Allyship Actually: Why it's 'We' and not 'Me'

Lucy Grimwade (she/her) completed a Computing BSc and then followed a somewhat linear path in ITSM/as an IT professional.

In 2018, after going through personal and professional challenges, she embarked on a journey to become a qualified professional coach. Lucy has completed more than 200 hours of coaching, has a coaching diploma with the internationally recognised ICF, and holds additional qualifications in NLP and CBT.

Lucy classes herself as a modern-day feminist. She is passionate about empowering and doing the right thing by and for women. Lucy also hosted a podcast called "Talk Female Friday" to share stories and advice from real women in real situations.

She is a huge advocate for allyship. She is focused on making sure that all people, especially women and people of colour, are not only invited to the table but also have a seat, a voice and a contribution.

David Barrow (he/him) has more than 30 years' experience working in IT 'service' roles. He has made a career out of IT, starting out in small businesses and gradually becoming a trusted consultant to a number of large global organisations.

David acts as a mentor to people at various levels both in partnership with Reed within the 'Women in Technology' initiative and as a committee member for ITSM and ITAM for the British Computer Society. He is also part of a committee for the British Standards Institute looking at education in service management.

David is passionate about acting as an ally, having benefitted from some great allies – but he's also seen how people can be let down based on their gender, religion or life choices, and he'd like to help level this field