Hayley Barnard

Hayley Barnard is the Managing Director and Diversity Strategist at MIX Diversity Developers Ltd, helping organizations become more innovative and profitable through developing both a more diverse workforce and diverse customer base. Alongside her role, she is also the Co-Founder of the company and specializes in diversity and inclusion, unconscious bias training, and effective communication.

MIX Diversity Developers Ltd's consultancy services are utilized by high-profile clients including BAE Systems, Deutsche Telekom/T-Mobile, Diageo, the Care Quality Commission, ASDA, Travis Perkins, and HSBC. The firm's dedication to advancing workplace diversity has not only led to them being shortlisted for the HR Supplier of the Year Award from Personnel Today but also allowed Barnard to implement programs such as a tailored Inclusive Leadership program for senior executives at Deutsche Telekom and a change management initiative focusing on 'embracing difference' and 'collaboration' for BAE Systems.

Barnard's early career achievements include rapidly ascending to the position of General Manager of Sir Chay Blyth’s ‘Challenge Business’ at the age of 23 and securing a board-level post by 26. She later pursued postgraduate studies in marketing and co-founded a communications and sponsorship business with Debra Searle MVO, MBE, where she remains a board director. Now in her 40s, she is driven by a desire to effect positive change in her clients' organizations by fostering a culture of inclusivity.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Barnard's personal life experiences significantly influence her work. With a background in Religious Studies specializing in Islam, close family members who are gay, and two children with disabilities, she is deeply committed to addressing a wide array of diversity and inclusion issues. Her personal and professional insights are further enriched by her participation in initiatives like the LeasePlan Women’s Arctic Challenge, which she co-led to discuss gender balance and challenge unconscious bias in the workplace.

Barnard is known for her engaging and humorous communication style, which she uses to address complex topics such as inclusive leadership, unconscious bias, and the business case for diversity and inclusion, making them accessible and impactful for her audience. She also delivers high-level training and keynotes on a variety of subjects including Corporate Culture, Leadership, and Motivation, helping leaders understand and implement practices that drive innovation and collaboration. Through her work, Barnard remains committed to seeing all individuals achieve their potential regardless of their gender, age, religion, race, sexuality, or personality type.