Taryn

We recently caught up with Taryn Clydesdale, one of our change and strategy consultants in the Capgemini Invent team and a passionate leader of our First Nations Ally Group, about her Career journey at Capgemini, her scientific background, and how she relaxes.

Not typical consultant! Taryn is a former ballroom dancer with a science background, she thrives on the unexpected. But her current passion lies in championing diversity and inclusion at Capgemini Australia, particularly through her work with the First Nations Ally Group.

Recently recognised as the Global Outstanding Network Lead in Capgemini’s ENG (Employee Network Groups) awards for her culture and ethnicity work, Taryn reflects on the journey with pride and humility. “[The award] feels truly wonderful and humbling,” she says. “I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and all the people who have been involved along the way.”

Her leadership has been instrumental in spearheading Capgemini’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and building an Indigenous Participation Strategy. These initiatives are more than just paperwork; they’re actively shaping a more inclusive and culturally safe workplace.

“We are 6 months into our Reflect RAP and we are powering through!” Taryn exclaims. “There’s so much happening to ensure we build a truly inclusive culture, and we’re excited for upcoming events like National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.”

But the impact won’t just be internal. Clients, too, will witness the fruits of Capgemini’s commitment to diversity. “Moving forward,” Taryn explains, “our clients will start seeing the results of all the indigenous participation work and the RAP foundational work that has been happening. 2024 will be a big year in this space.”

This dedication to inclusion stems from personal values deeply ingrained in Taryn. Her background isn’t the typical corporate mould. “What a lot of people don’t know is that I was a ballroom dancer for many years before joining Capgemini,” she says with a laugh. “And before that, I was actually a scientist!”

However, recharging doesn’t involve complex equations or graceful pirouettes. Taryn de-stresses with “going to the gym – I love taking Zumba classes especially” and spending time with her family and their adventurous dogs. “We do adventure dog with our animals each year,” she says, proving even relaxation can be active.

Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of Taryn’s story is the gratitude she expresses for her support system. “My family is very close and I love them so much for always supporting me,” she says. And then there are her high school science teachers, Mr. and Mrs. P, “who truly helped me get to where I am today.”

Theirs is a story of a kind, encouraging teachers influencing a young scientist, who later becomes a ballroom dancer and ultimately blossoms into a champion of diversity and inclusion. It’s a testament to the power of individuals and the unexpected paths they carve to make a real difference in the world.

Taryn’s journey is far from over. With her passion, dedication, and perhaps a Zumba step or two, she’ll continue to lead Capgemini’s dance towards a more inclusive future.

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