My D&I Journey with:
Nimisha Overton,
EMEA DE&I Lead,
Canon Europe
My D&I Journey with:1. What was your journey into diversity and inclusion?
My journey into diversity, equity and inclusion began organically at Canon, where I championed initiatives like a women’s focus group, a multi-faith network, and Black History Month celebrations. These experiences deepened my passion for creating inclusive workplaces. With a background in marketing and business development – and having worked with global brands like Microsoft and Cisco – I now lead Canon EMEA’s DE&I strategy. My goal is to build a culture that reflects the diverse communities we serve, where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. I’m driven by a genuine commitment to equity and a belief in the power of inclusive leadership.
2. How would you describe a typical day in your role?
A typical day as Canon EMEA’s DE&I Lead involves strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and driving inclusive initiatives across regions. I collaborate with HR, leadership teams, and employee networks to embed DE&I into our culture and policies. My day often includes reviewing data insights, shaping communications, and aligning our efforts with Canon’s broader business goals. I also support local teams in tailoring inclusion strategies to their markets. Whether I’m leading workshops, advising on inclusive hiring, or amplifying diverse voices, my focus remains on creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
3. What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my role is seeing the tangible impact of our DE&I efforts across the organisation. Whether it’s hearing personal stories from employees who feel more seen and valued, or witnessing cultural shifts through inclusive policies and programmes, it’s incredibly rewarding. I love collaborating with passionate colleagues across regions, co-creating initiatives that reflect our diverse communities. Every day brings opportunities to challenge norms, spark meaningful conversations, and drive change. Knowing that our work helps people feel a stronger sense of belonging and purpose at work is what truly motivates and inspires me.
4. What advice would you give to someone looking to move into D&I?
If you’re looking to move into DE&I, start by connecting with your ‘why.’ This work is deeply personal and purpose-driven. I began by listening to lived experiences and getting involved in grassroots initiatives. Use your existing skills to influence inclusive change. Be curious, courageous, and compassionate. The work can be challenging, but it’s deeply rewarding. Most importantly, stay authentic. DE&I thrives when driven by genuine passion and a commitment to making workplaces fairer and more human. If that excites you, you’re already on the right path.
5. What are the main challenges faced by D&I professionals at the moment?
In today’s economic climate, DE&I professionals face real challenges – tight budgets, shifting priorities, and the emotional toll of leading change during uncertainty. Burnout is a risk, especially when advocating for inclusion in times of transformation. But these moments also present an opportunity. We’re being called to innovate, to embed DE&I more deeply into business strategy, and to show its value in driving resilience and growth. Despite the pressure, there’s purpose. We’re shaping workplaces that are fairer, more human, and future-ready. And that’s not just rewarding – it’s powerful.
6. Name three skills that support you to succeed in D&I
Empathy – Understanding and valuing diverse lived experiences helps build trust and drive meaningful change.
Strategic Thinking – Aligning DE&I with business goals ensures initiatives are impactful and sustainable.
Resilience – Navigating challenges, especially in times of transformation, requires emotional strength and adaptability.
These skills allow you to lead with purpose, influence culture, and create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
View more My D&I Journey profiles!
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Foundations to Leading & Accelerating Inclusion at Work
Online Training Workshops
600+ workplace inclusion and HR related professionals have now attended our ‘Foundations to Leading & Accelerating Inclusion at Work’ CPD Accredited online training series.
- Level 1 is for professionals looking to move into a workplace inclusion related role, or those who have been leading or have a remit for inclusion in their business for role for less than 12 months.
- Level 2 is for professionals who have been leading or have a remit for inclusion in their business for 1 to 3 years, and are looking to advance their knowledge and skills.
- Level 3 is for professionals who have been leading or have a remit for inclusion in their business for 3+ years, and are looking to enhance their capabilities, take action and embed a whole organisation approach to inclusion and accessibility.
Each CPD Accredited level offers a unique opportunity to learn the foundations to leading and accelerating inclusion at work from three experienced practitioners:
Gamiel Yafai; Fiona Daniel and Toby Mildon.
Tickets at each online workshop cost £499+VAT per person (£399+VAT for non-profit orgs). Spaces limited to 24 attendees to enable the day to be as interactive as possible. Workshops take place live on Zoom.