myGwork chats to Fiona Lush about coming out, LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace and why equality is so important for everyone to thrive
BY DYLAN MANN-HAZELL
As Business Development Lead at Kyndryl, Fiona Lush draws on her technical background and problem-solving mindset to help customers and partners drive sustainable growth. In this conversation with myGwork, Fiona reflects on her experience of coming out as LGBTQIA+ as a teenager, and the key decisions that shaped her move into leadership and business development. She also discusses how Kyndryl creates space for LGBTQIA+ employees to be open at work, and why everyday individual behaviours remain vital to advancing equality in the workplace and beyond.
Hi Fiona! Could you tell me a bit about your background and career journey leading up to your current position at Kyndryl?
I began my career as an engineer, which gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving, delivery, and working in complex, often high-pressure environments. At the time, engineering was still very male-dominated, and while that did come with its own assumptions and stereotypes, it felt entirely natural to me — I loved building things, understanding how systems worked, and figuring problems out. Over time, I moved into roles that combined technical understanding with leadership. That transition was a pivotal moment: I realised that while technology is important, it’s people, culture, and relationships that truly determine whether something succeeds or fails.
Today, I’m a Business Development Lead at Kyndryl, working closely with customers and partners to shape solutions, build trusted relationships, and create opportunities for sustainable growth. It’s a role that brings together everything I’ve learned so far — strategy, collaboration, and a real focus on people.
Can you tell me about your childhood – where did you grow up; did you have any hobbies?
I had a fairly nomadic childhood and attended multiple schools across different parts of the country. Moving so often meant learning, very quickly, how to build relationships and settle into new environments — it was very much a sink or swim experience, but one that shaped me in a positive way.
From an early age, I loved building and making things, particularly anything technical, and that curiosity has stayed with me throughout my life. Music was also a constant; it’s always been a source of comfort, creativity and connection for me, and still plays a big role in who I am today.
Can you share your personal journey with the LGBTQIA+ community?
I first acknowledged my sexuality to myself at around 15, and came out to friends a couple of years later. Their response was incredibly affirming and supportive, which gave me the confidence to tell my parents at 18. While that was more difficult initially, time, conversation and understanding helped us get to a much better place.
I came out at work in my mid twenties. I was fortunate that the vast majority of colleagues responded positively, but it’s something I don’t take for granted — not everyone has that experience. There is an emotional tax that comes with deciding whether, how, and when to come out in professional settings. For me, being open made a genuine difference: it removed the need to selfedit and allowed me to contribute more fully, more honestly, and simply be myself — whether that was at work or chatting about my weekend.
I’m also incredibly lucky to have a strong LGBTQIA+ friendship network who feel very much like chosen family, and whose support has been a constant source of strength throughout my life.
What has been a standout moment in your career so far?
One standout moment was moving from engineering into leadership — that shift was a real turning point for me. It allowed me to combine technical knowledge with lateral thinking, initiative, people skills, and helped me see the wider impact I could have.
More recently, moving into business development has felt like a natural evolution. It brings together strategy, creativity and relationshipbuilding, and genuinely plays to my strengths. It hasn’t all been plain sailing, and I’ve worked hard to get where I am, but I’ve learned to allow myself to feel proud of what I’ve achieved so far, and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way.
While there are still relatively few women in similar roles in this industry, that’s changing — and I’m hopeful that visibility and representation will continue to grow.
How does Kyndryl strive for inclusivity and provide an open space for LGBTQIA+ employees?
Kyndryl is very intentional about creating a culture where LGBTQIA+ employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. There’s visible allyship and leadership support, alongside an active community of openly LGBTQIA+ role models who choose to be visible about their sexuality. That visibility helps normalise being out at work and provides reassurance for others.
I’m proud to be one of those visible leaders, and I hope that by being open, I can help make it easier for others to feel truly included. Alongside the LGBTQIA+ KIN (Kyndryl Inclusion Network), that visible leadership creates a genuinely open and supportive environment where people feel safe being themselves.
Throughout your career, have you noticed any developments in attitudes towards the importance of diversity and inclusion?
Yes — I’ve seen a significant shift over the course of my career. Diversity and inclusion have moved from being largely ignored, or treated as a “nice to have”, to being recognised as essential to creating healthy cultures, high performing organisations, and attracting and retaining talent.
While there’s still work to do, there’s far greater visibility, openness and accountability than there once was. People are more willing to have honest conversations, challenge outdated attitudes, and recognise that inclusion benefits everyone — not just those in minority groups.
What immediate improvements would you like to see being made for LGBTQIA+ equality in the future – both in the workplace, and wider society?
I’d like to see continued focus on everyday inclusion — not just policies, but behaviours that make LGBTQIA+ people feel safe, seen and supported. We also need to push back against the regression of rights and the negative rhetoric around anyone who is perceived as “different”.
It shouldn’t matter where you live or work — everyone deserves to be treated with equality and dignity. Progress isn’t guaranteed, but it is possible when we stay visible, vocal, and committed to one another.
Kyndryl is a proud partner of myGwork, the LGBTQ+ business community. Find out more about LGBTQ+-friendly job opportunities at Kyndryl.
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