Former Trustmarque CRO Donavan Hutchinson was awarded the accolade as one of the worlds top 10 Trailblazing Leaders for DEI. See the below link for more information
Throughout Donavan’s career journey that has already spanned over 20 years in the technology industry, where he has had the privilege of working for various Technology VARs (Value-Added Resellers), Donavan consistently focuses on driving equity for all and creating a culture of inclusion and diversity in every organisation that he is part of.
One of the driving forces behind his commitment to diversity and inclusion was his upbringing and the strong support system of his family and friends. “They have inspired me to be the best version of myself and have instilled in me the value of uplifting others. I firmly believe that a workforce where individuals could be their most authentic selves would lead to a happier and more productive environment, ultimately driving business success,” Donavan maintains.
During his professional journey, Donavan encountered several roadblocks that not only provided valuable lessons but were also influenced by his identity as a proud gay leader. One significant roadblock that he faced was the prejudice and discrimination he encountered in certain professional settings due to his sexual orientation. These experiences and unique challenges taught him the importance of resilience, authenticity, and the power of representation, and further fuelled his vision to inspire individuals from marginalized communities to be the best version of themselves.
Navigating these roadblocks reinforced Donavan’s belief in the necessity of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, and motivated him to create a work environment that not only embraces and celebrates individual differences but also actively supports and empowers those from marginalised communities.
Becoming a Catalyst for Positive Change and Growth
Donavan strives to be a ‘catalyst’ for positive change and growth, both within the organization and the broader industry. By driving revenue growth, fostering inclusive cultures, and championing diversity, he aims to ignite transformation and inspire others to reach their full potential.
He points out that education and awareness play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and equitable society, and one way in which he aspires to contribute is by providing educational resources, actively engaging in speaking engagements and events focused on DEI and engaging with educational institutions to promote DEI. By sharing his insights, experiences, and knowledge with his 10,000 plus followers on LinkedIn, Donavan hopes to influence industry conversations and encourage organisations to prioritise DEI as a strategic imperative.
“I am vocal in this space and it’s for good reason: through thought leadership articles, blog posts, or social media content, I strive to raise awareness, challenge biases, and promote best practices in DEI. Recently, I joined Microsoft UK for a special Pride Power Hour where I represented the Microsoft Partner ecosystem in a panel discussion tackling key topics in the community,” he shares.
