Meet Our Founder: Roxanne Steel

Hi, I'm Rox, Founder and Director of Cultural Facilitation and Consultancy at Parallax Perspectives.

I'm passionate about driving genuine inclusion and meaningful change in organisations, and with individuals: combining strategic innovation with authentic advocacy.

Purposeful Beginnings

Parallax Perspectives was created during a pivotal, challenging chapter in my life.

Redundancy would have forced me into a complex cycle of job applications and uncertainty, intensified by the loss of vital support from Access to Work.

This moment sharply highlighted my impostor syndrome.

After years of saying, "I could build a business," countless discarded business plans, and even applications for BBC's The Apprentice, I realised it was time to get out of my own way.

On paper and in passion, I believed I could do it - Whether that's true, I guess, is ultimately up to you.

Facing imposter syndrome and deep uncertainty, I knew I needed to build something meaningful, not just for others but also for myself.

Rather than feeling defeated, I chose to create a consultancy centred on enabling safe, inclusive spaces and genuine systemic change for everyone involved. I realised it was now or never. No more turning down opportunities because of barriers; solutions would emerge precisely because they had to.

My career path, which spans equity consultancy, finance, advocacy, writing, and speaking, has shaped Parallax Perspectives into a business rooted in authentic experiences and diverse insights.

Key moments and people who have led me here include Adam Hyland, who recognised my advocacy during the COVID-19 pandemic and connected me with Meghan Reed at Diversity & Ability (D&A), as well as Luiz Faye and the Kronik Warriors community, which provided crucial early support.

Without their recognition and encouragement, seeing something in me that I couldn't yet see in myself, I might never have taken this step. I hope that Parallax Perspectives can offer the same recognition and support to others in the future.

Initially, I doubted my chances, but the freelance opportunity at D&A proved transformative. Despite feeling unprepared and facing practical barriers such as inadequate technology and reduced personal care support, the genuine support and validation I received from D&A fueled significant professional and personal growth.

My Leadership Style and Core Values

My approach to leadership is characterised by transparency and authenticity.

While some might perceive these qualities as vulnerabilities, they've always been my strengths.

At Parallax Perspectives, these values guide every interaction and decision:

• Integrity: Clear accountability in every interaction.

• Strategic Clarity: Insightful and actionable solutions.

• Sustainability: Creating lasting positive impacts.

• Collaboration: Meaningful partnerships based on mutual respect and shared goals.

• Role Modelling: Leading openly with accountability.

• Inclusivity: Genuine embedding of accessibility and belonging.

My Vision and Legacy

I'm ambitious but always open to the journey ahead. I have plans, but life may have other ideas. My vision revolves around creating environments where everyone and every business can realise their potential and place, contributing fully and growing together.

Through Parallax Perspectives, I aim to leave a lasting legacy of tangible change.

I saw how narratives around DEI were shifting, sometimes uncomfortably. I felt strongly about creating something that wasn't just DEI as an add-on but a foundational strategy, business-first approach where inclusion is integral, not an afterthought.

You can change the language or the approach, but the work still needs to be done.

Think of inclusive design and the social model of disability as seasoning your dish as you cook, not awkwardly adding salt once it's served (or for some, telling guests to eat or get out).

It's the base of your secret sauce, ensuring your guests aren't left searching for flavour. Of course, some guests might still require extra seasoning, as everyone's tastes and needs differ: that's where the principles of the social model of disability come into play and can ultimately be applied to benefit everyone.

To build a reputation with broad appeal and ensure repeat customers, inclusive design must be integral from the start, holistically, ensuring that most people's needs are already met, even if individual adjustments are necessary.

Yes, I've had a lot of Gordon Ramsay on in the background keeping me company.

Reputation matters, no matter how polished the dining room looks, if your freezers, aka processes behind the scenes, are chaotic, it's going to cost more to ignore it than fix it.

I'm certainly ready to dive in and help with my own expertise, just to be clear, I'm not Gordon Ramsay and should not be asked to cook!.

But rest assured, I'll never think you're an "idiot sandwich."

GIF: Gordon Says - Never before have I had so much personally riding on this challenge (same, Gordon, same)

Beyond the Professional

Outside of consultancy work, I'm deeply inspired by music, television, and film. The storytelling power in these media influences my approach, enabling me to connect with people through compelling narratives and authentic engagement.

Key Learning

The most significant insight I've gained is simple yet powerful: effective leadership doesn't require having all the answers. Instead, it's about embracing uncertainty, asking meaningful questions, and continually recommitting to purpose, projects, and people.

My journey fuels Parallax Perspectives, anchoring it firmly in empathy, insight, expertise and real-world connection. I'm genuinely excited about the difference we can make together.

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