Multi-award-winning DEI professional and TEDx speaker

Black background two logos, one celebrating Poggy's National Diversity Awards 2025 finalist recognition, and the other celebrating Poggy's recognition as

Engineering Equity with Automation

Poggy Murray Whitham is a multi-award-winning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion expert, researcher, and keynote speaker who helps organisations turn inclusion into a strategic advantage.

A professionally accredited engineer by training and Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, Poggy is recognised as one of the UK’s Top 100 Manufacturing Professionals and as a National Diversity Awards finalist from over 85,000 nominations. They bring both technical authority and authentic lived experience to every stage they step onto.

A former senior manager in automation engineering, Poggy now works at the intersection of technology and inclusion — showing how embracing diversity drives innovation, productivity, and culture change. They combine deep strategic insight with the lived experience of being Black, Queer, Disabled, and Neurodivergent, delivering talks that are as thought-provoking as they are practical.

Poggy has spoken at some of the UK’s most respected institutions, including the Royal Academy of Engineering, Imperial College London, and the Institute of Government and Public Policy, and has delivered keynotes at industry-leading events such as the Automation UK Show, Rail Live, Commercial Vehicles Show, STEM, LGBTQ+ & You Conference, and for the Women’s Engineering Society.

In 2025, they delivered their TEDx talk ‘Engineering Equity with Automation’, cementing their reputation as a sought-after voice on the future of inclusive engineering. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in DEI in Engineering, Poggy continues to work with companies nationwide to embed inclusion into the heart of their success. Get in touch to book Poggy for your next conference, panel, or corporate event.

A person with long black dreadlocks, wearing a light grey suit, white shirt, purple tie, and matching purple pocket square, standing outdoors in front of a brick wall and green foliage.

Topics Include

  • A person wearing a light grey jacket and black shirt standing against a dark background, speaking on a TEDx stage.

    Engineering Equity

  • A panel discussion at the Royal Academy of Engineering, titled 'Engineering Intersecting with Processes,' with five panelists seated on a stage in front of an audience, and a large screen displaying the event details.

    Intersectionality

  • Person with long dreadlocks giving a presentation at a conference, holding a microphone, standing at a podium.

    The Business Case for DEI

  • Two people in reflective safety vests sit on chairs on a stage, engaged in a conversation at an engineering event, with a large backdrop displaying the words "Rail Live" and sponsorship from Pandrol.

    Psychological Safety

  • Poggy is standing next to Fiona, who is seated at a table with a laptop and water bottles, in a room with shelves, plants, and a large screen showing a rainbow flag and the word 'InterEngineering' in front of a building.

    Allyship & Everyday Inclusion

  • Poggy is on stage at a TEDx event. The stage has a large red and white backdrop with the event's name. The speaker is in a grey jacket and khaki pants, speaking into a microphone.

    Inclusive Cultures

Media Highlights

Highlights from the stage to the screen, capturing and showcasing Poggy’s work, influence, and impact.

Testimonials about Poggy for being a finalist in the Positive Role Model (LGBT) category in the 2025 National Diversity Awards.

Poggy’s interview on BBC Radio Shropshire discussing being shortlisted for a National Diversity Award.

Testimonials

  • The Royal Academy of Engineering Logo.

    Your skill in guiding the discussion, drawing out key insights, and fostering an open and engaging conversation was instrumental in making the session a success. You created a space where panellists could share their lived experiences with honesty and clarity, while also ensuring the discussion remained thought-provoking and actionable for our audience. We are incredibly grateful for the time, expertise, and dedication you brought to this session. Your leadership was crucial in making this panel both impactful and inspiring, and we hope to collaborate again in the future.

    Isobel Rann, Programme Manager Diversity and Inclusion at the Royal Academy of Engineering

  • Text logo reading 'Imperial College London' in blue font.

    "Poggy gave a lecture on the Imperial College London module "EDI in Engineering", which I lead. Their topic was on LGTBQIA+ in Engineering, about which they were very knowledgeable. Poggy's talk was clear and well paced, and blended data-driven approaches with personal anecdotes making it both relatable and convincing. Coordinating with Poggy was easy and enjoyable and I would happily work with them again."

    Chloe Agg CEng FCIBSE SFHEA, Engineering Lecturer at Imperial College London

  • Logo of the Centre for Engineering Education and Development with the acronym CEED and the full organization name.

    "Poggy was an excellent speaker for our IWED event, bringing important insights on the diversity of the sector, as well as contributing to lively debates on the topic of DEI. Would recommened them for any future speaking events."

    Josie Deacon, Business Support Manager at CeeD

  • "It is an absolute joy to work with Poggy as closely as I do. During our time at EqualEngineers, we have worked on multiple projects together, and I am always impressed with their organisation, thought leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. I always trust that they will give their all to whatever they put their mind to and be courteous, professional, and hardworking."

    Kat Culyer, Consultant at EqualEngineers

  • Logo of the Women's Engineering Society featuring a purple hexagon graphic and green and purple text.

    "Poggy very expertly chaired a panel session at an EDI event. He has a nice calm manner which suits this type of work."

    Susan Robson MBE, CEO at Women’s Engineering Society

  • A stylized lowercase letter 'x' in blue font on a black background.

    "Poggy delivered a talk to our LGBTQ+ network for STEMM sector professionals, detailing the results of research undertaken both by them and by others within the interEngineering family. They were knowledgeable and eloquent, and took time to answer questions from our audience."

    Claire Davies, Senior Lecturer at University of Exeter

Contact Me

Would you like to book Poggy for your event? Submit an enquiry via the contact form (without any obligations), and I will get back in touch within 2 business days. I look forward to hearing from you!