EDI: tips from a transgender advocate

The fundamentals of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) make a lot of sense: it’s all about making things better for everyone, regardless of race, gender or disabilities. But it can be a difficult area to navigate, even for well-meaning leaders. 

The challenges of EDI formed a key part of the 31st annual Crystal Lecture, hosted recently by CMI with the University of Wolverhampton School of Business and Law. At the lecture, transgender advocate Nate Ethan Watson, founder of TNB Connect, a community interest company (CIC) that supports the transgender and non-binary community, told leaders how they can gain a confident foothold in this sometimes rocky terrain. 

Here are five takeaways from Nate’s talk. 

1. Hold on to your empathy

It can be very challenging to remain empathetic when the political climate is becoming increasingly heated and polarised. Nate stressed the importance of maintaining your own authenticity and not taking things personally. He said this approach helps him when he finds himself in challenging conversations, as it enables him to see where people who may find EDI confronting have acquired their perspectives and thought processes. 

“I have empathy for those people, because we’re in 2026 and to have that kind of mindset and that mentality, I pity them a little,” he said. “Stay being you and don’t be pushed into thinking you have to be a certain way.”

2. Listening is crucial

Hearing people share their formative experiences can be incredibly beneficial – and not just for the person doing the talking.

“I think it’s a good way to find out your strengths and values as well,” said Nate, of what leaders stand to gain from open conversations with employees whose life experiences differ from theirs.

“At TNB, we will sit down with people. I pride myself and the company on that. It’s something that’s often overlooked and not valued enough. Just one simple conversation can change so much.”