Amanda Clack gives talk about the importance of diversity and inclusion to UCEM staff

Posted on: 21 June, 2019

UCEM was honoured to host Amanda Clack, who talked to a group of employees from all areas of the organisation about diversity and inclusion in the workplace, last week.

Amanda and Tharindu with UCEM staff The principles of bulding an inclusive workplace illustation

Research shows that high-performing organisations focus on diversity and inclusion. In any workplace, it is important to both understand and recognise the benefits that having a diverse and inclusive workforce provides. It is integral to developing people within an organisation, serving clients and playing an important leadership role in communities.

Amanda recently co-authored Managing Diversity and Inclusion in Real Estate Sector with Judith Gabler. This book is the first to place diversity and inclusion at the centre of successful real estate and construction organisations. It provides guidance to, and most importantly, actions for, professionals in the sector who want to make diversity and inclusion an inherent part of the culture of their organisation.

Amanda talking at the podium Diversity illustration by Rarley Katz of the New Yorker

Through fabulous illustrations by Farley Katz (of the New Yorker) Amanda shared the key messages and take-away’s from the book to help show everyone in the audience how to #bethechange.

Dr Tharindu Liyanagunawardena, Learning Technology Researcher and Chair of the Online Learning Research Centre at UCEM, organised the event and explained: “I am passionate about accessibility and when I saw Amanda had launched this book, I thought it would be a perfect topic for her to come and talk to us about. The talk was incredibly engaging and thought-provoking and the two main takeaways for me are that as an organisation, we have to walk the talk, and, as individuals, we have to be strong role models promoting diversity and inclusion.”

Amanda is Head of Strategic Advisory at CBRE and is Managing Director for Advisory Services, supporting clients on their strategic real estate agenda. She is a Member of the UK Board. She is also the Immediate Past President for the RICS – becoming the longest-serving President in 123 years. Amanda is on the Development Board for the London Symphony Orchestra. Previously she was a Partner in EY LLP and PwC LLP. Amanda is a Fellow of RICS, APM, Institute of Consulting and the RSA. She is a Certified Management Consultant and Companion of the Institute of Management. She is listed in Who’s Who and has won various awards. Amanda is also a member of UCEM Board of Trustees.

Amanda is a published author and speaker on areas such as strategy, digital, cities, placemaking, real estate and the war of talent. She is a strong voice on diversity and inclusion in the sector as exemplified by the book she has recently had published and spoke about at UCEM.