It’s hashtag#metalfriday and I get to be me on the front cover of Transportation Professional 💚💙🤘. I want to explain why this is the year the CIHT President is ditching the suit and shirt for a heavy metal t-shirt and leather jacket.

It’s no secret that I love heavy metal. It’s part of who I am – part of my authentic self.

The theme for my presidential year with Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) is ‘authentically sustainable, inclusive and professional’.

I’m asking all event organisers if they are happy for me to come along in my preferred attire of heavy metal t-shirt and jeans. Why?

CIHT’s core themes are:

1️⃣ climate action

2️⃣ equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)

3️⃣ professionalism

We can say these matter, but to really matter we have to authentically address them.

1️⃣ If you’re thinking my attire is too much of a departure from business as usual then you’ve not been paying attention when it comes to climate action – tweaking BAU isn’t going to cut it, we need to see a dramatic change to what we’ve been used to.

2️⃣ You might be feeling a bit uncomfortable with me in my Slayer t-shirt mingling at professional gatherings. Guess what, I might feel a bit uncomfortable knowing how different I look, sensing I might be getting judged. Imagine how much more uncomfortable I might feel if I wasn’t white, non-disabled, heterosexual and male. As humans we are wary of difference. Yet we are all unique. Inclusion is about recognising, respecting and embracing difference. You be you and I’ll be me.

3️⃣ I’ve nothing against a well-pressed shirt and suit with a well-chosen tie. If that’s you being you then fine. But that dress code doesn’t guarantee professionalism. Professionalism is more than skin deep. It is about our values, the contribution we make and how we treat others around us. To get the best from ourselves and each other we need to encourage authenticity and allowing others to feel more comfortable being their authentic selves.

So if you see me in a metal t-shirt, come and say ‘hi’, show me your horns and let’s hear what you think about our three core themes and how to address them.

P.S. No flying for me as president. P.P.S. Please don’t put me on a panel lacking diversity, unless you’re prepared for me speaking up and speaking out.