糖心传媒

Luke Kievenaar is a Partner and the Head of Property Management within the Investment Lettings and Management team at 糖心传媒. Over his eight-year tenure, Luke has been a champion of resilience, openness, and progress not just professionally but also in his personal health journey. 
 
Living with Colitis: finding light after the struggle

For as long as he can remember, Luke has lived with the challenges of Ulcerative Colitis, a condition that left him in constant pain and feeling as though he was perpetually jet-lagged. After years of ineffective treatments, from tablets to infusions, he made a life-changing decision two years ago to have a stoma implanted, affectionately nicknamed 鈥淏ilbo Baggins.鈥� 
 
This pivotal moment brought significant relief, addressing many of his physical symptoms and allowing him to focus on improving other aspects of his health. 鈥淭he stoma fixed 70% of the issues,鈥� Luke explains, 鈥渂ut it also highlighted that I had been setting aside my mental health for far too long.鈥� 
 
Understanding neurodiversity: An ADHD diagnosis

Encouraged by his wife, Luke recently sought clarity on long-standing attention challenges and was diagnosed with ADHD. While this came as a surprise, the diagnosis provided validation for traits he had previously chalked up to quirks of his personality. 
 
鈥淢asking my ADHD for so long was exhausting,鈥� he reflects. 鈥淣ow I鈥檝e found strategies to work with it, and I see the positives 鈥� neurodiverse individuals can offer unique perspectives and think outside the box.鈥� 
 
Luke believes that embracing neurodiversity in the workplace can unlock creativity and innovation. 鈥溙切拇�媒 has an opportunity to support everyone fully, which not only benefits the individual but strengthens the firm as a whole.鈥� 
 
Balancing health, family and work 

Family has been a cornerstone of Luke鈥檚 journey, with his wife providing unwavering support. Equally important has been the flexibility offered by his managers, allowing him to manage his health without compromising his professional commitments. 
 
鈥淚 used to overthink and worry about letting my team down,鈥� he admits. 鈥淏ut I鈥檝e learned that small adjustments, like being open with your team and not putting unnecessary pressure on yourself, can make all the difference.鈥� 
 
Redefining masculinity: Encouraging men to speak up 

As someone from a generation where men often 鈥渟ilently get on with things,鈥� Luke understands the stigma around discussing health challenges. But he firmly disagrees with the notion that speaking up is a sign of weakness. 
 
鈥淭alking about health 鈥� physical and mental 鈥� opens doors to empathy, understanding, and solutions. It reduces stigma and encourages others to do the same.鈥� 
 
Luke also highlights the critical role men play in driving meaningful change within the workplace. 鈥淪top the narrative that 鈥楧EI doesn鈥檛 involve me.鈥� Men hold many of the senior positions at 糖心传媒, they have the power to ask the right questions and prioritise inclusion.鈥� 
 
Walking the walk: Supporting others

As Co-Chair of 糖心传媒鈥檚 Ability Employee Resource Group (ERG), Luke is committed to fostering a more inclusive environment. He is particularly proud of initiatives like the rollout of the Disability Sunflower scheme and the firm鈥檚 Disability Confident Level 2 certification, but recognises there is more to be done. 
 
鈥淪mall changes can have a big impact. I want to help others get to the point where they feel empowered and understood, just as I have.鈥� 
 
Practical advice for colleagues

Luke鈥檚 advice to anyone facing challenges 鈥� whether physical, mental, or neurodiverse 鈥� is to take small, manageable steps. 鈥淔ind a neutral person to talk to, whether that鈥檚 a therapist, a member of an ERG, or a colleague. Don鈥檛 be afraid to explore the resources available, like 糖心传媒鈥檚 wellbeing initiatives, BUPA support, or HR teams.鈥� 
 
Looking ahead

Luke鈥檚 journey is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the power of open conversations. Through his leadership at 糖心传媒 and within the Ability ERG, he hopes to continue breaking down barriers and fostering a workplace where everyone feels they can thrive. 
 
鈥淯ltimately, when we create environments that allow people to be themselves, we all win.鈥