Multi-award winning diversity and inclusion expert, Asif Sadiq has over fifteen year experience in his impressive industry. Seeing significant success in achieving strategic and operational targets as well as managing risk, change, performance and quality. Asif boasts an impressive track record as the former Head of Diversity and Inclusiveness for EY Financial Services and former Head of Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Unit for the City of London Police. Moving from his position as Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging for The Telegraph Media Group in 2020, he is now the Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at adidas.
Committed in creating a strong sense of belonging Asif is a truly passionate and inspirational global leader and renowned keynote speaker. Asif has the ability to connect and empower with every level of a business and has been key in implementing diversity and inclusion activities and programmes to create an inclusive environment for all.
The influence and work of Asif has been so great that as a result he has gained a huge variety of achievements for his work such as the Police Officer of the Year Award and Civil Servant of the Year Award. He has also gained recognition with the Mosaic (Prince’s Trust) Award for mentoring and the prestigious Asian Professional Award. A stand out award which truly highlighted his efforts towards diversity and inclusion was the highly commended Head of Diversity Award at the European Diversity Awards. In 2017 Asif was honoured with an MBE for his services to Policing and Communities.
Not only is Asif one of the most popular keynote speakers on the circuit but he is also the current Chair of the London Hate Crime Board and a member of the APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) on Hate Crime. From being a trainer for the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to a Special Sergeant with the City of London Police the list of Asif's work is endless. Due to his stance in society and the huge impact he has had he has also been invited as a judge for a range of awards including the BIMA Awards, CIPD Awards, the Lord Mayor's Dragon Awards and the Personnel Today Awards
Acting as a huge role model for many, Asif strongly believes in creating a strong sense of belonging for everyone which he showcases in his everyday work and also his speeches. He can provide huge benefits for businesses including implementing diversity and inclusion programmes as well as discussing how to achieve operational and strategic targets.
How to hire Asif Sadiq
Contact the Champions Speakers agency to provisionally enquire about Asif Sadiq for your event today. Simply call a booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at agent@championsukplc.com for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
When at corporate events, Asif is known to cover the following topics:
- People Motivation & Empowerment
- Boosting Productivity & Management Development
- Corporate Diversity & Effectiveness
- Communication Enhancement
- Equality/Diversity Concept & Implementation
- Achieving Operational & Strategic Targets
- Managing Quality, Performance, Risk & Change
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary halt of live events, Asif has been attending virtual events. See the feedback that he received from attendees below:
"Today the sixth form were privileged to welcome Mr Asif Sadiq MBE with whom we explored the importance of diversity and the need for greater inclusion in every facet of society. He told the story of his career, moving from the police force to roles as Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Telegraph and EY Financial Services. He now finds himself based in Germany as Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Adidas. He explained his role alluding to the importance of the smaller details such as discrimination by enforcing dress codes and ensuring the correct pronunciation of one’s name. He then made us reflect on why being able to speak the English language is seen as a measure of intelligence for an accountant whose numeric skills should take precedence. He moved on to talking about the obligation of brands to ensure they have a diverse workforce and uphold inclusion polices. He mentioned that he made EY Financial pull-out of a lucrative deal with a client who refused to work with a female consultant who wore a headscarf, suggesting that firms needed to put diversity and inclusion standards before profit. His natural tone and structure meant the talk was particularly captivating and easy to follow, making the lecture itself informative and enjoyable for all. The second part of the lecture saw Mr Sadiq MBE answer a variety of students’ questions. He explained that positive action was key but differed from positive discrimination, which he did not agree with. When asked what made him ready to move on from a job, he mentioned the importance spending time with his family resulting in him leaving the police force, but in his later roles it was when he felt he was ready for a new challenge. He remains committed to improving diversity and inclusion in the future, and he wants to make a real and direct impact in his home area. All of his answers were insightful but more importantly honest, providing a thorough insight into his award-winning career. Overall, a very topical and passionate lecture." - Y13 Student, Forest School
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your involvement with our Staff Conference on Wednesday 19 August. I appreciate how busy your diary must be and I am grateful that you were able to join us live on the day. We have been receiving really positive feedback from our staff and it’s certainly a great way to start the new academic year. Thank you once again for your support." – Sam, Principal & CEO of Wakefield College
"The session was a resounding success and great feedback from leaders." – Jemima, PepsiCo
