Meet & Greet: Martyn Scott-Thomas, Accredited Coach and Counsellor, Careers Expert, Talent Leader and D&I Educator

In this week’s Meet & Greet interview, myGwork talks to Martyn Scott-Thomas, an Accredited Coach and Counsellor, Careers Expert, Talent Leader and D&I Educator. The former Global Head of Recruitment at Booking.com shares his career journey in the recruitment and diversity and inclusion (D&I) space, and how the pandemic influenced him to a become a coach and counsellor, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.

myGwork: Can you tell us a bit about your career journey to date?

Martyn: I moved to London when I was 17. I went to an amazing drama school and studied musical theatre for four years and then started working professionally. I had to work many other jobs to get by during that time. I sold theatre tickets and ice cream, I did bar work, call centres, I worked backstage at The Lion King and then behind the scenes on big television shows like Britain's Got Talent and the crazy Jeremy Kyle Show. Freelancing was hard so then I became a bar and hotel manager.

I started to crave stability and financial security. I got a temp job in the HR department at Sony Playstation and my corporate era began.I worked my way up the ladder and I tried many things, working in payroll and learning and development before specialising in recruiting. I took risks and chances which allowed me to work for many different organisations.The diverse experience enabled me to advance my career fast. I have been lucky to work for great brands. Starbucks was my favorite place. I had a brilliant manager and was given so many opportunities to make a difference. In my last role at Booking.com I was the Global Head of Recruitment where I led big teams all over the world.

You never know how things will unfold and I have often felt like an imposter. I love working in the talent space and also leading and developing people. I have always advocated for change and have led meaningful diversity and inclusion initiatives, which continue to be important for me.

myGwork: Why did you choose to set up your coaching and counseling business ?

Martyn: Before the pandemic, I was contemplating my future and asking myself “Do I want to be doing this for the next 5/10/15/20 years?”. I knew I wanted to help people and I knew wanted to give back and be more involved within LGBTQ+ community. I had struggled with my mental health in the past and learnt a lot about anxiety and how to manage without really knowing where this was all going, and I started studying at the Dutch Academy of Counseling and Coaching. I did this on top of my job and throughout the pandemic, which was tough going.

During that time, I had to really hone in and prioritize the wellbeing of my team. I led big projects on wellbeing, belonging and diversity and inclusion. This gave me energy and it felt like it had more meaning and purpose than my actual job did, so I left my position and focussed on finishing my studies. I then took some time out to travel around Asia where I learnt a lot and grew a lot, returning with with clarity. I had to package up everything I am, everything I can do and everything that I know and offer that out to help others. So here I am today, an Accredited Coach and Counsellor, Careers Expert, Talent Leader and D&I Educator.

myGwork: What services/areas does your new business focus on?

Martyn: I offer coaching, counseling and consulting services where I support personal life, mental health and wellbeing challenges. I have particular experience helping people with Identity issues, in building self-esteem and managing anxiety. I also provide a wide range of support to anyone in professional settings relating to people management, personal and career development, leadership, HR and diversity and inclusion. I do dedicate my time to the LGBTQ+ community, but I will support anyone who needs it..

As a D&I educator, I design and deliver workshops on this topic and all things leadership and careers. On that note - check out my upcoming collaboration with myGwork at the end of this interview.

myGwork: Why is having access to role models and good advice so important as you climb up the career ladder, and why is it especially significant for the LGBTQ+ community?

Martyn: A career can be very hard to navigate at various stages, and undoubtedly you’ll need to make some challenging decisions about your circumstances and what you want to do. As you get older and progress in your career you may want to advance or pivot or change completely, and that can all feel scary and confusing. Many people feel stuck or trapped within their career altogether and find it hard to know how to change and have the confidence to do so. I have seen it overwhelm people and this can lead to unhappiness, unfulfillment and can impact mental health significantly.

Getting good career advice matters and from credible and trusted sources. I suggest building and investing in a support network of people around you who you admire, look up to and trust. There are also various people working in support functions whose job it is to support employees and in confidence.

