The Post: Business Development Executive, Diversity Mark
The Post Holder: Orla McKeating
In her role as a Business Development Executive with Diversity Mark, Oral McKeating is helping to initiate a more diverse, inclusive working landscape in Northern Ireland.
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with a degree in Hispanic Studies and Drama and moved to Brussels where I worked in the European Commission for four years before moving into the fashion industry where I worked for brands including MAC, Givenchy, Dior, L’Oreal and Bobby Brown.
I returned to Northern Ireland in late 2012 and had my son Elliot and opened Boden Park Coffee Company & Roastery. This business was focused on being an inclusive space for all people before we sold it in 2020. The roastery side of the business lives on and is run by my dad.
I also worked with many different types of businesses on a digital consultancy basis while developing Still I Rise Storytelling™. This provided virtual or in real life story sessions, workshops and training around issues typically not addressed in story books and resources including Race issues, neuro-diversity, male mental health, LGBTQ+ issues, disabilities, diverse families, empathy & moving country, kind & inclusive language and more.
I’m a fellow of the Acumen Academy, the worlds school of social change. This is a cohort of leaders from all around the UK breaking boundaries to build an inclusive, just and sustainable world.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Languages. I am so passionate about people and culture.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I studied Spanish & Theatre in Queen’s University. I spent a year living in Spain and was immersed in Spanish culture. This fascinated me and hugely attributed to the path I am on now.
How did you get into your area of work?
I am a proud single mother to a mixed-race son, I did a TEDx talk in Stormont in 2019 and spoke about the importance of diversity, representation, and inclusion in books, learning spaces and society at large. My role with Diversity Mark felt like a natural progression and the ability to deploy all my experience, training and expertise into a new area of business. I’m excited to affect the change I want to see in the workplace, just as I did in education.
At Diversity Mark we offer accreditation, support and guidance for businesses and organisations navigating the diversity and inclusion landscape. We support a growing number of businesses across Northern Ireland, ROI and the UK, meeting them where they are in their diversity journey and supporting them on their commitment to transforming culture and attitudes for the better.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
Yes, being a part of the change is something I’ve always aspired to contribute to. A truly diverse and inclusive workplace can enable so much more at home, in our communities and society at large. It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s good for us all. Research shows us that more diverse companies perform better and boards with more representation outperform those that don’t. More diversity increases employee satisfaction, increases financial returns and innovation in the workplace. I love seeing businesses and organisations thrive when they commit to diversity and inclusion.
Were there any essential qualifications or experience needed?
My role is about Communication and Education. Meeting leaders and businesses where they are on their journey with Diversity and Inclusion and supporting them with insights, best practice, and experience in initiating change. Change isn’t easy, its hard, so for me it’s about people.
I need to be self-motivated, driven, and energetic that’s a given when trying to implement change. We are a small but mighty team and I look forward to affecting the change we need to see in Northern Ireland and beyond.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Excellent communication, an authentic drive for change, knowledge about diversity and inclusion and the ability to inspire and implement long term change.
What does a typical day entail?
My role is a hybrid one, I currently choose to be in the office which is in the beautiful Glandore Belfast, so the views of Belfast are worth the commute!
We have a fast-growing list of signatories – 150 businesses with over 150,000 employees – so we must ensure that they are all getting the support they need from Diversity Mark.
Our independent team of assessors and/or diversity buddies often have meetings throughout the day with people and businesses who express interest in the accreditation process. I am always connecting with new organisations who either are already creating impact on their D&I journey or those who are not sure where to get started. The most challenging step can sometimes be the first one and my door is always open.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
I love seeing a real commitment to change and how as a society we are all doing the little and big things to more towards a more equal and inclusive society.
In terms of the challenge; it is a vast and fast-paced environment and organisations are at different stages – that can be daunting.
Why is what you do important?
I want to live in a world where all people matter, where opportunities are equal and where each person can show up every day as their true authentic self in a trusted space.
There is a positive impact to businesses through having a variety of different perspectives, increased creativity and profits, better decision making, higher employee engagement and reduced employee turnover.
How has Covid-19 impacted your business/role?
It shone a light on the disproportionate role women play, it also forced organisations to consider their way of working and making decisions, especially around recruitment, progression and opportunity. It has been encouraging to see such growth in the number of diverse companies joining Diversity Mark and benefitting from such a rich group of DEI leaders and practitioners committed to helping their organisations and each other succeed.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Stay true to your purpose, stay focused, be ready to examine your own bias and prejudice, be prepared to unlearn and learn on a huge level.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I would be a poet.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
You are exactly where you need to be, ask all the questions and wear comfy shoes!
Describe your ideal day off.
An early morning trip to Helen’s Bay for a sea swim then a stroll along Holywood High Street for some pre-loved shopping and back home for a cooked breakfast and Boden Park Coffee. Then some quality time with my son, like a trip to the skate park or a visit to the Mac Belfast, Central Library or hurling in Botanic Gardens.
We’d then go to my favourite restaurant with friends for an early dinner and margaritas at La Taqueria.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Apply even if you don’t meet the full criteria. Especially if you are from an under-represented or marginalised group.
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