Creating Bridges to Opportunity: Lyndon Roberts on Mentorship and Inclusion

Mentor Spotlight

Lyndon Roberts is based in the UK and works as a senior inclusion consultant with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), focusing on global equity and inclusion initiatives. With over 15 years of experience leading and advising inclusion programs across the sport sector, he's worked with organizations including Cerebral Palsy Sport, The English FA, and the Premier League, helping shape strategy, build inclusive cultures, and deliver sustainable change.

His focus throughout has been disability inclusion, and mentorship has become an important part of how he supports others in the field.

Why Mentor?

Lyndon's motivation for becoming a mentor comes from a clear observation: "I've always believed that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Mentorship provides a powerful bridge to that opportunity."

He wanted to support the next generation of leaders in disability inclusion and help address the barriers he's seen persist across sport. For him, the most rewarding part isn't just helping someone find their place - it's watching them develop the confidence to reshape the space itself. "The most rewarding part is seeing someone grow in confidence and begin to challenge norms - not just to find their place, but to help reshape the space itself."

A Moment That Mattered

One mentorship experience stands out for Lyndon. He worked with a young woman with both visible and non-visible disabilities who was looking to break into sport after completing her studies. While she was comfortable discussing her physical disability, her non-visible disability was affecting her confidence and communication in ways she hadn't fully addressed.

"Talking through comfortable strategies to open a conversation about her non-visible disability was the first time she had considered doing this and had never spoken about this before," Lyndon explains. They worked together on approaches she could use with tutors at university and in job interviews.

"It was only a small change but she made huge steps in her personal growth by discussing this with tutors at university and in job interviews." Sometimes the biggest shifts come from seemingly small conversations that open new possibilities.

Learning from Both Sides

Being a mentor has shaped Lyndon's own development as well. "Mentoring has sharpened my listening and coaching skills. It's also challenged me to reflect more critically on how systems work—or don't—for different people," he says.

Professionally, the experience has reinforced his belief that inclusive leadership requires investing in others without expecting immediate returns. On a personal level, he finds it humbling to be part of someone else's journey and to learn from their resilience and insight.

Advice for Future Mentors

Lyndon's message to anyone considering mentoring for the first time is direct: "Don't wait to be 'ready'—you already have value to offer. Mentoring is less about having all the answers and more about showing up with openness, empathy, and a willingness to support someone's growth. You'll learn just as much as you teach."

Why Mentorship Matters

For Lyndon, mentorship serves a larger purpose within the inclusion landscape. "Mentorship is a critical lever for inclusion. It creates space for marginalised voices, challenges power dynamics, and builds meaningful networks of support and allyship."

In motorsport specifically, he sees mentorship as the difference between overlooked potential and talent that's supported to thrive. Given the barriers that exist in the industry, having someone who can provide guidance, open doors, and offer perspective can be transformative.

Resources for Growth

Lyndon recommends "The Inclusion Nudges Guidebook" by Lisa Kepinski and Tinna Nielsen for those working in motorsport. It offers practical, evidence-based approaches for creating inclusive systems and cultures - particularly useful in fast-paced, high-performance environments. He also suggests exploring the Global Disability Innovation Hub for tools around inclusive design and accessibility.

Building Bridges

Lyndon's approach to mentorship reflects his broader work in inclusion - it's about creating systems and connections that allow talent to flourish. By sharing his experience and expertise, he's helping build the next generation of leaders who won't just navigate existing structures, but will work to change them.

His perspective is clear: mentorship isn't just nice to have. In an industry where barriers still exist, it's one of the most effective ways to create genuine opportunity and lasting change.