Reach out to people, ask a question, or organize a coffee or consider asking for mentorship. Try not to take it to heart, people are busy, but the likelihood is they will be able to offer some wisdom and if not, find someone else who will.

From an LGBTQ+ perspective or from any underrepresented group perspective we know that there is not equality in the workplace and bias is happening all the time sadly, which must be called out. Having role models and representation really matters here because it helps us all believe in ourselves and it gives us strength. We also want and need those people in our support networks, as managers, mentors and coaches to get that support, advice, confidence and encouragement.

myGwork: Why is diversity and inclusion so important right now and what can business leaders do to support this in the workplace?

Martyn: I think it will always be important – it has to be. In the current climate the inequality issue has never been more prevalent. More voices and representation need to find their way and workplaces have to take their responsibility and enable this. Customers, clients, job seekers and employees demand that organizations take a stand, and proactively root out bias in the workplace.

For leaders they first need to have clear expectations given to them to prioritize this. Education is needed to help them understand why it is so important and what it means and looks like in practice. It is a complex, ever evolving and sensitive topic and I understand that it can feel overwhelming at times.

In prioritizing D&I, leaders can consistently seek education and support for themselves and their teams, they can review and assess their internal and external practices, partner with employee resource groups or external organizations and they can actualize inclusive working environments where everyone can thrive.

myGwork: How do you encourage people to prioritize their wellbeing to support work/life balance, especially with the increase in remote/hybrid working?

Martyn: Investing in your own wellbeing and health should be everybody's number one priority. Life stuff happens, we suffer and struggle and often feel overwhelmed when it gets tough. Organizations are starting to understand that wellbeing is a priority for their business and their employees. It is of benefit to them in order for their workforce to thrive and feel a sense of belonging. More and more employers are assessing their practices, offering more flexibility and improving their benefits. How to decide what to do as a business? Ask your people what they need.

Burnout is a big problem today and it makes me feel very sad. Serious work has to be done to prevent it happening, as well as supporting those who are struggling.

I will say this: take your holidays, do not work if you are unwell, talk if you are struggling, ask for help and support, eat well, sleep and exercise. Your personal time is your own time, don’t let work encroach on this. This all may sound standard, but if everyone did a self assessment are they doing these things?

If you are a leader, you are role model. You must create an environment of inclusion where there is psychological safety so that your people can share with you.

In terms of remote working, all the above and including significant time away from the screen. I work from home and I am self-employed. Sometimes it is tough and I get lonely and find it hard to motivate myself. Creating structure to my day and week is super important, taking breaks, going to the gym and having fresh air, connecting with my support network all help me. I no longer feel guilty disconnecting and taking a break when I need to. To be my best self, actual self and most productive self, I need my personal time and breaks!

myGwork: What advice would you give to someone who feels they are struggling with their mental health?

Martyn: When someone is struggling it can often feel like a very lonely and isolating experience. It’s scary and can feel shameful and embarrassing too. My best advice is to seek help and share what you are experiencing.

I struggled with anxiety in a major way a few years ago and I suffered in silence because I didn’t understand what was happening to me. I remember logging in to Facebook one day and it was World Mental Health day and lots of people were posting stories about their own experiences and sharing lots of resources. In that moment, I realized that I wasn’t alone in my experience. That empowered me to share with close friends and get some help.

Of course, visit your doctor but if you don’t feel connected or safe with your doctor, change them. The first doctor I saw was so alien to who I was as a person, I didn’t feel understood or cared for and I left without the help I needed. So I changed, and it changed everything for me. There are also a lot of great organizations out there providing advice and support, and dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, it’s comforting to know they are there, doing great work and and helping so many people.

No-one has to struggle alone and you can get better with help.

myGwork: What podcast series are you listening to right now? Are there any DE&I-related/wellbeing podcast series you would recommend?

Martyn: I would recommend Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett and Getting curious with Jonathan Van Ness. I have learnt a lot from both. Actually the last podcast I listened to was Steven interviewing Jonathan on his podcast. It was interesting and helpful. In particular, some helpful and clarifying discussion about intersex people and what it means to be authentic. I highly recommend it.

myGwork: What was the last book you read? Any interesting take-aways and would you recommend it to fellow leaders? Why?

