Lea has been a long-standing sponsor, mentor and champion of female colleagues in the workplace. In her current executive role she has initiated a number of diversity and inclusion initiatives aimed at further embedding the Bank’s inclusive culture. This includes launching the Bank’s first pilot sponsorship programme for diverse talent. She co-chaired the Bank’s gender network for 3 years, and led a professionalization of the network – expanding its membership, influence, effectiveness and impact. Achievements included the establishment of a parents’ network, a strengthened training offering for managers of maternity leavers/returners, and the establishment of an ‘Allies’ pillar to facilitate the inclusion of male colleagues in the push for greater gender diversity. She has also been involved in social media campaigns, via the Bank’s channels, to champion women in the Bank and celebrate international women’s day. Additionally, she has had numerous mentoring and sponsorship relationships with female colleagues over the years. Externally, Lea maintains a number of informal mentoring relationships, and regularly attends roundtable discussions on how to support gender progression.