Former Global Manager of Production Planning at Netflix Who Led the European Employee Walkout Protesting Transphobic Content, Founder of Blanket Fort & Author of ‘Millennial Black’
Sophie Williams is a leading diversity, equity and inclusion expert, author and consultant, recognised for her work on race, gender, intersectionality and allyship. She is the founder of @OfficialMillennialBlack, a widely followed anti-racism platform, and a TED speaker whose thought-provoking talks challenge audiences to confront inequality and take meaningful action. With experience spanning high-profile roles in global organisations and a portfolio of clients including Amazon, Google and the NHS, Sophie combines deep expertise with practical insights. As a speaker, she delivers engaging, impactful sessions that empower individuals and organisations to drive lasting change.
Sophie studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Leeds before beginning her career in marketing and events. She went on to gain international experience as an English language teacher and later moved into creative project management with Saatchi Mobile. Her career developed further through senior roles at Wunderman UK, Social Life and Netflix, where she served as Global Manager of Production Planning. During her time at Netflix, Sophie made headlines for leading the European employee walkout in protest against transphobic content, demonstrating her commitment to equity and inclusion at the highest level.
In 2019, she founded Blanket Fort Ltd, through which she provides freelance services and consultancy for some of the world’s leading organisations, including Apple, Amazon, Sony, Sky and the NHS. Today, Sophie is a highly sought-after Intersectional Equity Consultant, delivering workshops and strategy sessions across the UK. Her career reflects a rare combination of creative leadership, corporate experience and grassroots activism, making her an authoritative and relatable voice on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Sophie is the author of ‘Anti-Racist Ally‘ (2020) and ‘Millennial Black‘ (2021), two influential works that provide practical guidance on dismantling systemic racism and building inclusive workplaces. Beyond her books, her writing has appeared in publications such as The Guardian, Glamour, Bustle and Cosmopolitan, where she continues to share insights on race, gender and allyship. Through both long-form and editorial work, Sophie uses her platform to empower individuals and organisations to better understand and act on issues of equity and inclusion.
Why Hire Sophie Williams?
Audiences book Sophie for her ability to make complex issues around race, gender and equity accessible and actionable. Her engaging style blends storytelling with practical strategies, ensuring audiences leave with both inspiration and tools for change. She has delivered talks for major platforms, including her TED talk “Why Women and People of Colour Fall off The Glass Cliff“, which examined the challenges faced by women and minorities in leadership, as well as BBC x Open University and the Primadonna Festival.
Sophie’s background in senior creative and leadership roles across global companies, combined with her activism and authorship, gives her a unique perspective on driving change within organisations. Trusted by clients such as Apple, Google and the NHS, she brings both authority and authenticity to every engagement. Whether leading workshops or keynote sessions, Sophie challenges audiences to rethink assumptions, embrace allyship and build cultures rooted in inclusion and equity.
To book Sophie to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.
- VIDEOS
- TESTIMONIALS
- SPEAKING TOPICS
- COSTS
“Really positive approach to difficult issues and how to take action. The explanation of privilege was very helpful!”
“I didn’t know I needed to hear this. Thank you.”
“Excellent session – I will be watching your TED talks!”
“Thank you for saying this in such a measured way, it’s so important.”
“By far the best presentation of the day – and indeed the conference. Very thought provoking and educational, in terms of understanding key concepts and indeed definitions.”
“Excellent presentation challenging our thinking and giving really thought provoking ideas on how to be an activist, anti-racist and an ally.”
- Race – Focus on Blackness
- Building Anti-Racist Workplaces
- The Glass Cliff – What Happens When You Break Through The Glass Ceiling / Why Not All Leaders are Set Up For Success
- Intersectionality
- Building Successful, Diverse, Working Environments – Based on My Experience as a Chief Operating Officer and Author of Millennial Black
- Gender – Focus on Womanness
- Allyship / Anti-Racism In Day-To-Day Life
The cost of hiring Sophie Williams depends on your event format, location, duration and any travel requirements. For an accurate and tailored quote, please contact a SpeakOut booking agent for expert guidance.
