About Us.
At Wide Open Voices, we are dedicated to cultivating collective dialogue, exploration, and exchange around all issues of inclusion. Our mission is to include everybody in the conversations and the co-design of inclusion solutions that work for all of us.
I am a coach, facilitator, speaker, and consultant with 25 years’ experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion. Over this time, as a White, middle-class, heterosexual man, I have been on something of an uncomfortable journey learning about how these aspects of my identity intersect to provide me with advantages and opportunities denied to others. I understand, from personal experience, the questions, dilemmas, and concerns arising for other people like me as they engage with inclusion.
My experience of developing a self-awareness alongside my doctoral research on the dynamics of exclusion/inclusion underpin my belief that inclusion is an ‘all of us’ issue, and that we must work collectively towards achieving it for everyone. In all this, I have learned that collective, constructive, and often uncomfortable dialogue is the most effective way to develop lasting solutions.
Dr Matt Jacobs PhD
My experience working in the field ranges from working with those experiencing marginalisation to leading on multi-million-pound programmes delivering impact at a city level. I now provide coaching, facilitation, learning, and consultancy services to businesses, universities, local authorities, and large charities.
I am also a single father of two beautiful, now fully grown and flown, daughters. I love a fine red wine, good music, and cooking an ‘interesting’ version of something I’ve seen on Great British Menu, often all at the same time. I am drawn to visit places I know little about and immerse myself in their coffee-shop culture. I am a committed urbanite and so, cities are the place for me. If I can get there on my motorbike, all the better.
Qualifications & Accreditations
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PhD in Sociology exploring everyday power and privilege at the intersection of race, gender, and class.
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MSc in Ethnicity and Multiculturalism
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BA (Hons) Business Administration
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Senior Practitioner Leadership Coach (ILM Level 7)
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Member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF)
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Member of the Institute of Leadership
© 2024 Wide Open Voices
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