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Law, Identity & the Politics of Affection

In my work within Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, I explore Law not only as a system of control, but as a tool for transformation. My research investigates how time, language, and art construct realities, forge narratives, and shape vulnerabilities—particularly in relation to gender and sexuality. Through a queer lens, I examine how Law both restricts and enables lives to be lived in their full singularity and potential.

Time, elusive and discontinuous, opens paths to new futures. Language, when reimagined, becomes a space for resistance and reinvention. Art, situated at the intersection of signifier and significance, reveals the impossible—making space for new experiences and truths. These elements inform my vision of Law as more than abstract regulation: as a living instrument that must respond to affection, intimacy, and difference.

I advocate for a reimagined understanding of Law—one that embraces affect, embodiment, and transformation. Love, in this context, becomes not only a right, but a framework for legal and political engagement. Identities, while often reduced and categorized by legal systems, resist full definition. They call for a Law that expands, protects, and affirms rather than limits.

This perspective challenges traditional legal structures and invites a faith in Law grounded in human connection. I believe in Law’s potential to sustain life in all its complexity—where identities and relationships, like time itself, remain out of joint yet profoundly real.

Legal – Expert Reports & Human Rights Advocacy

I am a Legal Advisor with international experience in human rights and public international law. Sponsored by The Law Society of England and Wales, I was part of the UK Government Authorised Scheme, engaging with legal professionals worldwide to exchange best practices.

My legal practice and research focus on the rights of migrants, asylum seekers, and LGBTI+ individuals. I’ve authored expert reports on human rights, international and comparative law, sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural practices, race, and ethnicity.

I hold a Ph.D. in Law, with a focus on Human Rights and Democracy, and a Master of Laws with honours, with a dissertation published as a book in 2017. As a Legal Advisor for Dignidade Group (partnered with ILGA and UNaids), I submitted amicus curiae petitions to Brazil’s Supreme Court. One of my briefs was cited in the landmark ruling that criminalized homophobia in the country.

I served as Deputy Head of Policy for Pride in London, leading domestic and international LGBTI+ policy development. I was also an academic visitor at Birkbeck, University of London, and a visiting student at King's College London, where I studied Equality and Non-Discrimination Law.

I attended the Grotius Centre Summer School at Leiden University on a full scholarship, supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I'm also a qualified lawyer in Brazil since 2012 and a former member of the Sexual Diversity and Gender Commission (2015–2019).

As a university lecturer and coach, I trained teams for the ICC Moot Court Competitions in The Hague and New York. I’ve attended and reviewed trials at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the Special Court for Sierra Leone. My work has also included trial monitoring for the American Bar Association in human rights cases across Latin America.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion- Strategy and Comms

I support organizations in building clear, credible, and culturally intelligent communication strategies that move people and shift behaviours. With a track record advising brands in multiple continents, I help translate complex insights into powerful stories that drive buy-in and action. My expertise spans global communications strategy, executive coaching, internal comms, and stakeholder engagement—grounded in a deep understanding of DEI and corporate culture. From developing tailored dashboards to guide real-time insights, to leading town halls and narrative design during organizational change, I blend data and storytelling to foster trust, alignment, and brand loyalty. I have also guided companies through sensitive moments - from internal crisis comms to brand reputation risk - always balancing transparency with cultural awareness.

My work is rooted in deep listening and behavioural analysis. I’ve led global learning and comms strategies across 24 countries, reaching over 300,000 employees, and designed storytelling frameworks that bring purpose and values to life. Through partnership and advice, I transform internal communication strategies to drive inclusion, increasing engagement and trust. I co-create solutions with HR and business leaders that reflect the real experiences of teams, from focus groups to employee listening, integrating qualitative and quantitative data into actionable reporting. Whether coaching C-suite leaders or equipping ERGs with tools for local impact, I bring clarity, empathy, and precision to every communications challenge, ensuring that people don’t just hear the message, but feel connected to it.

Coaching

As a coach for senior leaders, I help individuals unlock their full potential with clarity, confidence, and cultural awareness. Drawing from years of experience leading global DEI and communication strategies across sectors, I create coaching frameworks that foster authentic leadership, strategic thinking, and resilience. From developing Regional Advisory Boards to delivering high-impact coaching, I support leaders in building fluency around people, culture, and purpose - equipping them to lead through complexity with empathy and accountability. My coaching is grounded in behavioural insight, strategic storytelling, and a deep understanding of global team dynamics, offering practical tools for transformation, influence, and growth.

