Evolving Breakthrough – Women’s Network

Evolving Breakthrough, Lloyds Banking Group’s established women’s network with >15,000 members (10% men), has been a priority over the last year, to ensure the network remains relevant in a digital world, accessible UK-wide, and continues to retain, attract and support colleagues.

We had a quick chat with Carla Wilde, Senior Manager, Conduct & Communications, Customer and Colleague Experience, Community Banking to find out more about her and  Evolving Breakthough. 

Tell us about what your team is responsible for and any specific projects you are working on currently.   

Breakthrough is a gender diversity network in Lloyds Banking Group. As a colleague-run network, leading this evolution are a team of passionate volunteers, who are Breakthrough’s beating heart; three Co-Chairs, 18 SteerCo members and over 150 volunteers. Ways of working have also evolved enabling increased collaboration, strategic and operational alignment, and greater simplicity. 

Breakthrough welcomes all colleagues as members or advocates, and comprises three iconic programmes, offering a complementary programme of National and Local events: Footprints in the Snow, Mentoring, and Career Stages and Life Events. 260+ events were held in 2017, attended by more than 8,000 colleagues. 2018’s theme ‘Dear Future, I am Ready’ is our most ambitious to date, encapsulating colleague’s personal development, career aspirations, and future skills and capabilities. And finally, Breakthrough continues to build strong external partnerships, including KPMG, Women in Leadership local hubs, LinkedIn and Women’s Aid.

What is your role within the team? 

I am a member of our National Steering and lead all of our local activity UK-wide – 260 events in 2017 and c.80 ytd.  I also lead LBG’s diversity award submission.

How can we get the biggest shift towards diverse and inclusive workplaces? 

Getting ALL colleagues actively involved in the discussion and changing behaviours…. Line managers are key.

How does it feel to be on the WIBF Awards for Achievement Shortlist? 

Fantastic and already a recognition of all the colleagues who volunteer and make a difference to cultural change in the workplace and outside.

What would you tell the 18 year old you knowing what you know now with regards to your career? 

Celebrate successes, learn quickly when things don’t go well and believe in yourself.

What was the first album you bought, and do you still listen to it? 

Rio by Duran Duran…. and not the whole album but many of the classic songs