Victoria Lewis

CEO

I am privileged to be the CEO of byrne·dean.

There is nothing quite like that light bulb moment! When someone in the room (so often a hugely “successful” leader) begins to see and understand how they might be viewed by the people they intend so genuinely to influence positively. It is because of moments like this that I remain as passionate and committed to my work as I was when I started facilitating in 2005. 

I am never more at home (in a work setting!) than when I’m on my feet enthusiastically engaging with people in workplaces around the world, challenging them and being challenged back, gently but firmly helping and guiding them to see another perspective and to develop greater self-awareness. I don’t preach. My style is warm, personal, high energy and with just the right amount of humour to ensure a safe but thought provoking learning environment.

I am regularly asked to deliver impactful and dynamic keynote presentations at industry conferences and for boards, senior leadership teams and C suite populations. I lead the inclusion & diversity work and use emotional intelligence principles to connect with people on their level. My analytical and communication skills developed over several years in an international law firm allow me, particularly, to engage with leaders. My credibility and expert facilitation skills ensure that participants reflect, move forward and “continue the conversation”. 

I have developed particular expertise in working with boards and senior leadership teams to create and maintain sustainable inclusion strategies. The work in this area varies but can include implementing diagnostic tools, analysing employee responses, conducting psychologically safe interviews and making appropriate,realistic and stretching recommendations to help create cultural change. Outside byrne·dean, I am a Pilotlighter; using my experience to guide others in charities with helping people more effectively.

2020 - current: CEO, Byrne Dean Limited

2016 - 2020: CEO, Byrne Dean Training

2014 – 2016: Head of Training, byrne·dean

2005 – 2016: Facilitator, byrne·dean

1994 – 2005: Trainee Solicitor, then Associate, then Managing Associate, Simmons & Simmons

BA (English), Southampton University

LLP and CPE, College of Law, London

Henley Business School Strategic Leadership

"Victoria engaged everyone in the room. One of her key strengths was being able to challenge and probe appropriately and very effectively. We received excellent feedback across the firm and we are already seeing the impact of this training programme. We would have no hesitation in working with byrne∙dean again in the future."

Louise Zekaria, Head of Inclusion and CSR, Macfarlanes LLP

Articles from

Victoria Lewis

No menopause taboo!

Menopause should not be a taboo. It’s natural and unavoidable. Come on…It’s time we talked about this openly and kindly.

Pilotlight

As part of our support for #smallcharityweek, we are recognizing some of the wonderful charities we support.

Emerging from my shed

Those that know me, know that I talk a lot about my shed. Indeed, recently at a new project meeting, when asked to introduce ourselves...

What is it that you do and what is diversity anyway?

This week I found myself being asked this question - the person who shall remain nameless (as surely they are now in some kind of witness protection sch...

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