#PurpleLightUp is a game-changing global movement led by PurpleSpace. It is designed to celebrate the economic contribution of employees with disabilities and is a mark of respect to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities every 3^rd December.

PurpleSpace now routinely hears form its members how #PurpleLightUp enables disability Employee Resource Groups (ERG) / Networks and their employers to accelerate culture change around the world.

In 2021, PurpleSpace introduced the concept of “Leader to Leader” conversations as part of #PurpleLightUp. Organisations around the world were invited to publish conversations between disability ERGs / Network Leaders and their CEOs about the characteristics of purposeful leadership.

‘Leader to Leader’ provided organisations from across the public, private and NGO sectors with the perfect platform to celebrate the economic contribution of employees with disabilities and shine a light on the work of those who are making the most extraordinary contribution to cultural change: the disability ERG / Network leaders.

Over 50 organisations – including Unilever, Microsoft, Accenture – participated in ‘Leader to Leader’ conversations. This resulted in over 70 videos which had over 186,000 combined views.

Leader to Leader 2022

As employees with disabilities, it’s often our own lack of personal disability confidence combined with having to manage disability ‘alone’ at work that frequently hampers our careers and risks damaging our mental and physical wellbeing.

Lack of inner confidence can cause us to feel hesitant in requesting the adjustments/accommodations that would enhance our productivity; reluctant to share personal information or stories at work; and unable to bring our authentic selves to work.

This is why in 2022 as a part of #PurpleLightUp, PurpleSpace will be inviting disability ERG / Network Leaders to have a ‘Leader To Leader’ conversation with their CEO/C-suite leaders to discuss the role of personal and professional development in supporting inner confidence.