From investment banking to DEI consulting

In this episode of Prim Rose Light, I was delighted to be joined by Dr Anju Solanki. We discussed her background from investment banking to DEI consulting. We talk about the importance of allyship, having your tribe, how can we achieve a good balance of DEI, without getting overly woke or extreme as well as why these conversations around social change are so important.

Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2023 for her contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion, Anju is thought leader in DEI and mental wellbeing. Anju founded MEA Consulting Group in 2018, a firm cultivating innovative and thought provoking training and advisory services for a variety of leading organisations including the NHS, FTSE 100 companies and charities. During her work, she led the design of world class virtual reality EDI training backed by behavioural science. Anju has been a Business Mentor for the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. Her work has seen her featured in Forbes, BBC, Good Morning Britain and GB News. Anju has been on the judging panel 3 years running for UK’s biggest tech awards, Women In Tech. She has also designed a number of programmes for one of UK’s leading charities, Women In Sport. Anju currently sits as Chair of the Advisory Board for Everything In Sport Women’s Edition 2025 at Ethiad stadium. Her high profile motivational speaking events include Wembley Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and London Stadium showcasing how to empower women in sport. She was on the 2024 judging panel for Omnia Media Outstanding Achievement Awards for Women in Sport.

Prior to founding MEA, Anju had a successful 12 year career in Investment Banking, working at Citigroup, Barclays and Lloyds. She built a commendable track record on the trading floor and created a large network of international clients. Anju became super passionate about driving social change having experienced first hand the invisible barriers underrepresented groups faced.

Anju was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2023 by Arden University for her services to EDI. She holds a Gender Diversity Executive Education from INSEAD, Core Consulting from CASS Business School and a BSc (Hons) Finance & Accounting.