Josh Lewis

Your Story:

I became Facilities Manager of Starling Bank's office in Cardiff in 2020 when there were only 50 people working in the Cardiff office. There are now 1400 - a big jump which I've tried to make smoother through a positive, can-do attitude and willingness to make our office culture as inclusive as possible for all our employees. The other significant change since I started has been the move to hybrid working, with some people working from the office and others working from home, something that can affect how comfortable employees feel when they do come into the office. My aim is for all employees coming to the office to feel that they can be themselves from their first day working with us.

Before Starling, I worked for the energy company SSE. I started in Customer Services, taking calls from customers and worked my way up to managing their three buildings in Cardiff. I decided to make the jump to the FinTech world as I was interested in how the business area was constantly changing and I felt I could make a difference working within the sector.

Your Impact:

When I started at Starling, I joined the Bend the Bank community, which was set up by employees and continues to be led by LGBTQIA+ colleagues and allies. In Cardiff, I've organised many Bend the Bank socials - quizzes, film nights, external social evenings etc. and I've helped get a group together for Pride. Last year, we had 25 people and this year, that jumped up to 75 people. Starling has been great at supporting us with tee-shirts, flags and merchandise and I've helped organise all that. I've also helped promote Pride as something everyone can get involved in (group members and allies). We were one of the biggest groups at the whole Cardiff Pride this year, which is good going, seeing as we've only had a Cardiff office for three years. I feel that this is one of my proudest moments since working in Starling - I have attended Cardiff Pride for nearly 20 years and to lead one of the biggest groups in the parade was a personal achievement for me. One of the reasons I'd like to be featured on the Pride Power List is to help promote Pride activities further, not just at Starling but within the whole FinTech community.

Your Advice:

Be yourself and don't let anything hold you back. When you show the best of yourself, that brings out the best in other people - there's a ripple effect. It's why I go into the office every day and try to be a positive role model for all employees and our LGBTQIA+ members of staff. I see the employees of Starling as my customers and my role is to empower them to feel that they can be themselves at all times.