Mark Freed Reflects on Inclusive Leadership After Speaking at Women in New Energy Conference 2026

Yesterday, I had the privilege of running a workshop at the Women in New Energy by Energy Voice Conference in Aberdeen, as well as spending time on the Men for Inclusion stand in the exhibition area.

It was a great day.

I lost count of the number of conversations I had about inclusive leadership and cultures and how they ensure that everyone is seen, heard and valued.

This is a theme that runs through all of our Men for Inclusion workshops: we all share responsibility for creating environments where everyone feels they belong – particularly those who don’t look like us, don’t naturally have a loud voice, or may feel less comfortable speaking up because they are part of an underrepresented group.

Then, later that evening, I found myself reflecting on those conversations in a very different context.

I wanted to watch the England Men’s World Cup match in a local pub. But I was nervous. I wasn’t on home ground. Would I be the only England supporter in a pub full of Scots willing my team to lose?

If I’d had an England shirt with me, I probably wouldn’t have worn it. I found myself planning how I would order my drink a little more quietly to disguise my unmistakable South East England accent. I decided I probably wouldn’t strike up conversations until I had worked out whether it felt safe to do so.

In other words, I was already changing my behaviour to fit in and for my safety. I was trying to ensure I was not seen or heard (and so not valued).

Thankfully, my concerns were unfounded.

I’d like to thank the many Aberdonians who welcomed me, enjoyed watching the match alongside me and created an environment where I genuinely felt seen, heard and valued.

A reminder that inclusion isn’t just a workplace concept. It’s something we experience – or don’t experience – every single day.

Tonight, I’ll be back to watch Scotland take on Brazil. Come on Scotland!