Multi-Award-Winning DEI Expert, Amazon Best-selling Author, and TEDx Speaker
Engineering Equity with Automation
Poggy Murray Whitham is a multi-award-winning DEI expert, consultant, 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, they are 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 project they undertake.
A former senior manager in automation engineering, Poggy now works at the intersection of technology and inclusion, demonstrating how embracing diversity drives innovation, productivity, and culture change. They combine strategic insight with the lived experience of being Black, Queer, Disabled, and Neurodivergent, delivering contributions that are as thought-provoking as they are practical.
Now Founder and Director of OutEngineered and Chief Operating Officer of Divrsity, Poggy also holds several advisory positions with the Royal Academy of Engineering, Engineering Council UK, Women in Manufacturing, LGBT Foundation, and Point One People, amongst others. Through these roles, they contribute to shaping professional standards, sector-wide initiatives, and inclusive innovation strategies across engineering and manufacturing.
Poggy has also spoken at many of the UK’s most respected institutions and industry events. In 2025, Poggy delivered their TEDx talk ‘Engineering Equity with Automation’ and released their debut book, Inclusion Moments, which became an Amazon bestseller in three categories, further cementing their reputation as a sought-after voice on the future of inclusive engineering.
Speaker Showreel 2026
“Inclusion shouldn’t be improvised, it should be engineered”
Inclusion isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it can begin in the smallest of moments.
Inclusion Moments is a collection of short stories and reflections drawn from the lived and professional experience of the author, Poggy Murray Whitham, from the world of engineering and beyond, seen through their perspective as a Black, Queer, Disabled, and Autistic person.
Each Moment captures how small biases, barriers, or acts of allyship can have a large impact on someone’s day, career, or even life, and offers practical ways to respond with empathy and action.
From being spoken over in meetings to having your expertise doubted because of your identity, the emotional labour of having to educate others, and small actions that really can make a difference, these stories blend honesty, vulnerability, and insight to help readers take meaningful action towards inclusion.
Inclusion Moments invites you to pause and reflect on what inclusion really means in practice. Whether you are a leader, an ally, an advocate, or simply someone wanting to do better, this book is a very human and practical guide to creating more inclusion moments in any community.
Testimonials
“Powerfully written, eye-opening, delivered with reason, and above all a truth.”
Ian D. Hall, Author of ‘Ghost Apples’, ‘Underneath’, and ‘Colony’.
"I would recommend all allies, especially those who don't have the lived experience of those they support, read this book. Each story has a different set of reflections and actions that will challenge you and help you on your journey to better allyship. I know it's helping me."
Commander Jamie Chestnutt CEng MEIT FRAeS RN (ret.), Executive Director & NED, former Director of Engineering and Supply at RNLI and Royal Navy Senior Officer.
“An invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand lived experiences they can never share. Taken in totality it is a powerful witness, which I will use with my clients to work more inclusively.”
Dr Stewart Eyres, Principal Consultant, Eyres Inclusion Consulting
“A truly great read. I really like that it is so personal and practical. I find so many books in this genre are too hypothetical or theoretical.”
Fiona Connor, Associate Geotechnical Engineer at Stantec and Co-Chair of InterEngineering
“Through honest and thought-provoking storytelling, Poggy reminds us that inclusion is not an extra, it is fundamental to the human experience.”
Kat Culyer, Consultant at EqualEngineers and Girls into Physics & Engineering Coordinator for Institute of Physics Scotland
“An excellent read. Poggy invites us into their world and offers perspectives where we can all learn. It has been a pleasure to witness Poggy transition from engineer to successful consultant making a positive impact on the profession.”
Dr Mark McBride-Wright MBE CEng FIChemE FEI, Founder and CEO of EqualEngineers, Author of ‘The SAFE Leader’, and MBE Recipient for Services to Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering.
Inclusion isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it can begin in the smallest of moments.
Inclusion Moments is a collection of short stories and reflections drawn from the lived and professional experience of the author, Poggy Murray Whitham, from the world of engineering and beyond, seen through their perspective as a Black, Queer, Disabled, and Autistic person.
Each Moment captures how small biases, barriers, or acts of allyship can have a large impact on someone’s day, career, or even life, and offers practical ways to respond with empathy and action.
From being spoken over in meetings to having your expertise doubted because of your identity, the emotional labour of having to educate others, and small actions that really can make a difference, these stories blend honesty, vulnerability, and insight to help readers take meaningful action towards inclusion.
Inclusion Moments invites you to pause and reflect on what inclusion really means in practice. Whether you are a leader, an ally, an advocate, or simply someone wanting to do better, this book is a very human and practical guide to creating more inclusion moments in any community.