I also bring that same strategic clarity and human-centred approach to my work with students preparing to enter the competitive world of fashion and business. As a lecturer and mentor, I guide future professionals with an approach that merges fashion strategy, marketing, finance, and branding with real-world insights and industry expectations. Through my coaching, I support young professionals in their development of practical tools and confidence needed to navigate the job market successfully. I support them in identifying their career pathways, refining their CVs and portfolios, and preparing for job applications and interviews. My goal is to help them position themselves and their ideas effectively in global industries, while shaping their professional identity as the next generation of fashion business leaders and creative thinkers.

Public Speaking

As a keynote speaker, I bring a unique fusion of deep expertise, global perspective, and lived experience to stages around the world. From Vogue Business to Forbes, the British Council of Fashion to the Boston Consulting Group, I have spoken at the intersection of leadership, culture, and inclusion - delivering thought-provoking insights that resonate with corporate leaders, creatives, policymakers, and change-makers alike. Whether addressing global fashion summits or strategic roundtables, I challenge audiences to rethink the future of work, identity, and belonging, offering both sharp analysis and human-centred storytelling that bridges theory with action. My style is bold yet grounded, translating complex systems into engaging narratives that empower organisations to evolve with purpose and clarity.

My speaking engagements are informed by a cross-disciplinary foundation that spans law, fashion, corporate culture, and international human rights. I’ve shared insights on inclusion and innovation with institutions like the United Nations and Inter-American Court of Human Rights, as well as in media outlets such as Attitude Magazine and The Wedding Edition. Whether I’m unpacking the business case for diversity or guiding audiences through the cultural shifts shaping the fashion and luxury sectors, my talks are tailored, impactful, and future-facing. I don’t just speak about transformation,I invite audiences to step into it, armed with strategies, empathy, and the courage to lead differently.

Gus
Bussmann-Stuart

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

In the Press

Shortlisted: Inspirational Role Model of the Year:

-Bank of London

-Rainbow Honours Awards

🏆 Award: Lululemon Community Project of the Year at European Diversity Awards

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

I am a global DEI expert, culture strategist and executive coach with over a decade of experience shaping inclusive practices across 20+ countries. I advise global brands on embedding DEI into leadership, communications and business operations, and lead with a data-driven & human-centred approach.

My focus is always on translating complex cultural dynamics into actionable insight, empowering leaders and organisations to navigate change with clarity, courage, and purpose.

MY BIO

HEAR FROM THOSE WHO'VE TRANSFORMED THEIR LIVES

“Gus demonstrated a thoughtful, people-centric approach to leveraging data for impactful DEI strategies, showcasing a long-term strategic vision and collaborative stakeholder engagement. Gus also uncovered gaps in how expectations were set in terms of what a consistent employee experience meant.”

"By fostering a collaborative leadership community, Gus empowered leaders to share both progress and challenges, creating an accountability mechanism among leaders where he served as an enabler."

“We are committed to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and operate in around the world by 2025. To achieve that in EMEA, Dr Gus Bussmann partnered with the regional leadership team to establish a local strategy that enabled innovation and demonstrated the resilience of our company.”

“Gus's deep knowledge of D&I strategy and practices, both academically and in the workplace, stood out to us, as did his ability to navigate diverse regions and geographies while engaging effectively with senior stakeholders. Gus's talent for communicating complex topics through compelling storytelling and data-driven insights was also impressive.”

"Gus demonstrates a profound understanding of inclusion program management. He has effectively supported Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), localised global initiatives, and managed crisis communications, including ERGs and listening sessions, on multiple occasions. His grasp of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) aligns closely with the language and values we uphold."

"Gus brings valuable experience from working with diverse stakeholders across EMEA countries such as the UK, Middle East, Spain, and France, and has also spent time in The Hague during his career. He possesses a strong understanding of scaling operations and upskilling HR Business Partners (HRBPs).”

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Gus Bussmann-Stuart

In the Press

HEAR FROM THOSE WHO'VE TRANSFORMED THEIR LIVES

Gus
Bussmann-Stuart