In an industry where we are navigating intricate regulatory landscapes and communicating complex scientific advancements to a wide range of audiences, adaptability and being able to see all the angles on a problem are paramount. The strength of our firm lies not just in the expertise of our team but in the diverse tapestry of experiences and perspectives that each member brings to the table. Having a team with varied backgrounds means we have the best tools and perspectives to anticipate and address a broader range of client needs and stakeholder concerns. At ICR Consilium, we believe that diversity, in its broadest sense, is the key to delivering an unparalleled service to our clients in the UK and internationally.
Communications and biotech have historically not been at the vanguard of positive representation. Data from BIO, published in 2022, showed that women and non-White people are still under-represented at high levels of the biopharma industry, although the survey shows positive trends. The data, based on 28 companies, showed that non-White people make up just under 40% of the total workforce, but hold less than a quarter of executive jobs. The Chartered Institute of Public Relations data from the start of 2024 shows that the communications industry still significantly under-represents people of colour, with nine out of ten UK practitioners identifying as White.
Growing up and navigating my way into these industries, I could see clearly that I didn’t resemble my peers in many ways. What could I achieve? How could I reach success if I couldn’t see myself in anyone in those positions? The answer to these questions lies in the fact that someone must take those first steps to become ‘that’ person others can look to. I knew that if I wanted to see change in the industry, I’d have to be part of the solution to make this change.
But I am not alone in this thinking! Our team is filled with individuals with the same experience of not seeing themselves represented within the industry. We come from a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures, nationalities, educational paths and career backgrounds. Each of our team members’ journeys into healthcare financial PR has been unique, shaped by their previous careers and their personal experiences. Diversity is not just a buzzword for us; it is a significant asset that enriches the work we do as a team with and for our clients. And at a time when the value of diversity is sometimes called into question, we believe it is more important than ever to state the unequivocal benefits it has brought to our firm and our industry.
This is more than progressive wish-fulfilment. There is hard evidence that diversity improves the bottom line of companies. A 2020 study by McKinsey & Company found that the most ethnically and culturally diverse companies were 36% more likely to post larger profits than their less-diverse peers.[1]
The term ‘diversity’ has traditionally referred to differences in gender, race and socioeconomic backgrounds. This is still important, as the McKinsey data shows, and there is still work to do here. But there are many more aspects of diversity organisations should consider; this should include differences in educational and career backgrounds and even in life experiences. It’s the differences in every aspect of everyone’s lived experiences that equip them with a unique perspective to help teams go above and beyond.
The embedded diversity of our team enables us to break out of hidebound thinking. For example, a colleague who has worked in the financial markets brings invaluable insights into financial strategies and nuances that can make or break a communication campaign. Another colleague with a background in laboratory research provides a deep understanding of scientific terminologies and protocols, ensuring that our work is both accurate and impactful. This blend of awareness, experience and a confident, good spirit allows us to craft strategies that are not only effective but also resonate with different audiences, from different backgrounds and in different parts of the world.
By showcasing a team that reflects a variety of backgrounds and career paths, we also send a powerful message: success in healthcare financial PR is not only attainable for anyone, regardless of their starting point, but is actually associated with excellence.
Seeing individuals who share similar traits or backgrounds to you can significantly expand your view of what is possible. It demonstrates that there is no single path to success, and that the diversity of our experiences is a strength, not a barrier. As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard, valued, and leveraged to achieve excellence. This commitment not only benefits our clients but also helps pave the way for a more inclusive and representative industry, inspiring future generations to bring their unique talents to the field. To quote US tennis champion and diversity champion Billie Jean King: “if you see it, you can be it”.
[1] ‘Diversity wins – How inclusion matters’. McKinsey & Company. May 2020.
