Connor's Story

My name is Connor, and I am a CRM Marketing Executive at Superdrug. I have been with the company for around four years, beginning my journey in-store while completing my undergraduate degree in Business Management and my master's degree in Digital Marketing. Recently, I relocated to London, and I am thoroughly enjoying life in the big city!

I decided to join Unlearn because of my strong passion regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. As someone who identifies as gay, I understand the significance of creating an environment where everyone can express their true selves without hesitation. My goal is to showcase to our LGBTQ+ employees and prospective applicants that at Superdrug, their voices matter, and they are valued members of our team. It's essential for them to know that they will be seen, heard, and supported as they navigate their careers with us. I would love people to unlearn the notion that they need to hide their true selves to succeed in the workplace.

At Superdrug, we believe that authenticity drives success, and it's important for everyone to feel valued and supported for who they truly are. By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Tony's Story

My name is Tony and I got involved with the Unlearn Campaign as it is something very close to my heart and I love to educate people because we are all on a journey of learning throughout our lifetime.

I would love for people to Unlearn treating people differently based on their ability or who they identify as. At Superdrug, I am able to express and be who I am, without judgement or ignorance from any of my team and colleagues across the entire business.

Superdrug is Where You Can Really Be You. I would love to educate others around me to help everyone Unlearn.

Shaam's Story

Why did you get involved with Unlearn?
As a society, we’re becoming more and more diverse by the day, yet we seem to be more divided than ever before. If there is any way we can bridge this widening gap through education and unlearning bias and prejudice, I’m all for it!

What you are proud of when it comes to your culture, beliefs, identity?
Our South Asian culture really is a melting pot of beliefs, customs and traditions. We are so widely represented in Britain, yet for those outside our community, there is a real limited understanding of who we really are. People with our background have influenced so much in Britain, from food, music and film all the way to politics, the NHS and even our high street. I’m proud to say that people of my community have had a profound impact on the country I now live in and would love to share our history with the wider population.

What would you like people to Unlearn about your culture, beliefs, identity etc.?
Stigma and bias exist in all walks of life and whilst there is nothing specific I’d like people to unlearn, I’d encourage people to have an open mind when hearing about and understanding our culture. And don’t be shy to ask questions.

Rebekka's Story

My name is Rebekka, and I am a Team Leader and Own Brand Ambassador at Superdrug. I have been with the company for just over a year.

It was incredibly exciting to be a part of the Unlearn DEI campaign, especially as an individual with an invisible illness. Outside of work, I dedicate a significant amount of time to medical appointments and rest due to my struggles with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

There exists a strong preconception of what someone with these conditions should look like or be capable of. Despite these challenges, I am concurrently pursuing a degree in psychotherapy and counselling, with the goal of supporting individuals with hidden disabilities, like me.

It was crucial to me that Superdrug actively promoted the message of learning to unlearn. In doing so, we challenge stereotypes and break the taboo surrounding discussions about our identities and health.

Tom's Story

I joined Savers around 5 years ago as a Store Manager and ran some stores in South and East London. I progressed to Area Manager with support of my managers and Regional General Manager around 18 months ago and have been running an Area in North London ever since.

I wanted to get involved in the Unlearn campaign because I am passionate about people and how individuals can shape a team and business. Unlearn is a unique opportunity to be part of delivering a message that can positivity impact so many and help to make people feel valued, understood and part of the amazing team we have at A.S Watson.

I am a proud father of two young boys, as a working father I also ensure I can take an active role in my sons’ upbringing alongside my partner. Outside of work I am a huge supporter of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and enjoy spending my time with my family and friends.

I feel Unlearn is important as it will help people to better understand each other and help to alleviate biases that people may have. Further allowing our team to flourish and celebrate the individuals and amazing talent we have within our business and allow us to attract more people to join our business knowing that they will be welcomed and can be themselves.

Leah's Story

I'm a Team Leader at the Broadway Bradford store. I wanted to get involved with the Unlearn campaign as it means a lot to me to represent something like this.

Outside of work I'm a wife and a mum of two boys. I've been with my partner for nearly fifteen years. I spend a lot of my time around football training & matches! My hobbies include growing my social media to be a fashion and beauty content creator and I love spending time with my husband and children and taking family trips.

I think it's important to focus on a subject like this because everyone is different, no one is the same and it's important to learn we should be accepted from every walk of life, no matter what our background is or lifestyle or our health conditions.

I live with two health conditions; I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I'm partially deaf and wear a hearing aid. Even though I live with struggles and issues around these health conditions daily, I still get up and get on with life at home and working life.

I think people need to be understanding of people's disabilities and hidden disabilities. Understanding and unlearning that people are different but it doesn't make us any less of a human being. I may need some extra help at times, and I really appreciate it when people do try help and makes things easier for me, whether it's speaking a little louder and clearer so I can hear them or offering to lift something that I can't always manage.

Darren's Story

I’m Darren and I am the Online Business Design Manager and have worked for Superdrug & Savers for over 10 years. Over the 10 years I have developed myself and the different roles I have undertaken with the support of the Superdrug family - learning from everyone in the business from the MD to Store Manager - to make me a better person.

I am a proud Dad of my two beautiful girls - trying to be a superhero to them and support my family and friends. I believe everyone should be equal and be allowed to be "who they want to be" no matter what, without prejudice. When I was asked to be part of the campaign, it was a no brainer - I wanted to spread the UNLEARN message, about what we had done already and what we want to do next. Superdrug and Savers employs thousands of people across different areas, age, gender, race, and beliefs, and we all need to be a team to achieve our goals. The UNLEARN campaign will hopefully make people think about their own ideas and change people’s thoughts on others they work with or serve.

If I could ask for one thing for people to unlearn it would be ‘Judgement’. Never judge a book by its cover, if you don't open your eyes, you will never see something special about a person.