Mark Baxter Ceases Discussions on Background to Overcome Socioeconomic Barriers, Now Advocating for Transformation in the Business Sphere

Mark Baxter, an executive who began his career in the 1980s, encountered comments about his attendance at a state school rather than a private one. Despite his professional success, Baxter found that his working-class background hindered his career advancement. He eventually chose not to discuss his educational history with colleagues, feeling it was an issue because of the stigma associated with state schools. Baxter later became a mentor for those from underprivileged backgrounds and has acknowledged the difficulty in determining which of his two identities—being a member of the LGBTQ community or hailing from a lower socioeconomic context—faces more prejudice. The Diversity Council Australia (DCA) addresses the practically invisible barrier of social class, which they term the “class ceiling.” Preliminary results from their Class Inclusion at Work report show that this ceiling significantly affects career development and progression opportunities for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds compared to those from more well-off homes. Baxter and the DCA advocate for greater recognition and action to dismantle the barriers social class presents in the workplace.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/11/mark-baxter-stopped-talking-about-his-upbringing-to-break-through-the-class-ceiling-now-hes-fighting-for-change