Founders

These are some of the amazing people we plan to work with as part of the academy.

Martin Saunders

Colin cares about people having the opportunities to develop themselves so their talent can shine. His talent journey started 12 years ago while working for an airline, where he soon realised people are people regardless of background or culture. Reading people comes naturally to Colin; unlocking people's potential is part of his DNA.

“I don’t care about people’s background, up bringing or qualifications. I care about people having an opportunity. Talent comes in all shapes and sizes it’s not just about being young, it’s ageless. Passion, enthusiasm, hard work and life experiences are what make talented people”

Colin started his media career at Channel 4 where by the time he left was overseeing and setting the strategy for the award winning 4Talent which focused on inspiring and providing opportunities for young people to work in the media, industry. He then moved to the Telegraph Media Group as Head of Talent.

Colin was part of the British LGBT Awards judging panel for 3 years and is currently one of the BIMA Awards and European Diversity Award judges and number 65 on the Pride Power List.

Linda Riley

Linda Riley is creator of numerous diversity initiatives who has dedicated herself both professionally and personally to promoting the values of equality, diversity and inclusion.

One of only two British directors of US based LGBT campaign group GLAAD, and a former adviser to the British Labour Party on diversity issues, Linda is also a patron of the Albert Kennedy Trust, a charity which helps homeless LGBT youth in the UK, Action Breaks Silence, which empowers women in the developing world to protect themselves against physical and sexual assault and Diversity Role Models a LGBT anti-bullying charity.

A former Stonewall award winner, Linda founded the Alternative Parenting Show, the Diversity Careers Show and Opportunities for Women, co-founded The British LGBT Awards and currently publishes the iconic lesbian title DIVA magazine. She organises the European Diversity Awards and the Australian LGBTI Awards.

A former publisher of g3 magazine, Out in the City and First Time Buyer, Linda collaborates with the Guardian, with whom she co-founded the Diversity Hub.