“I cannot recommend Sulaiman Khan and ThisAbility Ltd too highly as a crucial consultant and business partner for any brand and company genuinely committed to diversity and inclusion, who understands that that is a direct strategic path to increased revenue growth and profitability. Sulaiman's unique insights as a disabled creative mean that working with him to implement full accessibility and inclusion, drives better experiences and better business for everyone. Hiring Sulaiman and ThisAbility to work with you on a fully accessible future is not a business nice-to-have, it's a business imperative.”
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Es Devlin (Artist and Designer):
“We should look to people such as Sulaiman Khan, founder of the consultancy ThisAbility, which helps disabled creatives into work. The lockdown has turned our attention to the experience of those who are always working within limited physical parameters. We should turn to and value Sulaiman’s expertise in practising infinite imagination within physical limitations.”
“Sulaiman is an activist, connector and visionary. His activism is fuelled by his radical curiosity of the world, his enormous and empathetic heart – as well as the fire that sits within his belly. Sulaiman has transformed the way we see the world. I feel very honoured to have him in my life, not just as a peer, though also as a dear friend.”
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Mel Exon (Writer & CEO):
“There are few people who bring Sulaiman's sharply observed, intersectional perspective and bold ideas to any task focused on equity and the future of work, civil rights and society as a whole. Sulaiman is gracious but never holds back from speaking truth to power in his writing, speaking and business interactions. Big bluechip company leaders want to hear him speak and heed his advice. The work he does tirelessly helping those looking for insight and direction is legendary and much needed across so many dimensions, particularly in tackling the issues of structural ableism and racism. As Audre Lorde said: ‘There is no thing as single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.’ Sulaiman embodies that thought with every fibre of his being. He refuses to be defined by anyone but himself. I am proud to call him my friend.”
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Nicola Kemp (Editorial Director, Creativebrief):
“I first met Sulaiman when I was the Trends Editor of advertising industry magazine Campaign. I interviewed him in his role as founder and chief radical officer of ThisAbility, which exists to ignite, invest in, and amplify disabled creativity across the world for a Just tomorrow. I was immediately impressed with his depth of knowledge and his unique ability to communicate complex problems. Sulaiman is a brilliant oral and written communicator and takes a collaborative approach. He is an expert in his field, and he can communicate his ideas to a broad audience.
I have also worked with Sulaiman on events, and he’s spoken at some of the most significant events in the advertising industry calendar. At each of these events, I was struck by Sulaiman’s intellectual curiosity and innovative approach to making the creative industries more inclusive. Sulaiman’s leadership in this space is recognised, and his place amongst the industry’s leading thinkers and leaders is very well deserved. Sulaiman is unique in his ability to bring people together and take a new perspective on the challenges surrounding diversity and inclusion.
He is both open-minded and committed, and his efforts have made him one of the leading thinkers and forces for change in the UK creative industries. Sulaiman is a huge supporter and advocate for the creative industries and incredibly talented. The success of drive to make the industry more inclusive and to pave the way for more disabled creative talent has been down to his sheer determination and commitment. I would not hesitate to recommend Sulaiman for any client and believe firmly he has the experience, knowledge and attitude to bring so much to any project.”
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Karen Stenning (Head of Engagement & Events, Hatch Enterprise) :
“Sulaiman recently spoke at a diversity and inclusion talk called Championing Diversity in Entrepreneurship for Hatch Enterprise. Sulaiman gave thoughtful and impactful insights into the complex issue around diversity and inclusion. During the event, we had four speakers, representing four areas in entrepreneurship - female founders, ethnic minority businesses, LGBTQ and disabilities. Sulaiman was an excellent champion and advocate for championing disability in small businesses and entrepreneurship.
He raised many important topics and gave the audience unique insight into the life of a disabled entrepreneur. His fresh perspective surrounding the struggles and challenges that so many disabled entrepreneurs face and why so many disabled people have to enter into the self-employed or freelance sector as companies discriminate, was an alarming perspective that was presented to the audience. I can't recommend Sulaiman highly enough as a speaker.”
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Mark van der Heijden (Entrepreneur, Speaker - TEDx, Self-Awareness Coach, Creative Director at Inner Peace Network):
“Sulaiman is the real deal. A man of truth, courage, vulnerability and leadership who fights the good fight for a more inclusive world. On top of his heart of gold and brilliant mind, he is one of the funniest and most down to earth people I know. If someone deserves your business, it’s Sulaiman who literally devoted his life to help as many people as he can as a true warrior.”
“When you work with Sulaiman you're taking a first step towards being better. Through his business, ThisAbility (the consultancy he founded), and his many speaking, judging and consultancy commitments, Sulaiman is changing how the creative industry sees and works with disabled people. No one is doing more to show the non-disabled agency world what true equity and inclusivity in the workplace really means, as well as the positive impact it has. No one is working harder or with such energy, style, grace, humour and generosity of spirit.
I've had the privilege of knowing Sulaiman for over ten years and I can say through experience that when you or your business gets the opportunity to work with him, you should take it, because he will educate and challenge in equal measure, and he'll show you how to become a better version of yourself - a version that's more effective, more empathetic, aware and open, and ultimately more creative.”
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Tim Lindsay (Chairman, D&AD):
“Sulaiman Khan is a remarkable man. He writes wonderfully about our business; speaks inspiringly and movingly, as he did at D&AD inaugural Festival in 2016; constantly exposes himself to positive stimulation - in terms of people, content and culture; and within all this manages to be D&AD's number one fan, constantly and reassuringly present at all D&AD events. He does all this and more in the face of considerable physical obstacles and without a trace of self pity.”
