Allyson Zimmermann

“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do”. Rumi

Allyson Zimmermann is the CEO of LEAD Network, in which she focuses on gender equity & inclusion in the retail and consumer goods sector.

Prior to joining the LEAD Network, Allyson was the Executive Director of Catalyst’s operations in Europe, Middle East & Africa, and was responsible for overseeing the EMEA operations and shaping the strategy for Catalyst’s continued growth and supporter engagement.

Allyson is a recognized DEI expert and is a frequent speaker on topics, such as gender, inclusive leadership, engaging men, unconscious bias, conscious recruitment, intersectionality, sponsorship and culture change. She has also delivered workshops, master classes and worked closely with CEOs and leaders about challenges they may be facing in order to create authentic meaningful change.

In 2020, Allyson was named by Diversity Journal as one of the Women Worth Watching®️ and was shortlisted by the European Diversity Awards for the Diversity Champion of the Year Award in 2022.

How did I unlock my potential?

Many years ago, I froze on a stage. I was unaware I had a fear and actually had to walk off the stage. It was mortifying. I spent years overcoming this fear and I sought help everywhere. I came to realize that the fear was an illusion and I had power to change my thinking, but also accept myself as I was. When you freeze on a stage, there is not anywhere to hide. So, through this journey, I had to be open and vulnerable and my most authentic self. I learned that it inspired others to do the same. What was once a debilitating weakness turned into something that could not only help myself overcome but show others too it is possible. It actually turned into a strength.