Episode 2: What Fuels You? | Sandra Kerr, Business in the Community

Welcome to “What Fuels You?”- where we sit down with social impact leaders around the world to uncover what drives them to make a difference.

Main takeaways:

• Progress isn’t limited to circumstances: Your background doesn’t decide who you become or the kind of impact you create. With a little curiosity and fearless positivity, it’s possible to rise, lead, and make a difference – even if you don’t have all the right connections.

• Belonging builds better businesses: The Race at Work Survey revealed that around 90% of people want to feel valued and respected at work. This can lead to both better contributions and experiences for people and better outcomes for businesses.

• Inclusion can make a major difference: Research shows that £37 billion could be unlocked in the UK economy if businesses got rid of discrimination on race, specifically ethnicity. Through inclusion, we can fuel positive changes in the economy, in communities, and more.

Where you start doesn’t have to define where you finish.

Sandra Kerr CBE, Race Equality Director for Business in the Community is evidence to prove it.

Growing up on a housing estate, Sandra built her career on the belief that every person deserves fair access to opportunity. Now, she has found her purpose as one of the UK’s most influential leaders in race and equality – and is even more dedicated helping others find theirs.

In this episode of What Fuels You?, Sandra and host Andrew Troup dive into critical topics around showing up authentically in the workplace, why creating spaces where people feel valued and respected is essential for business, and what keeps her going in her fight to break down systemic barriers. With wisdom shaped by lived experience, faith, and a deep sense of purpose, Sandra’s story reminds us that progress is possible and the hope for change often comes from something bigger than ourselves.

Who is Sandra Kerr?

Sandra Kerr, CBE is a prominent UK race, gender, and disability equality leader, currently serving as the Race Equality Director at Business in the Community (BITC). She is widely recognised for leading the largest Race at Work Survey in the UK and currently works together with business leaders and government policymakers to influence action on inclusion in the workplace.