Martyn: Well, I mentioned earlier about being self-employed and working from home. It has been a journey for me to adapt. A friend recommended a book called The Secrets of Productive People by Mark Forster. It helped him a lot and so I’m keen to see what I can take from it. The last book I read, for the 20th time, was The Power of Now by Eckhard Tolle. I pick it up for perspective and I know where to go in the book to find what I need to ground me. I think this quote supports why it is helpful and why I recommend it to anyone. "Wherever you are, be there totally. If you find your here and now intolerable and it makes you unhappy, you have three options: remove yourself from the situation, change it, or accept it totally."

myGwork: What was your last holiday destination and where do you plan to visit next?

Martyn: I went to Vietnam. It was incredible! Next I will be in Torremolinos. I love spending the day at the LGBTQ+ Beach Club, Eden Beach. There's nothing more relaxing than a day on a sunbed, tunes, a good book, with an Espresso Martini or two.

myGwork: What do you do to relax at the end of a hard working day?

Martyn: Usually it’s being flat out on my sofa watching the TV. I’m a bit of a tele addict. I just finished the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 12 and am currently watching Succession.

You can connect with Martyn here.

Martyn will also be facilitating a workshop on Building Self Esteem on August 14 2024. Click here to find out more and register for free.

Check out some other Meet & Greet interviews with myGwork members, including:

• Booth-Laird Investment Partnership’s CEO Jonathan Booth shares why there are so few ‘out’ CEOs and leaders in the corporate world.
• Business Disability Forum’s CEO Diane Lightfoot shares the importance of being able to work in an environment where everyone is able to bring their whole selves to work, without having to conceal any aspect of who they are.
• Parexel's LGBTQ+ ally and Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Aida Sabo shares her career journey on how she made it to the top in engineering as a Latina woman.
• CTS Group CEO Tom Ray shares why the LGBTQ+ community is "very important" to his company, and how he is promoting inclusion to ensure that all staff are “welcome, feel safe and can be themselves” at work.
• London-based DJ, radio host, filmmaker, social influencer and CBK CEO Krystal Lake explains why organizations need to take homophobic remarks and labels seriously, and do more to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion.
• Criteo's SVP of Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Rachel Scheel on how and why she supports diversity and LGBTQ+ inclusion as an ally, as well as workplace wellbeing.
• The Galaxy Trust’s CEO Garry Ratcliffe shares how being an 'out' leader with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style helps to promote equality, belonging and a blame-free culture.
• RS Components’ Group Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement Jessica Chu highlights the 'huge' importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion at work and shares why being an LGBTQ+ ally is really important to her.
• Swapi CEO Pete Howroyd who talks about workplace equality and LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the importance of ensuring that every voice is heard.
• Unilever’s HR Vice President Richard Sharp shares why leadership has a duty to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community feels supported and included in the workplace.
• Greenhouse Software CEO Daniel Chait shares why belonging is one of the company’s core values, as well as a powerful business strategy.
• Dish Dash Deets’ Founder Sunni Patel shares why he founded his holistic wellbeing business, specialising in gut health and eating addictions, which he started after coming out.
• Protiviti’s Director Belton Flournoy talks about the importance of Pride Month, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the power of being 'out' at work.
• CEO of Vexed Gaming Sonny Waheed shares how his empowering and inclusive leadership style helps him to run a successful company.
• CEO of Wonder Industries Vlady Vyshnevetskiy shares how he is helping to make the fashion world more sustainable and inclusive.
• Oracle's Sara Morley talks about her roles as Account Director and UK Lead for the company’s LGBTQ+ OPEN ERG network.
• Hearst UK’s Chief Commercial Operations Director Gianluca Ena shares the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace, and maintaining a work-life balance.
• HSBC’s Senior Group Inclusion Advisor Jack Guest shares some of the challenges of being an openly gay professional in Asia.
• Parexel’s Executive Vice President and Global Head, Chris Baker, shares what she looks for in new recruits and why she wants hardworking and diverse talent to be able to bring their entire selves to work.