Valuable 500

On the ground at #SYNC25 in Tokyo! At UBS, we believe inclusion isn’t a slogan – it’s a guiding value. Since joining the Valuable 500 in 2021, we’ve strengthened inclusive practices across our employee and client experiences: ✅ From recruitment and onboarding ✅ To building strong networks and a culture of belonging ✅ To improving accessibility of our physical and digital spaces And we’re just getting started. This month, the global disability inclusion movement reached a highpoint with SYNC25 – The Valuable 500 Accountability Summit – bringing together everyone who committed to the initiative. Two intensive days of sharing best practices, networking, and learning from each other. The takeaway? We’ve made great progress, but the work to end disability exclusion must continue. 👉 Check our video where Chika, our delegate at SYNC25, shares her impressions and key takeaways. Want to learn more about our commitment in disability inclusion? Visit: https://from.ubs/6044tmxfM #shareUBS #BreakingStigmas #MoreThanOurselves #SupportInclusion #CelebrateAbilities #Accessibility #Valuable500 #AccountabilitySummit #DisabilityInclusion #SYNC25 #UBSCommentUSA

The final long haul business trip of the year, and no better place to start than in the Land of the Rising Sun, where our Tokyo colleagues never fail to host with exemplary hospitality. And this trip was no exception; three days filled with exciting and productive Client meetings; Partner meetings; a town hall full of optimism and drive; and some wonderful (and, at times, novel) local delicacies washed down with a glass of sake. Also great to have squeezed in a media interview with the Nikkei team, sharing insights on how multinationals can best navigate a disrupted world – watch this space for the publication of the interview. To spend time in Tokyo is to love it, and that is made all the more easy by the good grace and warmth of the team at Baker McKenzie Tokyo, who – when they aren't looking after their guests – continue to build on their formidable reputation in the Japanese legal market. Away from the Clients and the office, I was fortunate to be able to speak at the Valuable 500's SYNC25 forum, a brilliant event aimed at fostering a global push towards the eradication of disability exclusion – more on that in one of my prior posts on International Day of Persons with Disabilities https://lnkd.in/exkQ--wC Three things to know about Baker McKenzie's Tokyo office: 1. Japan holds a special place in our Firm's story – we have been in Japan for over five decades, celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2022. 2. We are proud to be the largest integrated law firm in Japan, with over 130 legal and tax professionals based in Tokyo. Our team provides comprehensive and exceptional legal services across all major practice areas, supporting an array of multinational and local Clients. 3. It's good to see the legal community recognising our Tokyo team's accomplishments – they recently won Best Foreign Firm at the 2025 Japan Law Awards (ABLJ) and were named Foreign Firm of the Year in both Japan and the entire Asia-Pacific region at the 2025 Managing IP Awards. A heartfelt thank you to Akifusa Takada, our Tokyo Managing Partner, for your leadership and partnership. It was truly special to spend time with Aki and all of our Tokyo colleagues. Pictured with our wonderful Tokyo colleagues at the town hall; with Akifusa Takada washing down said glass of sake and speaking at the Tokyo conference on disability inclusion.

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Valuable 500 team led by CEO Katy Talikowska brought together business leaders, disability experts, and global change makers to Tokyo for SYNC25 to shift the dial on disability inclusion in business.    It’s been a packed two days of speakers sharing insights, showcasing solutions and demonstrating what happens when you bring organisations together, as the Valuable 500 say: “synchronised collective action” happens.   There is much to digest from the two days. A few paraphrased lines from some of the speakers:   - Paul Polman said “Excluding capable people is the most expensive policy.” - Jeff Dodds said “ As we leave Tokyo, our deeds matter and not words.” - Dr. Caroline Casey “At the heart of the V500 is collective action.”  - Kristen Decker "When you focus on inclusive culture, you’re serving everyone."   At SYNC25, Pam Mangat, Head of Creative at BBC StoryWorks, presented the first film for a new branded series called ‘All in’ presented by Valuable 500 and produced by us, with a short film narrated by Dr Shani Dhanda and Palesa Mosiea in a letter to us all.    ‘All in’ will showcase powerful human stories that reveal how disability inclusion can transform businesses and the lives of those within it. Discover more about the series here: https://lnkd.in/dQZc2ZtV   If you have a story to share, please do get in contact: https://lnkd.in/gRYcAWvJ Imogen Sewell Elara Oakes Daisy Squires

Today on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Kearney joins leaders in disability inclusion in Tokyo for the SYNC25 Accountability Summit, with Bob Willen, global managing partner and chairman, participating in a CEO panel on leading with purpose. As an Iconic Partner of the Valuable 500, Kearney is proud to be part of this important moment, working alongside global voices driving the conversation on disability inclusion in business.