To mark our Inspiring Women campaign, we sat down with the incredible Karen Blake – Inclusion Consultant, neurodiversity advocate, and former co-CEO of the Tech Talent Charter – to hear about her journey, her proudest achievements, and her advice for businesses and women navigating the tech space.
🎥 Watch the full video:
👇 Or read on for the highlights!
From a Squiggly Career Path to Systemic Change
Karen’s route into Diversity & Inclusion wasn’t linear – but that’s exactly what makes her story so powerful. With experience across financial services, consultancy, and the skills and education space, Karen saw first-hand how a lack of belonging was holding industries back. That exposure, combined with her grassroots advocacy for neurodivergent and disabled young people, ignited a passion for driving systemic, inclusive change.
“I turned my head to EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) when I realised so many of the challenges I saw came down to a lack of inclusion.”
Proud Moments: Data, Neuroinclusion and Changing Lives
At the Tech Talent Charter, Karen helped create the largest dataset of its kind, offering organisations the tools to benchmark diversity in tech. Her proudest moments? Not just the data, but the tangible change it led to.
“Being able to go in, see the change, and hear people say ‘I feel more fulfilled now’ – it’s hard not to feel proud.”
Barriers and Breaking Through as a Woman in Leadership
Karen spoke openly about the scrutiny women in leadership often face – being underestimated, judged more harshly, or having their leadership styles questioned.
“I lead with compassion. I build with people, not on top of them. That is not a weakness – it's why I lead well.”
Her advice? Stay true to your leadership style and don’t let outdated perceptions push you to change who you are.
How Businesses Can Build Truly Inclusive Cultures
Hiring more women isn't enough – inclusion must be built into the very fabric of a business. Karen shared practical, actionable steps companies can take, including:
-
Conducting pay audits and being transparent about compensation.
-
Offering genuine flexibility – from hybrid models to 9-day fortnights.
-
Establishing sponsorship programmes with real, mutual value.
-
Listening to lived experience when developing organisational structures.
-
Using data beyond hiring stats – focus on retention, promotion, and employee sentiment.
“Ask yourself: how do people feel on a Sunday night before work? That tells you everything about your culture.”
The Power of Allyship
True allyship goes beyond just being ‘supportive’. Karen emphasises that being an ally means doing the work, not just claiming the title.
Her advice to aspiring allies:
-
Leverage your influence to uplift others.
-
Educate yourself without relying on underrepresented colleagues to teach you.
-
Intervene when you witness exclusion or microaggressions.
-
Most importantly, listen more than you speak.
For Women Looking to Break into Tech
Karen’s message is clear: The industry needs you.
Her top tips?
-
Focus on building your technical skills and business acumen.
-
Keep a ‘brag book’ to track your wins.
-
Get exposure to emerging projects – don’t get stuck on legacy systems.
-
Take advantage of the growing number of reskilling and upskilling programmes.
“You don’t just stumble into a room by accident. If you’re there, you’re meant to be. Own it.”
Let’s Talk About Impostor Syndrome
Yes, impostor syndrome is real – but Karen also encourages women to interrogate whether their feelings are really about self-doubt, or actually experiences of discrimination.
“We need to stop expecting women to feel this way as a rite of passage. It shouldn’t be part of the job.”
Real Gender Equity Requires Systemic Action
When asked for one piece of advice for businesses wanting to make a lasting impact, Karen shared:
“Don’t just celebrate IWD (International Women's Day). Do the work. Build accountability. Tie Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to leadership goals. Treat it like any other strategic priority.”
And finally...
A Message to Her Younger Self
“Trust your unique perspective – it’s your greatest strength. What feels ‘different’ now will be your superpower later.”
Want to continue the conversation?
Karen’s insights are a masterclass in creating inclusive, human-centred workplaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. Whether you're a business leader, aspiring technologist, or ally in progress – this conversation is packed with inspiration, practical takeaways, and a healthy dose of honesty. If you'd like to continue the conversation with Karen, get in touch with her via LinkedIn.
At Outsource UK, we understand that building diverse, inclusive teams isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s also great for business. From helping you find exceptional tech talent to advising on inclusive recruitment strategies, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
💬 Want to attract more diverse candidates?
📈 Looking to create a fairer, more inclusive hiring process?
✅ Need support embedding inclusion into your workforce strategy?
Get in touch with Mark Harris to discuss your hiring needs and discover how we can support your business.
📧 MHarris@outsource-uk.co.uk | 📞 07810 392994 | 💬 Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
