Lisa Cowling talks about the ways to strive for LGBTQIA inclusion in the workplace
BY DYLAN MANN-HAZELL
As the LGBTQIA Employee Resource Group (ERG) Lead at Reckitt, Lisa Cowling has been an invaluable force behind the company’s ever-growing passion for inclusivity. With a unique career path and a drive for making a difference, Lisa passionately talks through her experiences in the field of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) so far.
Lisa’s career path started after completing her degree in chemistry and chemical engineering. This led her to the charity sector, where she worked in HR and workforce development for a young people’s organization, supporting people with experience in the care system. “I loved working with the beneficiaries, but HR wasn’t the right fit for me,” she recalls.
This realisation prompted a career shift, and Lisa joined Reckitt’s Research and Development (R&D) graduate programme. Here, she has held four different roles, each offering unique challenges and opportunities.
Her current position in the R&D formulation team for Biofreeze, a well-established brand in the US that is now emerging in EU markets, allows her to exhibit technical expertise with a people-centred approach. “I’m responsible for formulation development, ideation, and consumer and competitor research,” she says. “It’s a really fun and innovative team to be a part of!”
Alongside her day-to-day responsibilities, Lisa’s involvement with Reckitt’s LGBTQIA ERG has been a source of immense pride. “I’ve been part of the network for the last three years and have led it for the past two,” she shares. “It’s one of my absolute favourite bits of life at Reckitt because it’s a meaningful way to make the company a great place to work for everyone.”
Her journey to self-acceptance was not always easy. Lisa came out when she was 20, but knew she was queer from about 12 years old. “Growing up in a Catholic household and not knowing many out people, it took a really long time to accept myself for who I am. It was a challenging process, but I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from my family and friends.”
Lisa’s experiences have given her a unique perspective on the importance of inclusion, both within the LGBTQIA community and the workplace. “I think it’s really important to be able to understand the nuances of queer relationships and genders outside of the cis-binary when talking with consumers about what they actually need, and how our products fit into their real lives,” she explains. “It’s crucial to ensure that whatever solutions you’re creating have inclusivity and accessibility built in.”
This commitment to inclusivity is at the heart of Lisa’s work with Reckitt’s LGBTQIA ERG. “We work across ERGs and pull together to drive change that benefits everyone,” she says. “It’s so wild to me that in the LGBTQIA community, people are still in-fighting when the bigger problem is the oppression that the whole community experiences.”
This fight for true equality is reflected in Reckitt’s approach to DE&I, which Lisa describes as a key priority for the company. “I’ve seen diversity and inclusion take up more space as a business priority, which is incredible,” she says. “Reckitt really values individuals and the skills and perspective that they bring to the table, beyond just the demonstrable experience they bring to a new role.”
One standout moment in Lisa’s career is Reckitt’s partnership with Pride in Hull, which she played a pivotal role in developing. “We have been platinum sponsors of Pride in Hull since 2023, and I am proud that we are now contributing to that inclusive environment in the local community, as well as for us as a workforce,” she says. Reckitt has roots in Hull, and the business has shaped the local community over the last 180 years. “It’s nice to see the company continue to be a force for good in Hull through this brand partnership and also through our brands globally.”
Lisa’s commitment to LGBTQIA inclusion extends beyond the workplace, as she remains focused on broader societal hurdles facing the community. “The most important thing right now is focusing on trans rights,” she says. “Trans rights shouldn’t ever be a debate. It’s difficult to see the misinformation spreading in the media and attitudes towards trans people being polarised by this. Trans people should be free to live their authentic lives as themselves.”
Despite the challenges still facing the community, Lisa remains optimistic about the future. “I’m hopeful that the divides within the LGBTQIA community will be less of a problem for future generations. I’m hopeful to see the shift in our generation and beyond.”
Lisa leaves us with a message about allyship, emphasising that allyship is not an identity, but rather a set of actions that everyone must be involved in taking. “Everyone has a role to play as an ally to someone else. Take any and all opportunities you’ve got to give people support and share your platform where you have one.”
Reckitt is a proud partner of myGwork, the LGBTQ+ business community. Find out more about LGBTQ+-friendly job opportunities at Reckitt.
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