Panel Discussion on DEI: Current Trends & Challenges

💡 Experience a dynamic panel discussion, designed for Equilibrium participants as well as BCC members and other companies, featuring our partners – ADP, A&O Shearman, Barclays, Česká spořitelna, Siemens and Tesco. Learn firsthand how these industry leaders approach diversity in their teams, share best practices, and discuss the impact of diversity on organisational success – a topic even more important now after Donald Trump has been re-elected US President and announced “fight” against DEI – diversity, equality, and inclusion. Following that, some major US corporations are quietly reducing their emphasis on DEI. To which extent is their move an expression of free will or a political calculation? What impact could it have on their business efficiency?

Get ready for reflections on experiences from the Equilibrium Mentoring Programme, adding another layer of depth to the conversation. Don’t miss our lively panel discussion with some of our partners of this Edition.

🗣️Our panelists will share their unique perspectives on various facets of diversity, from fostering inclusivity to strategies for attracting and keeping diverse talent, and how diversity enhances organisational culture and performance. Join us for a thought-provoking session that promises to inspire!

Programme

• 16:45 – Registration Opens
• 17:00 – Welcome drink
• 17:15 – Start of moderated panel discussion
• 18:15 – Q&A
• 18:30 – Networking
• 19:30 – Official end

*Free of charge for current participants of Equilibrium Mentoring Programme.

**Refreshments will be provided at the event.

Meet Our Panelists

Ganesh Iyer

Ganesh Iyer, Country HR Head at ADP Czech Republic, is a dynamic HR leader with over 16 years of experience in IT, services, and telecommunications. Under his leadership, ADP has earned multiple industry accolades, including recognition as a Top Employer in the Czech Republic in 2025. Previously, he led HR Technology and Shared Services globally, supporting ADP’s offshore locations in India, the Philippines, Romania, and Brazil. Recognized in Economic Times’ 40 Under 40 and other prestigious industry lists, Ganesh is passionate about enhancing employer value and employee experience. Based in Prague, he enjoys podcasts and long-distance running.

Martin Bytčanek

Martin works in A&O Shearman as a Senior Associate and combines his expertise in M&A, real estate and public procurement to offer clients solutions-oriented and strategic advice. He also dedicates his time to client and pro bono work, focusing on LGBT+ diversity, inclusion, and equality in workplace. He collaborates on a long-term basis with platforms such as Pride Business Forum, Prague Pride, and Jsme fér, offering legal counsel on workplace benefits and other LGBT+ issues. 

Martin holds degrees from the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Social Studies at Masaryk University in Brno.

Simona Koszty

Country Head of HR for Barclays Executions Services in Czech Republic, HR professional with more than 15 years of experience in various HR functions for Tech companies.

Petra Ondrušová

Petra Ondrušová lived in the USA for two years after her high school studies. After returning to the Czech Republic, she started her career in a consumer goods company in a sales position. Following that, she moved to the financial field and started studying business economics and management at the University of Economics. In 2003, she joined Citibank, focusing on premium banking in a managerial position. Later, she helped build up services for HSBC‘s most creditworthy clients.
She has been working for Česká spořitelna since 2010. In that time, she has held a number of managerial positions, from manager of the Premier Center to director of Erste Premier. From Autumn 2023 she works as Chief Sustainability Officer to drive Česká spořitelna‘s strategy and priorities in this area.

Lucy Grainger

As Head of Hub Central Eastern Europe at Siemens Global Business Services, Lucy Grainger creates synergies and coordinates regional operations, leading a team of over 2,700 professionals across 13 countries. She is an expert in strategic operations for Shared Services, continuous process improvement, digitalization, and diversity.

Markéta Skokanová

Markéta works as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Manager for Tesco Central Europe. In her work, she is trying to ensure that each of the more than 23 000 employees across CE feels included, valued, respected, and that they can bring their authentic self to work. Equally important is ensuring that colleagues feel mentally well and at times when they do not, that they are in a psychologically safe environment where they can say speak up, and have forms of support always available to them.

DE&I and psychology combine her two passions. Markéta has Master‘s Degrees in International Management and Coaching Psychology from the University of Sydney in Australia. She also holds a certificate from CoachDiversity Institute, which is the only ICF accredited programme world-wide covering both DE&I and coaching. She has previously worked in both local and global DE&I teams and also has experience with delivering external DE&I projects and organising large international events. Markéta has spent multiple years gathering experiences abroad, specifically in the USA, Australia and Liechtenstein. She also loves to travel and explore the world, which helps her to broaden her perspectives.

Moderator of the Discussion

Kristin Parpel, Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant

Partner of the Event