Beyond the pitch: the power of representation and allyship in the workplace

When the Lionesses triumphed once again this summer, it wasn’t just another sporting victory, it was also another powerful moment of representation and hope. 

As a mum to an 8-year-old girl, I watched her sit wide eyed in front of the television, glued to every second.

But this was more than just a football match…

She saw strength, skill, emotion, leadership and teamwork. She didn’t question whether women should be on that stage. She didn’t wonder if it was possible. She just watched, cheered and saw what is possible - that’s the power of representation.

Among the headlines, one story stood out: 17-year-old Michelle Agyemang being named Young Player of the Tournament. A young Black woman shining on one of the biggest stages in the world, not as a side note, but as a standout.

For many, that moment wasn’t just inspirational. It was transformational. Because when we see someone who looks like us succeed, it plants a seed: maybe I can too.

Representation in the workplace: why it matters

Representation isn’t about box-ticking, it’s about building workplaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. It drives innovation, improves performance, and boosts wellbeing. But more than that, it shapes what people believe is possible, especially in sectors like financial services where leadership has historically lacked diversity.

If someone never sees people like them in certain roles, it’s easy to assume those roles aren’t meant for them. Representation shifts that narrative.

When my daughter and any of the next generation watches Michelle Agyemang on the pitch or sees a team of women win for a second time, they don’t just witness success. They witness possibility.

Allyship: making representation meaningful

But visibility alone isn’t enough. To truly drive change, representation must be backed by allyship.

Allyship is about action. It’s leaders calling out bias, peers advocating for inclusion and companies creating equitable opportunities. It’s about mentoring, listening, investing in learning and development and standing up even when it’s uncomfortable.

In financial services, allyship is key to creating workplaces where talent from every background can thrive, not despite who they are, but because of who they are.

A word from Sidney Wager, Managing director, L&C Mortgages

I know the significance of moments like Michelle Agyemang’s and the women’s England team win. I know the power they hold for those watching, the ones still doubting whether they belong.

In the early days of my career, I didn’t see many people that looked like me in leadership roles in finance. My role models were not in my day-to-day environment, which is often a barrier to self-belief and personal growth. It was only later in my career that you realise the importance of visible trailblazers; it’s not something you will always consciously consider. That’s why I’m committed to making sure the next generation sees more and expects more.

Being curious and conscious of the power of diverse representation, opens the door - allyship keeps it open! 

At L&C, we’re not just sponsoring the Women’s Recognition Awards this October for a second year, we’re standing shoulder to shoulder with every woman being celebrated. When they win, our industry wins. Their leadership is paving the way for others to follow. And just like Michelle and the other women on that pitch, they’re showing what’s possible when talent is seen and supported.

It’s on all of us not just to celebrate those lifting trophies, but to build a world where more people get the chance to.

There will be plenty of winners in the room, not just the finalists, and we should revel in celebrating everyone.

A trophy is just the beginning

This October, we’ll see more brilliant women lift their own “trophies” at the Women’s Recognition Awards, proudly sponsored by L&C.

It’s a moment of celebration, yes, but also a reminder of the work still to do. Because representation isn’t a trend. And allyship isn’t a one-time gesture.

Let’s make sure the next generation doesn’t just dream it but sees it, believes it and knows there’s space for them too.

The Women's Recognition Awards 2025 will take place on 15th October at Exhibition White City in London, with the support of headline sponsor L&C Mortgages. To book your table or learn more about sponsoring a category, click here.