Fairness Isn’t Just a Corporate Concern — Why SMEs in Food and Farming Must Lead on Inclusive Leadership

Last night, perched high above London in The Shard, I had the privilege of attending The Future of Fairness in Leadership and Business, hosted by Warwick Business School. With a panel rich in experience and conviction, it was an evening that pulled no punches in exploring what fairness really looks like in the workplace — and why it's time for small businesses to stop waiting for permission to lead on inclusion.

Chaired by Dawn Eubanks, Associate Professor of Behavioural Science at WBS, the discussion brought fresh urgency to the role of inclusive leadership in driving innovation, retention, and resilience — all of which are acutely relevant for the women shaping our food and farming future.

Equity, Not Just Equality

Rukasana Bhaijee, Global Head of DEI at the Financial Times, brought clarity to the difference between token gestures and genuine culture change. Her experience, from leading Google EMEA's DEI strategy to driving equity across media and professional services, underscored a vital point: DEI must be embedded into the decision-making fabric of any organisation — not bolted on.

For SMEs, particularly in the food and farming sectors, this means rethinking how we approach everything from hiring seasonal workers to promoting future leaders. It’s not about lowering the bar, it’s about ensuring everyone sees the bar, knows what it takes to clear it — and gets a fair chance to do so.

Coaching Women: Changing the System, Not the Person

Geraldine Gallacher challenged the outdated mindset of “fixing” women to fit leadership moulds that weren’t built with them in mind. Her message was crystal clear: don’t coach women to adapt to broken systems. Fix the system. This is a rallying cry that resonates deeply with many of us in food and farming — sectors where legacy processes can perpetuate inequity, often unintentionally.

This isn’t just about boardrooms — it’s about gatekeeping opportunities. I reflected on one simple example: a female team member returning from maternity leave overlooked for a high-profile international opportunity, not due to her capability or interest, but because leaders assumed the timing wouldn’t suit. The intention may have been kind, but the outcome was exclusion.

The Role of SMEs: A Golden Thread Through Leadership

As Ben Evans, New Business Director at AtkinsRéalis and a Warwick MBA alumnus, pointed out, empathy and inclusive thinking must be a golden thread that runs through every leadership decision. Not as an afterthought, but as a mindset. His dual role in business development and ED&I advocacy makes it clear: diversity isn't just a moral imperative — it's a commercial one.

SMEs, especially in the food and farming industries, are uniquely positioned to take bold action. We make up over 60% of UK employment. We’re agile. We know our people. We can spot talent that doesn’t always tick the "traditional" boxes. We don’t need a corporate policy to do the right thing — and often, we’re already doing it.

Final Thoughts

Last night’s message was clear: fairness is no longer optional. It’s foundational. For women in food and farming, it’s also personal.

This sector has always been full of innovators, grafters, and changemakers. Let’s not let tradition become a trap. Let’s reimagine leadership — not just for ourselves, but for the next generation watching how we show up, how we listen, and how we lead.

A business owner, leader, or ally in the sector — what small action could you take this week to lead with fairness?

We already have all the tools. Now it’s time to use them

Clare Otridge

WiFF founding member and Ops Team

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