Pride Month 2025 - interview with Russell Danks

My journey: authenticity in leadership

I'm Russ, and my career in hospitality and retail began at Tesco, where their pioneering queer support program was pivotal. It empowered me to embrace my authentic self and become a more genuine leader, inspiring others to do the same. Since then, I've honed my leadership skills at renowned organizations like Greene King, P&O Cruises, Cunard, KFC, Punch Pubs & Co, and now, Laine Pub Company.

Why pride matters: paving the way for progress

Early in my career, seeing openly gay role models thrive within organizations was incredibly important. It showed me that barriers could be broken, and that my identity could be a genuine asset, not a hindrance, in building a successful business. Today, as a leader, I recognize that my "leadership shadow" directly influences the opportunities and well-being of my team and future generations. Pride Month is a powerful reminder of this responsibility.

LGBTQIA+ communities: a catalyst for change

My experience leading the LGBTQ+ society at university—a time when we fought to officially include the wider community on campus—underscored how insidious discrimination can be, even if it's dressed up as "unofficial membership." This taught me the profound importance of using our positions of influence as leaders, and our pubs, to drive positive domestic and political change.

The power of communities: uniting for good

"Power" is a fascinating word. When harnessed for good, it enables us to unite and effect incredible change. When used for ill, it creates division. In a time when parts of our community are hurting and in desperate need of support, it's vital that we come together, pooling our collective power to make a difference.

Cultivating allyship: leading by example

I'm incredibly fortunate to work with a brilliantly talented and creative team, many of whom are part of the queer community. We prioritize listening, empowering, and providing our pubs as dynamic platforms for expression. A fantastic example is The NunsHead in Nunhead, led by the wonderfully brilliant Allie. Allie and their team are a beacon for the queer community, particularly championing the trans community, and are instrumental in shaping our understanding of allyship across the entire business.

Inclusive workplaces: opportunity for all

An inclusive workplace isn't just about LGBTQ+ employees; it's about fostering opportunity for all. It’s about ensuring every individual has the chance to be heard, to progress, to be recognized, and to be respected. If these core values aren't embraced, I'd argue that an individual, or even an organization, doesn't belong in today's world.

Connecting and uplifting: a shared vision

(This point is covered by the example of The NunsHead and our wider Pride partnerships.)

Our safe spaces: built on good hearts and shared values

Creating safe and inclusive spaces begins with genuinely inclusive people. All our business leaders commit to our charter of inclusivity and respect, ensuring a shared understanding. While policies reinforce this with a common language, it's ultimately about fostering an environment built on good people, good hearts, and good values.

Pride Month 2025: partnerships for progress

This Pride Month, we're proud to be working with the wider Brighton Pride community and foundation, including sponsoring Trans Pride. Furthermore, we'll be hosting exciting events across 17 of our pubs, bringing the spirit of Pride directly to our communities.

The Future of LGBTQ+ business networks: inspiring the next generation

I believe LGBTQ+ business networks should continue to hero and elevate new role models. It's vital that we inspire and empower the next generation of queer entrepreneurs and leaders.

A message for business leaders: unite and be a beacon of hope

In a world where tolerance and respect are increasingly challenged, and division is on the rise, it's crucial for us to come together. Let's leverage the power of our communities and businesses to advocate, to protest, to lobby, and to stand as a beacon of hope for a brighter, more inclusive future.