Inspirational Story: Rober Baker - How Allyship and Inclusive Leadership Can Be a Career Game-Changer

After a 40-year career at global consulting firm Mercer, Robert Baker made the leap to launch his own business, Potentia Talent Consulting. An award-winning global expert in allyship and inclusive leadership, Robert now works with leaders to build workplaces where everyone can thrive. Through keynotes, workshops, consulting, and coaching, he supports leaders to unlock their full potential, and the potential of those around them.

A consistent advocate for gender equality, Robert’s journey began early in his career when he noticed the disparities faced by women in the workplace. He helped launch the women’s network at Mercer UK and, in 2010, became actively involved with PWN Global through Mercer’s corporate partnership. Since then, he has contributed to multiple capacities, including Board Member, Co-President, and now Global Ambassador for PWN. His passion for advancing equity also extends to other global platforms: he is Vice Chair of European Women on Boards and a former Trustee of UN Women UK.

A turning point

Robert’s commitment to allyship stems from a deep sense of fairness and justice.

“I’ve always had a strong commitment to equity,” he reflects. “It became clear to me that women were encountering challenges that men simply didn’t. I decided early on to use whatever privilege or power I had to help drive change.”

But for Robert, this wasn’t just about supporting women, it was also about freeing men from the limiting social scripts they’ve inherited.

“It was clear to me that I, and men like me, could benefit hugely from gender equality: in particular by liberating ourselves from the ‘Man Box’: the code of behaviours and characteristics traditionally expected of boys and men, things like being tough, dominant and heterosexual.”

Quoting Gloria Steinem, he says:

“Once men realise that gender roles are a prison for them too, they become valuable allies. Because they’re not just helping someone else, they’re freeing themselves.”

This win-win mindset has fuelled his work with both men’s and women’s groups, as well as cross-gender initiatives focused on reshaping workplace and family dynamics to empower everyone.

His research backs this up. In collaboration with Token Man Consulting, Robert surveyed 300 male leaders involved in inclusion work. An astonishing 97% said they had become better leaders and human beings through their involvement. Research cited in Harvard Business Review also shows that inclusive leaders are 62% more likely to reach the C-suite.

Equality begins at home

Robert’s lived experience as a father played a powerful role in shaping his views on inclusion. He often speaks about the importance of men taking on care responsibilities, not just as allies, but as equals at home.

“I was divorced when my kids were still young, over 30 years ago. So, I was in effect a single parent for parts of the week: raising two children: one of whom is on the autistic spectrum. My experiences taught me the importance and the joy of men’s involvement in caring and the emotional side of being a father.”

He credits supportive leaders who prioritised results over presenteeism.

“I was extremely fortunate that my bosses at the time were concerned primarily with the results I achieved at work versus my objectives and didn’t question how I achieved those results. That flexibility gave me space to be both a leader and a fully present parent.”

Guiding principles for inclusive leadership

“My purpose has always been to remove barriers and create a level playing field for all in the workplace. Equity, integrity, respect, curiosity, humility, and gratitude have been the red thread running through everything I do.”

“It takes real courage to be the lone voice in the room. For male allies, that can mean facing pushback, especially from other men. But speaking up is how change begins.”

Decades in global consulting gave Robert a solid foundation, from strategic thinking and building strong client relationships, to leading high-performing, cross-cultural teams. These skills have proven just as vital in his current work, where professionalism and impact go hand in hand.

Collaboration has been a constant throughout his journey, both in large organisations and as an independent consultant. His work across Europe has often led to new partnerships, sparked through his network and a shared ambition for change.

It was this spirit of collaboration that led to the co-creation of the Engaging Men as Allies pilot with the PWN Dublin team and Mercer, an experience Robert describes as “one of the most enjoyable and impactful” of his career.

Robert brings a strong growth mindset to his leadership, influenced by the work of Professor Carol Dweck. He believes in learning through challenge and pairing resilience with optimism, something he credits Victor Perton at the Centre for Optimism for reinforcing.

“Whatever the context, optimism matters,” he says. “Especially when we’re navigating complexity.”

Over the years, he has developed a deep understanding of the challenges women face and worked to recognise the unconscious biases we all carry.

“I value feedback, particularly when it reveals blind spots. That’s where the real growth happens.”

Mentorship is an area where Robert leads by example. He has supported women across the globe through initiatives like the Cherie Blair Foundation and Global Thinkers Forum, while also being mentored himself by younger women from diverse backgrounds.

“Mentoring is a two-way street. I’ve learned as much as I’ve given. It’s why I’m so glad it’s at the heart of PWN Dublin’s work, because it builds confidence, deepens connection and creates space for transformation.”

Looking ahead

Robert’s partnership with PWN Dublin marks a new chapter in a long-standing commitment to allyship and inclusion. As Allyship and Inclusive Leadership Partner, his focus is on deepening the impact of the existing programme and developing new ways to embed inclusive leadership across organisations.

Building on the success of the Engaging Men as Allies pilot, Robert is now working closely with the network to shape initiatives that inspire real, sustainable change.

“There’s a growing need for dedicated voices who can challenge the status quo and help companies move from awareness to action,” he says. “This role gives me the opportunity to support organisations in engaging their male leaders meaningfully, and to help build inclusive cultures from the inside out.”

The next phase is already underway, with plans to launch the 2026 cohort of the programme and to celebrate the stories and impact of male allies across sectors.

Allyship is a journey, and together, we can shape a future where inclusion is not an initiative, but a way of working and living.

If you’re a male leader or organisation ready to take the next step, Rob, and PWN Dublin, would love to hear from you. Get in touch at allyship@pwndublin.net.

Author: Robert Baker, Allyship & Inclusive Leadership Partner, PWN Dublin 
Copy editor: Maria Souza, Co-President, PWN Dublin

Published: August 2025