More Than a Seat at the Table: How Dylan Aupetit is Championing Equity in Tech

There’s a quiet confidence about Dylan Aupetit that draws you in before he even says a word. Measured, intentional, and quietly magnetic, he embodies the kind of global leader whose lived experience is as much a tool as any professional accolade. When we caught up with him for the Catalyst edition, we weren’t just hoping to tick boxes on career milestones, we were drawn into a refreshing conversation that danced between ambition and authenticity. With a career that’s taken him across global boardrooms and into the heart of transformative partnerships, Dylan’s story isn’t just about climbing, it’s about carrying others with you.

Born in Guéret, a small town in the heart of France with a population of just 15,000; Dylan grew up in a place where few people looked like him, and even fewer were seen to succeed. At eighteen, he made the bold move to the UK with no job lined up, no real safety net, just a sharp awareness of who he was and an unshakable belief in where he was going.

Fast-forward a few years and Dylan now sits in a leadership role for one of the world’s most respected technology firms, known for crafting cutting-edge solutions and helping Fortune 500 companies scale with intention, where he operates at the intersection of strategy and people, bridging the gap between commercial growth and cultural authenticity. But it’s not just his day job that defines him. Dylan passionately drives the conversation around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in tech, and also serves as a school adviser through the London Careers Hub, helping a London-based school accelerate its career readiness journey.

His story is one of cultural migration and personal mastery, a lesson in how to lead when your perspective was once seen as ‘different’. “I’ve always been super proud of my French heritage,” Dylan shares. “Moving to the UK as a young adult brought with it both challenges and opportunities. You’re constantly adapting, re-evaluating, learning a new rhythm. But over time, you learn to trust your voice and lean into the uniqueness you bring.”

That early lesson has fuelled Dylan’s approach to leadership ever since. A key part of his professional journey has been navigating spaces that weren’t always built for someone with his background, his accent, or the perspective he brought. And yet, instead of dimming his identity, he chose to use it as a superpower; blending cultures, values, and ideas to create new ways of thinking, leading, and building community.

“It’s really important to stay curious,” Dylan tells us, with a tone that balances modesty with clarity. “You have to be open to learn from absolutely everyone. Whether they’re interns or executives, every person you meet can teach you something.” It’s this sense of grounded openness that defines his journey; one that didn’t follow a predictable tech trajectory.

For Dylan, confidence didn’t just come from titles or roles, it came from owning his story. “Confidence is built on moments,” he says. “Moments where you push through, moments where you’re the only one in the room who sees the gap, and moments where you decide to speak anyway.”

When asked about what has kept him grounded, Dylan speaks with humility about the mentors who poured into him, and the young people he now hopes to support in return. His advisory work with schools is a natural extension of that mission; making sure students are not only seen, but also prepared for the world that awaits them.

“I want young people to see themselves in places they never imagined. But it starts with access and belief. Sometimes, just having someone who’s walked that road before you makes all the difference.”

In a world where career pressure is often met with perfectionism, Dylan champions progress over polish. He encourages young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to give themselves the grace to experiment. "We’re often made to feel like there’s only one way to succeed,” he says. “But your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. There’s power in figuring it out as you go.”

When it comes to advice for young professionals navigating early career steps, Dylan doesn’t dish out the typical soundbites. Instead, he brings intention and honesty to every point. “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” he says. “Growth is rarely easy, but you only stretch when you lean into the unknown.” It’s the kind of advice that resonates because it’s clearly lived.

He also places strong emphasis on ownership. “You don’t have to wait for permission,” he says. “Start now. Build your confidence through experience. Don’t just talk about the change, be the change in your environment.”

He speaks with genuine reverence about mentorship and the value of collaborative ambition. “Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you,” he says. “Not just the ones who look like you or come from your background, but those who push you to think differently.”

It’s not lost on us that Dylan’s approach to leadership feels deeply human. At a time when so many voices are pushing louder for visibility, his is calm, measured, and quietly powerful. He’s not here to make noise for noise’s sake, he’s here to create space, amplify potential, and open doors. In fact, most of his reflections return to the impact we can have on others, and how important it is to lift while we climb.

“I’ve been fortunate,” he admits. “But I also know that opportunities are only meaningful if you can help pass them on.”

As our conversation comes to a close, it’s clear that Dylan represents more than professional success; he embodies a movement. With quiet consistency and a heart rooted in intention, he’s part of a new vanguard reshaping the culture of tech and leadership. In a world still catching up to the promise of inclusion, Dylan is already living it; showing up, lifting others, and proving that real impact happens when empathy meets strategy. Because that’s how true catalysts are made.

Interviewed and written by: Dee Onigbanjo