The CEO Activist

"Leila McKenzie-Delis is a true leader in the fight for a diverse and inclusive work force. This book is a must-read for any executive looking to bring real change."

Akshay Nayak, Founder and CEO, Tenhaven Consulting

"Helping to drive DE&I as an advocate and ally is a special part of my role. This book is a testament to why we should all be CEO Activists and play our part to drive greater social outcomes across the board. Our communities are amazing illustrations of our purpose - to live the exceptional with soul. Leila McKenzie-Delis puts heart and soul into this book whilst generously sharing many purpose-driven leadership stories alongside the compelling business case for why diversity, inclusion, and belonging = engagement. You wouldn't explain why innovation or resilience are key to improved business performance, so why treat diversity any differently? If you are looking for practical purpose with a healthy dose of passion, then look no further."

Adrian Mardel, Chief Executive Officer, JLR (formerly Jaguar Land Rover)

"CEO Activism uses Leila's personal story and experience to create a powerful template for future leaders. Growing up in an industrial northern town as a second-generation British Pakistani, and the youngest of six children, I am passionate about social mobility and levelling the playing field for the talent of tomorrow. Business has a critical role to play in delivering a better and more inclusive future, and Leila shares her experience and advice generously to support leaders in creating positive change."

Aki Hussain, Group CEO, HISCOX and Non-Executive Director, Visa Europe

"Leila provides a compelling vision for CEOs as champions of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the realm of ESG. An essential read for frankly anyone with an interest in doing better in this space."

Andrew Neal, Chief People Officer, Nash Squared

"Leila has taken complex and sometimes taboo subjects and talks directly to them. Taking inspiration from her approach - as leaders, we should step back and see how we too challenge our beliefs and change our default approaches to drive meaningful change, not only within our organisations but also in broader society."

Anisa Missaghi, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, pladis Global

"Leila McKenzie-Delis effectively articulates the business case for prioritising diversity, equity, and inclusion within corporate sustainability strategies, offering actionable insights and inspiring examples of CEO activism."

Antonio Bebba, DE&I Europe Lead, Pfizer

"At a time when trust in politicians is at an all-time low, and social tensions are rising, this book is a timely reminder of the role good business can play in making the world a better place - and make a profit."

Ben Page, CEO, Ipsos

"The CEO Activist has helped me to better recognise the hidden barriers and intersectionality within our teams. Leila's strategies will help businesses to become more aware, diverse, and inclusive, allowing them to access significantly more talent, which will drive shareholder value in the long term."

Caroline Keeling, Group CEO, Keeling

"This book brilliantly guides CEOs and C-suites on integrating DEI principles into their ESG strategies and, vitally, how meaningful change accelerates businesses at all scales."

Cassius Taylor-Smith, EMEA Chief Marketing Officer, Colliers

"Change requires courage, so this is an essential read for anyone committed to building a more just and inclusive world."

Chris Glass, Global Director DEI, Soho House

"A treasure trove of real-world case studies that illustrate how CEOs can effectively champion DEI in their organisations."

Chris Williams MBA, Global Director - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, CBRE

"Lelia exemplifies exceptional dedication to social justice, with her work in global DEI research serving as both a catalyst and a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility. Her efforts underscore the imperative to utilize our positions of influence to foster equity and celebrate diversity. This book is a must read. I am profoundly influenced by Leila's significant contributions and am privileged to collaborate with Dial Global in our shared commitment to making substantive progress in these critical areas."

Cindy Tyeskey-Gage, Senior Vice President, Global Employee Relations, Salesforce

"I'd encourage anyone who has the privilege to make a difference for the good, in whatever capacity to read this book. Leadership isn't a title but a combination of behaviours that lead to positive outcomes and this demonstrates that we all have the gift to be CEO activists."

Claire Livesey, People Director, British Cycling

"Leila McKenzie-Delis masterfully illustrates how CEOs can leverage their platforms to drive social change, fostering a culture of belonging and equity within their organisations while delivering value to stakeholders. This book really serves as a call to action for leaders to harness their influence for social good, driving positive change both within their organisations and beyond."

Claire Parker, Global Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Jaguar Land Rover

"Real, practical insight into the ten facets of inclusion to ensure leaders can advocate and drive an inclusive culture and ensure everyone can be the best version of themselves in the workplace and beyond."

Dean Curtis, Chief Executive Officer, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Data Services at RELX, NED, Trustee & Advisor

"Capitalism has driven the global economy for the last two hundred years. The key feature of this has been profits at all costs. This has led to the damage of not only our climate but also to our well-being and our communities. Leila McKenzie-Delis offers in this remarkable book insights and strategies CEOs can use to put the 'S' into ESG. Thoroughly recommended and a good read."

Dr Sangaralingam Ramesh, Tutor UCL, PhD, SFHEA, Qualitative Research

"Three key words in the Booth's purpose are Authentic, Caring and Responsible. How many times do we hear about political leaders being 'in power' when what we all need them to do is take responsibility? Being a CEO is not about gaining the keys to the board bathroom but being there for everyone in the organisation and Leila's book encapsulates all the human qualities that enable today's enlightened CEOs to lead great businesses."

Edwin Booth CBE DL, Executive Chairman, E.H. Booth & Co. Ltd.

"This book is essential reading for leaders seeking to make a positive impact on society while driving sustainable business innovation and growth."

Elena Richards, Americas Chief Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer, KPMG

"Diversity is crucial if we are to demonstrate that all are served within employment law within our national and international ecosystems. If our policies and process do not robustly reflect the diversity of the communities in which we serve, credibility will be lost and respect will diminish amongst those who are not being represented equitably. Equally, representation at the top is key if we are to serve as beacons for future generation of leaders to have hope that the corporate world welcomes their talent with open arms and that talent can transcend far and wide no matter what the background.

I would encourage my fellow legal practitioners to read this book as it shines a light on why we must continue to maintain momentum for good business through the lenses of diversity, inclusion. belonging, equity and culture."

Elia Montario, Senior Partner, Head of North West Corporate Team & National Head of M&A, Shoosmiths

"I highly recommend The CEO Activist: Putting the S in ESG to anyone interested in the intersection of business, social impact, and DEI."

Emma Padmore, Colleague Engagement Lead - Vice President - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Barclays

"The CEO Activist is not just a book-it's a manifesto for change. Leila McKenzie-Delis's impassioned plea for diversity and inclusion reminds us that at the heart of every successful organization lies a commitment to culture. Through storytelling and candid interviews, McKenzie-Delis invites readers to join her crusade, turning the tide toward a future where every voice is heard, and every individual is valued."

Eric Mosley, Founder and CEO, Workhuman

"Essential reading for CEOs and sustainability professionals committed to building a more equitable and inclusive world."

Helen Webb, CPO, WHSmith plc

"This book serves as a call to action for leaders to harness their influence for social good, driving positive change both within their organisations and beyond."

Jane Storm, CPO, easyJet

"A must read for anyone looking to improve the world (of work). Leila is a powerhouse, truly activating CEOs to understand the value of inclusion, and how to use their platform to drive positive, sustainable change."

Jasmine Hudson, Chief People Officer, Mitie

"Leila McKenzie-Delis's The CEO Activist is...