How openness and inclusion empower our people: Strictly's Amy Dowden inspires at adaptABILITY webinar

We were honoured to host an inspiring webinar featuring none other than Amy Dowden, celebrated star of Strictly Come Dancing and a beacon of hope for anyone facing chronic health challenges.

We know that attracting and retaining the best talent means creating an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. Through initiatives like our adaptABILITY network, we celebrate inclusion in action – recognising the diverse experiences and perspectives that make us stronger.

A journey of courage: Amy’s story

Amy Dowden’s passion for dance began in childhood, propelling her to national acclaim as one of Strictly’s beloved professional dancers. Yet beneath the glittering costumes, Amy has waged private battles — most notably with Crohn’s disease, a relentless and often invisible condition she was diagnosed with as a teenager. Despite enduring hospital stays, severe pain, and unpredictable flare-ups, Amy’s resilience shone through as she performed for millions on television.

Amy’s openness about her struggles has helped dismantle stigma and spark vital conversations. “When I was younger, some of the jobs I had, I would go in and try to explain how much pain I was in. They would tell me it was ‘Monday morning blues’ and wait it out, hoping I’d be fine but there was just no real understanding. Sometimes, especially with a hidden disability, it felt like people judged only what they saw on the outside. A doctor once said to me, ‘It’s not about how you look on the outside—it’s about how you are on the inside."

Our adaptABILITY network plays a vital role in fostering inclusion at E.ON, making sure that colleagues with visible and invisible conditions know they are not alone. By sharing her story, Amy not only raised awareness of chronic illness but also reminded us of the power of empathy, understanding, and community.

Facing new challenges

Reflecting on her experiences, Amy shared: “When I went on Strictly, it felt different. They wrapped their arms around me — figuratively and literally — and told me to do what I needed to do. For years, I had felt like I was defined by my Crohn’s disease. But now, I finally had a job that accepted me for my talent. I didn’t tell anyone about my illness at first because I just wanted to be known for my dancing, not my condition.”

Her journey toward self-acceptance was not always straightforward. “I remember living with a friend during that time. I was feeling a bit unwell, and she eventually found out about my Crohn’s. I can still picture myself lying on the bed crying after telling her. Slowly, I opened up and explained more of what it meant. Looking back, I regret hiding it so much. At the time, I just wanted to be Amy the dancer — not Amy with Crohn’s disease.”

Creating space for honest conversations

Laura Buckman, Partnerships & Sponsorships Consultant and a member of our adaptABILITY network, reflected on hosting the webinar with Amy: “Hosting the Webinar with Amy Dowden was a real career highlight for me. She is such a lovely human who radiates positivity despite the health challenges she’s faced. Amy spoke openly about her journey and the impact it’s had on her career, showing incredible resilience and strength. At E.ON, our adaptABILITY network is about creating space for these honest conversations, so colleagues with chronic illnesses feel seen, supported, and understood. I hope her story raises awareness for those living with similar challenges and those supporting them.”

One of the ways we’re creating space for honest conversations is through The OffCentre, our immersive adaptABILITY experience designed to help colleagues “see the unseen” when it comes to disability. Using sensory-rich simulations—from goggles replicating visual impairments to vests mimicking chronic pain — paired with real stories from our own people, The OffCentre fosters empathy and understanding for those living with visible and invisible conditions. It’s another powerful reminder that accessibility is not a box to tick, but a mindset we embed in our culture to ensure everyone can contribute and thrive – and not to struggle within the workplace or throughout your career.

Our commitment to inclusion

By sharing powerful stories, championing our people, and putting our inclusive policies into practice, we not only support individual growth but also strengthen our collective purpose. Every success, whether it’s a colleague’s achievement, a breakthrough in our workplace culture, or progress in our inclusivity goals, is a step towards building a company where everyone can shine.