Hi, I'm Ed.
Senior Manager in Technology & Transformation and Proud Co-Chair, London
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My journey so far…
I’m a proud Essex boy and grew up in Rayleigh, near Southend-on-Sea. I went to a grammar school and enjoyed academia, but I sometimes struggled with the social aspects. I have always had combined ADHD with autistic traits, but I went through school without a diagnosis. Growing up I struggled with concentration, as well as severe anxiety when I had changes to my routines. Every school report said the same thing; always talking and easily distracted! I never knew the reason at the time for all these things, I just saw myself as a bit different.
From my teenage years I also knew I was gay, but I tried to ignore it because I was already finding it hard socially. Subconsciously I don’t think I wanted to engage with anything else that could make me feel different. Growing up in the noughties, a lot of progress had been made, but some people still thought being gay was “wrong”, so I never felt comfortable coming out.
At the age of 18 I decided against university and joined Deloitte on the Brightstart Apprenticeship scheme. I knew I wanted a career in the city and thought it would be a good way to gain work experience and learn on the job.
Work that matters
I joined as an apprentice in consulting, working with private and public sector clients. I’ve developed lots of new tech skills such as AI literacy, as well as soft skills like people management, empathy, integrity and storytelling. I also qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant whilst working here, which was fundamental to helping me understand how business finance works. I was also commended for coming eighth globally in my final exam, which was a real confidence boost.
I now support businesses to transform through technology and AI, so they can future proof themselves. For example, we’re working with companies to help them improve and automate their processes, so they can deliver faster and more streamlined services for their people. I really enjoy working with the people I do, they make this job what it is.
It wasn’t until I was in my early twenties that I felt comfortable being honest about my sexuality. The process of coming out at Deloitte was extremely supportive. I was actively encouraged to join Proud Network events, which I attended a few of. I also went to Manchester PRIDE and got to know a lot of network members. It gave me a real sense of belonging and I’ve met some amazing people. I’m now the Proud at Deloitte co-chair, helping to deliver lots of different events, initiatives and policy discussions.
In addition to this I’m a member of the Neurodiversity Network. I got my diagnosis whilst working at Deloitte and had the support to discuss adjustments that would be helpful for me. I was given transcription tools and support to my day-to-day working environment. I’ve been offered guidance from the Neurodiversity Network too, and they’re always around if I need help and support.
Highlights from my week
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I head to the office, and work with my project team to prepare for the week. We are running client workshops tomorrow so we’re doing final preparations. | We’re in the client office running the workshop. It’s great to have that face-to-face time with them to finalise designs for new processes. | I head to the gym in the morning before work. I then work through the outputs from the previous day’s workshop and then we go for a team lunch. | I have a few internal meetings, and head to a lunch and learn session about the latest AI developments. In the evening I go to an awards ceremony with the Proud at Deloitte Network. | I work from home and meet with my Proud co-chair. I have a meeting with our client team, as well as planning for the next week. In the evening I head out for a drink with friends. |
My weekend looks like
I love being active and I’m really into fitness and obstacle races. I’m part of a bootcamp group and we regularly do fun runs and hiking trips to places like Snowdon and Brecon Beacons. I love summer festivals and music, especially dance and Drum and Bass. Pride events are always a big part of my summer as well!
3 things I've learned
Listen to learn
We all see the world through different lenses. Even when we don’t agree, taking the time to genuinely listen helps us understand one another better; and often teaches us more than we expect.
Be kind
You never truly know what someone else is going through. Small acts of kindness, checking in, offering support, or simply being patient can make a bigger difference than we realise.
Be open
We are all in the same ocean, not the same boat. Being open means recognising that people face different challenges and when possible, being willing to meet them where they are, with empathy and support.
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Ed's TV recommendation
It’s a Sin
It’s a Sin is a Channel Four drama that focuses on the reality of the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s. Set in London, it really highlights the history of that time, as well as some of the serious challenges that the gay community faced. It shows how far we’ve come as a society, but it’s also a reminder of how important Pride events still are.
