From personal struggles to public impact: Amraze Khan on empowerment, leadership, and challenging the status quo
- Featured image credit: Faraz Arian
Amraze Khan, recently recognised as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Muslim Leaders in Europe by Equality X, is not one to seek the spotlight. For him, leadership is not about awards, but about making a meaningful impact.
In conversation with NQ, Khan shared his journey from a marketing graduate to a leading advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). His story is one of resilience, purpose, and a commitment to challenging the status quo.
A personal journey to advocacy
Khan’s passion for EDI began with his personal experiences.
“My mum is a single mum from Pakistan, and I saw first hand how difficult it was for her to navigate systems that weren’t built for people like her,” Khan recalled.
Although he started his career in marketing and communications, his growing interest in community engagement led him to work in the field of equality and inclusion.
“I loved talking to people, getting to know their experiences, and understanding how I could support them. That’s when I knew this was where I wanted to make a difference.”
‘It’s not about awards’
While the Equality X recognition is a significant honour, Khan said he would remain grounded in his purpose.
More recently, he was nominated for the Positive Role Model Award for Race, Religion & Faith at The National Diversity Awards 2025.
“When you work in EDI, it’s not about awards – it’s about people. It’s about students, staff, and communities thriving. That’s where the real reward is.”
For Khan, the nomination is a reminder that his efforts are making a difference.
“Someone put me forward, and that’s mind-blowing. But this recognition is not just about me: it’s about all the people I’ve worked with, and the changes we’ve made together.”
Influence through understanding
When asked how he defines influence, Khan emphasised the importance of empathy and dialogue.
“Influence is about bringing people to your way of thinking through understanding, not confrontation,” he said.
“It’s about having those difficult conversations in a respectful and safe space.”
He believes in leading with compassion, and recognised that change can often require patience and perseverance.
“People get defensive when they’re challenged. My role is to support them through that discomfort so they can grow and see things differently.”
Building inclusive spaces
Khan’s career has spanned several sectors, including the NHS, local government, and in higher education. His approach to inclusive leadership involves collaboration and active listening.
“Communities aren’t ‘hard to reach’,” he said. “It’s often our processes that make it hard for them to be heard.
“We need to go to them, listen, and work alongside them to create solutions.”
One of his most impactful projects involved developing an interpretation and translation service for underserved communities in Surrey.
“Language should never be a barrier to accessing support. It was fulfilling to see that service make a tangible difference.”
Advice for aspiring changemakers
For students and young professionals passionate about driving social change, Khan’s main advice was to be patient.
“Change doesn’t happen overnight. Build relationships, learn from others, and don’t be afraid to challenge — respectfully,” he said.
“Most importantly, don’t take setbacks personally. Every conversation, every step forward, matters.”
He also encouraged finding mentors and creating a supportive network.
“You’re not alone. Some people’ve walked this path before you, and their guidance can be invaluable.”
Despite the often emotionally-taxing nature of his work, Khan said he stayed grounded by leaning on his support system.
“My mum is a constant source of laughter and strength. I also spend time with my cats and unwind by watching reruns of The Bill. Self-care is essential — you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Looking ahead
While proud of his accomplishments, Khan said he would continue to remain focussed on the future.
“I’m committed to continuing the work of creating equitable and inclusive spaces,” he said.
“There’s still so much to do, and I’m always learning and adapting.”