Meet Your CloserTogether Taskforce
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The CTT has already formed two working groups (People & Culture and Inclusive Events). All of the groups have held their inaugural meeting and selected chairs. The groups will be meeting throughout the year and the Taskforce members will also have their first in person meeting in London in September where they will also be participating in a day of training to help equip them with skills needed to be successful in their role.
If you have any questions, suggestions or comments for the Taskforce or working groups, please don't hesitate to reach out to any of the following employees.
Meet The Chairs
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Location: London, UK
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Sébastien Brasseur Location: London, UK I wanted to join the CTT because of my personal experience. I have often witnessed individuals excluded from groups within the school and work environments only because they were perceived as 'different'. Despite the knowledge, skills, and ambition that one possesses, feeling rejected can significantly affect self-confidence and hinder personal and career growth. My intention in participating in this project is to ensure that every individual feels welcome within the CSM family, irrespective of their background, and to offer them equitable support to advance in their career within the organisation.
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Location: London, UK I wanted to be part of the CloserTogether Taskforce as I'd love to contribute to the development of CSM, our initiatives and our overall company culture. I've loved being part of CSM ever since joining in Feb 2022 - I think there's a lot of great things that we do already, but likewise, there's a lot more that we can still do better. I'm a massive believer that having a truly diverse and inclusive organisation will have longer-term value and generate higher profits for the company, as it means we have a whole plethora of ideas, perspectives, opinions and awareness on whatever topics we address. This also shouldn't be limited to our internal teams, but should filter down to our products, features and events that we organise. Being able to contribute to this change is something I'm very excited about.
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Rakim Asher
Simona Jevdokimovaite
Meet The Taskforce
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I wanted to join the taskforce because I come from a diverse family and grew up in one of the most diverse areas, Newham. So naturally, I wanted to be part of a group that promotes diversity and in turn, inspires creativity and collaboration. I find it beautiful how regardless of our differences, D&I is something that everyone at CloserStill has an equal stake in. |
As an older gay, disabled person, I want to contribute to this group for the benefit of all and also to learn from it in equal measure.
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I hope to build systems and processes that put DEI into practice within our company, and at the events we host.
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CSM has made some great strides at being a diverse employer, however, I have noticed that this is not reflected at leadership level. Therefore, I am keen to help open up opportunities to the richly diverse talent available within the company, with CSM benefitting from a well-rounded and inclusive Leadership Team.
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To be part of a community that contributes to our society, our CSM community, both within our offices and outside in the events we all represent. By actively participating, I aim to contribute to a culture that values diversity, respects all individuals, and provides equal opportunities for everyone.
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As an organization, we have to understand that an inclusive society is needed and that diversity works when there's a great perception of inclusion, so being part of this journey is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant and positive impact for generations to come.
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 Jaya Sexton Conference Producer, London Inclusive Events I’m so excited to be a part of this initiative to make both our internal working environment and our events as inclusive as possible! By recognising that everyone has different needs that are all of equal importance, we can cultivate a culture which celebrates everyone’s individuality. As key players in the events industry, we have a responsibility to represent diverse voices and show everyone that they belong in the industries we’re passionate about. I’m excited to collaborate with the rest of the taskforce to come up with impactful policies that hold us accountable while we continue to run exceptional events. |
 Katja Teichmann Marketing Manager, USA (CommerceNext) People & Culture Joining CloserTogether was important to me because I truly believe in the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, especially with the current political environment in the US. With LGBTQ+ rights at risk and a general attack on diversity and equity, it is more crucial than ever to create safe spaces for minority groups. My goal is to share my perspective as a queer woman to double down on the values of CommerceNext and CloserStill, creating more opportunities for diversity among our teams and improving inclusion for our existing teams. |
 Wilson Wong Head of Operations, Singapore People & Culture As our Singapore's business is expanding and same goes for the headcounts in the office as well. Becoming a member of CloserTogether will helps to ensure proper practice of workplace DEI in order to create and maintaining a successful workplace. |
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Meet The Sponsors & Supporters
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EXECUTIVE SPONSOR Chief Operating Officer Inclusive Events |
EXECUTIVE SPONSOR Chief Marketing Officer People & Culture |
HUMAN RESOURCES Group HR Director People & Culture
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COMMUNICATIONS Senior Communications Inclusive Events, |