Pride in Our People

By Tor Burrows, Group Sustainability Director, Grosvenor

Every June, Pride Month offers a moment to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reflect on the progress we’ve made toward equality. But at Grosvenor, we believe inclusion isn’t something we switch on for a month - it’s something we build into our culture, our teams, and our leadership every day.

Culture Is Built, Not Declared

At Grosvenor, we talk a lot about culture - not just as a concept, but as something we actively shape through the people we hire, the teams we build, and the values we live and work by. Inclusion isn’t a side initiative; it’s embedded in how we work. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels safe to bring their full selves to work - because when people feel seen, heard, and valued, they thrive. And when our people thrive, so does our business.

Pride in Who You Are

One of the most powerful things I’ve witnessed over the years is the growth of our LGBTQ+ network. I’ve been at Grosvenor since the network was first formed, and I’ve had the privilege of watching it blossom under the passion and leadership of colleagues, and the courage of so many others who’ve shared their stories and supported one another.

I’ve also seen people in my own team grow in confidence as they’ve felt more able to bring their whole selves to work. That kind of authenticity is powerful. It changes what’s possible, not just for individuals, but for teams, for culture, for business.

A few years ago, I interviewed someone who said, “I’m an openly gay man. What are you and the business doing to support that?” It really stuck with me. Not because I didn’t have an answer, but because it reminded me how easy it is to assume that inclusion is a given. That of course it’s okay to be gay at work. But that’s not the reality for everyone. And it was a moment that made me stop and reflect on what we take for granted, and what we still need to work for.

Looking Forward

I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but I’m more excited about where we’re going. Because when we build inclusive teams, we build stronger teams. And when we lead with authenticity, we create space for others to do the same.