Inclusion Moments is now an Amazon bestselling book!
Work With Me
-
![A person wearing a light grey jacket and black shirt standing against a dark background, speaking on a TEDx stage.]()
Keynote Speaking
✓ Signature Keynotes
✓ Conference talks
✓ Corporate events
✓ Guest lecturesTopics Include engineering equity, intersectionality, the business case for DEI, psychological safety, allyship and everyday inclusion, inclusive cultures, and more.
-
![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.]()
Training and Workshops
✓ DEI Training
✓ Inclusive Leadership
✓ Allyship Training
✓ Psychological Safety
✓ Intersectionality in Practice
✓ Engineering Culture
✓ Bespoke Training Design -
![Person with long dreadlocks giving a presentation at a conference, holding a microphone, standing at a podium.]()
DEI Consultancy
✓ DEI Strategy & Action Plans
✓ Benchmarking & Gap Analysis
✓ Business Research
✓ Policy Review
✓ Network Strategy Development
✓ Organisational DEI Audit
✓ Programme Design -
![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.]()
Executive and Organisational Coaching
✓ Leadership Coaching
✓ Supporting DEI Leads
✓ Coaching for ERG Chairs
✓ Coaching for male allies and senior engineering leaders -
![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.]()
Business Strategy & Culture Work
✓ Inclusive Business Strategy
✓ Organisational Change
✓ Stakeholder Engagement & Cultural Transformation
✓ Psychological Safety Frameworks -
![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.]()
Business Research
✓ DEI Research Design & Delivery
✓ Surveys, Focus Groups, Interviews
✓ Thematic Analysis & Reporting
✓ Publications & White Papers
✓ Guest Expert for Panels / Media
Media Highlights
Highlights from the stage to the screen, capturing and showcasing Poggy’s work, influence, and impact.
Poggy’s TEDx talk at TEDx Heriot Watt University, ‘Engineering Equity with Automation’.
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
-
![]()
"Poggy collaborated with our LGBT+ Network for our event as part of history month. They delivered an engaging session sharing their experiences from their career in engineering, as a leading DEI expert, and reflections from their book "Inclusion Moments" inspiring the audience with both their passion for creating equity in the workplace and practical advice of how to make it happen."
Christos Tsaprounis FCIPD, People & Culture Director at Autotrader
-
![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
-
![]()
"I just wanted to thank you personally for your excellent inclusivity review and your outstanding, detailed report. You provided us with so many really helpful insights and constructive comments, which led to substantial improvements for the initiative - and made it stronger as a result. You showed attention to detail - crucial not only in engineering, but in health information too. I feel really honoured that you took the time to go through the review so thoroughly."
Dr Knut Schroeder, Founder & Director at Expert Self Care Ltd
-
![]()
"I wanted to personally thank you for your involvement in our Men’s Mental Health in the Workplace Conference. The day was a huge success, and your contribution played a major part in that. We truly appreciate the time, insight, and expertise you brought to the agenda."
Joseph Haworth, Conference Producer at Institute of Government and Public Policy
-
![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
-
![]()
"Poggy expertly delivered a webinar for Inclusive Companies, which received incredible feedback from our members. Thank you again Poggy!"
Lucian Main, Inclusion Partnerships Executive at Inclusive Companies
-
![]()
"Poggy is a very professional, enthusiastic programme manager, who is very passionate about his role, and delivering the best service to customers. We had a very constructive chat about how he could support our team, and has kept me up to date with any support and offers relevant to our discussion. He provided plenty of information, without putting pressure to make decisions. He is also an exceptional and inspirational speaker. It's been a delight to work with him!"
Marisa Kurimbokus FWES CEng, Head of Engineering at Raeon
-
![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
-
![]()
"Poggy delivered the keynote and moderated the panel at the first-ever Pride event organised by the British Tunnelling Society Young Members with InterEngineering, the British Geotechnical Association, and the Geological Society. His presentation was insightful and inspiring, and he facilitated the discussion with confidence, bringing out meaningful contributions from every panellist and the audience. I highly recommend Poggy for events that aim to foster inclusive conversations."
Arabel Vilas Serín, Principal Geotechnical Engineer and BTSYM Chair
-
![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
-
![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
-
![]()
"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
Contact Me
Feel free to use the contact form or contact details below to enquire about booking Poggy to deliver a keynote talk, workshop, event booking, consultancy, or training.
E: info@poggymurraywhitham.com
T: +44 (0)7356006020
I look forward to hearing from you!