see what’s possible and inspires the next generation of talent. She also sits on the advisory board for UK Black Business Week and the Birmingham Black Business Show.