Be Inclusive. Be Human.
20 Jun 2025
In this moment:
Callum Akehurst-Ryan
I recently had a good chat with Callum Akehurst-Ryan about representation. He's a queer man in tech and continues to do wonderful things to amplify the importance of inclusivity and representation in the world of engineering, software development and quality. He is leading with quality.
Check out https://cakehurstryan.com/pride/ - his collection of blogs and talks dedicated to Pride Month and being an LGBTQIA+ engineer.
I am reminded of Ministry of Testings Code of Conduct. We create inclusive, friendly, safe and supportive environments for all, based on treating all individuals as good human beings.
And as a community manager who is a cisgender straight white guy in my 40s I'm in a privileged position and I'll continue to use that privilege for good. I don't always get it right. For example, I recently had to apologise for forgetting someone's pronouns and using the incorrect pronoun when introducing them to someone.
For Team MoT, inclusivity is a daily axiom. It's just the norm that we amplify the voices of underrepresented folks. We challenge discrimination and open doors.
I like how this is all connected to quality. Advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community reminds us to develop empathy – it broadens our worldview and helps us understand how wonderfully diverse this world is. It helps us think beyond ourselves and consider the multitude of folks we can build for.
Be Inclusive. Be Human.
🏳️🌈
Check out https://cakehurstryan.com/pride/ - his collection of blogs and talks dedicated to Pride Month and being an LGBTQIA+ engineer.
I am reminded of Ministry of Testings Code of Conduct. We create inclusive, friendly, safe and supportive environments for all, based on treating all individuals as good human beings.
And as a community manager who is a cisgender straight white guy in my 40s I'm in a privileged position and I'll continue to use that privilege for good. I don't always get it right. For example, I recently had to apologise for forgetting someone's pronouns and using the incorrect pronoun when introducing them to someone.
For Team MoT, inclusivity is a daily axiom. It's just the norm that we amplify the voices of underrepresented folks. We challenge discrimination and open doors.
I like how this is all connected to quality. Advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community reminds us to develop empathy – it broadens our worldview and helps us understand how wonderfully diverse this world is. It helps us think beyond ourselves and consider the multitude of folks we can build for.
Be Inclusive. Be Human.
🏳️🌈
Simon Tomes
Community Lead at MoTaverse
he/him
Hello, I'm Simon. Since 2003 I've had various roles in testing, tech leadership and coaching. I believe in the power of collaboration, creativity and community. 🎓 MoT-STEC qualified. I get real joy working with and supporting our wonderful MoTaverse community.
“Thanks for making me feel so confident about myself.” | “I'm so grateful for all you do in the MoTaverse community, I learn so much as a result!” | “A simple chat with Simon in person absolutely changed everything.” | “Simon is one of the best people that I've ever met to have conversations with. He's so grounded in his way of thinking and articulates his thoughts so well and his feelings and his knowledge about community and everything.”
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