IWD 2025 - an interview with: Cat Dixon

Tell us a little about your career journey leading to where you are now.

My career has been defined by leadership, transformation, and advocacy across multiple sectors, including law, healthcare, education, and dispute resolution. Starting as a solicitor, I progressed into executive leadership, driving operational excellence, governance, and equity in organizations that serve diverse communities.

As CEO of the Law Society of England and Wales, I championed the legal profession, advocating for diversity and ensuring access to justice. At NHS Resolution, I improved claims management and introduced mediation to improve patient outcomes. 

As CEO of Ciarb, I led a global professional body advancing arbitration and mediation, fostering inclusive access to justice worldwide. 

As Chair of Stonewall, I drive forward LGBTQ+ inclusion, ensuring workplace cultures, and legal frameworks support equity for all. Across all roles, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring organizations embed these values at their core.

What does the International Women’s Day slogan “accelerate action” mean for you?

"Accelerate action" means moving beyond rhetoric to meaningful change. While progress has been made, gender inequality, intersectional discrimination, and systemic barriers persist. As Chair of Stonewall, I see firsthand how policy shifts, workplace culture, and leadership accountability drive equity—not just for women, but for all marginalized groups.

In my career, I have championed  diverse leadership and inclusive workplace policies. Accelerating action means holding organizations accountable, ensuring they deliver measurable impact rather than performative gestures.

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

Women supporting women is essential to breaking barriers. Throughout my career, I have seen the power of mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship in creating opportunities for women. But lifting each other up goes beyond individual support—it requires systemic change.

At Stonewall, we advocate for policies that ensure all women—particularly LGBTQ+ women and women of colour—thrive in leadership and beyond. At Ciarb, I worked to increase gender representation in arbitration and mediation, ensuring women have equal access to leadership and career advancement. When women uplift each other, we challenge bias, close pay gaps, and create workplaces where everyone can succeed.

How important is diversity across senior leadership teams?

Diversity in leadership is not optional—it is essential. Organizations that fail to prioritize diversity lack the perspectives, innovation, and credibility needed for long-term success.

At Stonewall, we support inclusive leadership that represents the communities we serve. I have worked to diversify global dispute resolution and the legal profession, ensuring underrepresented voices are included in critical decisions. Research consistently shows that diverse teams make better decisions, drive financial performance, and enhance stakeholder trust. True leadership means embedding diversity into governance, culture, and strategy—rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Senior leadership: 26%, C-suite: 19%, 1 in 4 Chief-level – What do these numbers represent to you?

These figures highlight the systemic barriers that still exist for women in leadership. While representation has improved, progress is too slow, particularly for women from marginalized backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ women, women of colour, and disabled women.

As Chair of Stonewall, I advocate to ensure inclusive workplaces where women can advance without bias. I have championed mentorship programs, gender-balanced panels, and inclusive governance structures. We must shift from passive awareness to proactive solutions—implementing pay transparency, leadership development, and flexible working policies that enable true equity.

As a successful leader, how do you think business leaders can accelerate action toward closing the gender gap and ensuring equal opportunities?

• Leaders must drive change through action, not just intent. Key priorities include:
• Building leadership pipelines – Identifying, mentoring, and sponsoring women for executive roles.
• Ensuring pay and promotion transparency – Closing the gender pay gap through clear accountability.
• Implementing flexible and inclusive work environments – Supporting work-life balance and eliminating biases in hiring and promotion.
• Embedding intersectional inclusion – Policies must support all women, including LGBTQ+ women, women of colour, and disabled women.

At Stonewall, we support organizations in developing inclusive workplaces that remove barriers to success. True progress happens when leaders commit to measurable action, not just performative statements.

Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial/managerial/leadership success?

• Lead with purpose – Your values should guide every decision.
• Champion diversity and inclusion – A diverse team leads to better decisions and stronger organizations.
• Be bold in transformation – Do not fear change; embrace it as a driver of impact.
• Advocate for others – Create opportunities for women and underrepresented groups.
• Stay resilient – Leadership comes with challenges; persistence and adaptability are key.

Throughout my career—whether leading transformation, advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion at Stonewall, or modernizing dispute resolution—these principles have been central to achieving success.

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a leadership career?

Do not wait for permission to lead. One of the biggest challenges women face is self-doubt, often reinforced by systemic bias. Throughout my career, I have seen talented women hesitate, believing they need to tick every box before stepping forward. My advice: be confident, seek mentors, and take calculated risks. Leadership is about learning and adapting—not about being perfect from day one.

As Chair of Stonewall, I advocate for leadership opportunities for LGBTQ+ women and marginalized voices. I have ensured that women have the platforms and recognition they deserve. Step forward, take up space, and advocate for others along the way.

Have there been any role models who have helped shape you as a leader?

Yes, I have been inspired by leaders who drive change with authenticity, resilience, and courage. My good friend Jan Gooding, the former Chair of Stonewall, stands out as a leader who exemplifies values-driven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Additionally, I have drawn inspiration from mentors, colleagues, and activists who have challenged the status quo, fought for equity, and ensured that leadership is truly representative of society.