myGwork speaks to Annie Begg about ERGs, allyship and authenticity
BY DYLAN MANN-HAZELL
Annie Begg has dedicated her career and life to understanding how workplaces can better support diverse talents and experiences. Through her involvement in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at RS Group and her commitment to allyship, Annie works to prove genuine inclusion goes beyond policies — it’s about creating spaces where everyone can thrive.
Growing up in Aberdeenshire, Annie was always encouraged to pursue her passions. With a mother who was a physics teacher and a father working in IT, her family fostered an environment that celebrated STEM and individual potential. “There was nothing like ‘you can’t do that because you’re a girl,'” Annie recalls, reflecting on a childhood that laid the foundation for her future interests in inclusion and advocacy.
The landscape of Aberdeen itself played a pivotal role in shaping her perspective. Unlike many cities where engineering is seen as a secondary career, in Aberdeen, it was highly celebrated. “In Aberdeen, if you’re clever, engineering is just as viable as medicine,” she explains, emphasising the value placed on technical skills regardless of gender.
Her educational journey began at the University of Edinburgh, where she studied electronics and electrical engineering. However, unlike many of her peers, Annie soon realised that traditional engineering wasn’t her true calling. Instead, she pursued a career focused on understanding and supporting people. Starting in a defence company’s graduate scheme, she rotated through various roles before settling into quality assurance. Her unique career path took her from working on fighter jets to Christmas trees, including roles in subsea services, ultimately leading her to her niche in continuous improvement.
A personal discovery that would significantly shape her professional and personal advocacy was a late diagnosis of ADHD. This revelation coincided with her son’s diagnosis, deepening her understanding of neurodiversity and individual differences. The diagnosis was more than a medical label — it became a transformative moment of self-awareness.
“I’ve realised I like the people side,” Annie shares. “Business, psychology, and how people work, and getting the best out of people is something I find really interesting.” This perspective has fueled her involvement in ERGs at RS Group, where she has become a vocal ally for multiple marginalised communities.
“Intersectionality is how we all succeed. I am not just female. I am not just neurodivergent. You have to look at the individual, and think how can we help each other? Because ultimately, we have strength in numbers.”
As a mother of two young boys, Annie is deeply committed to raising them to be inclusive and empathetic, especially in today’s ever-changing political climate. “We’re bringing them up to understand that you love who you love, as long as it’s mutual consent,” she explains. “I would love it, if they can come and tell me excitedly about any future partner they have regardless of if it’s a boyfriend or a girlfriend. That’ll be when I know I’ve done my job as a parent.”
Her dedication to allyship became especially meaningful when she was asked to represent the LGBTIQA+ community in this interview. She discovered that some community members hesitate to speak out due to ongoing controversies and challenges faced today — a sobering reality that strengthened her resolve to use her platform responsibly.
Since joining RS Group, the workplace environment has not only supported Annie’s advocacy passions but has also actively strengthened them. The company hosts multiple employee resource groups focused on various communities, including LGBTIQA+, women, ethnic minorities, and young professionals. Annie especially values how these groups are increasingly fostering intersectional conversations.
A pivotal moment in her journey was attending a Women in Leadership course at London Business School. The experience connected her with women from around the world who shared remarkably similar experiences, despite cultural differences. This came at a crucial time, coinciding with her ADHD diagnosis, offering her a moment of reflection and deeper understanding.
“People are becoming more tolerant of differences,” Annie observes, reflecting on the changing attitudes toward mental health over the past few years — especially since the 2020 lockdown. “It’s okay to not be okay, and we all have mental health good days and bad days.”
Her message is clear: true inclusivity requires active participation, not passive acceptance. “If people get away with using the wrong language, if you’re silent, you’re almost accepting it,” she affirms confidently.
The political climate in 2025 has made Annie’s advocacy even more vital. With rising challenges facing LGBTIQA+ communities — especially the transgender community — she is deeply concerned.
“What scares me is what’s happening in the states and here in the UK. I’ve got friends who are part of the trans community, and I’m terrified for them. If they’re first perceived as an easy target, who’s next? If we allow discrimination against the trans community to continue, it won’t stop there.”
As workplaces and society continue to evolve, voices like Annie’s become increasingly crucial. She represents a generation committed to breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating spaces where everyone can be their authentic selves.
“We need to look at people holistically, so we can all be the best versions of ourselves.”
RS Group is a proud partner of myGwork, the LGBTQ+ business community. Find out more about LGBTQ+-friendly job opportunities at RS Group.
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