Race Forward Pod

Ever wonder how a top-tier football league plans to create a more diverse and inclusive environment? Today's discussion with Iffy, the first head of equality, diversity, and inclusion for the Premier League, offers some answers. This episode is a treasure trove of insights on leadership, resolution, and fostering positive change in the sporting world. Iffy delves deep into his convictions and his game plan for creating diverse pathways in football. He also gives us a glimpse into how the Black Lives Matter movement has stirred the football community and shifted attitudes towards diversity and inclusion. Gain an understanding of the influence of high-profile incidents and the ensuing demand on social media firms and governments to act. We also get a candid peek into the initiatives to create more opportunities for diverse individuals and what this means for the future of football. Hear from an influential figure in football as they share their vision for the future of DEI in sports, emphasising the importance of diversity in leadership positions plus more! Don't miss out on this rich conversation filled with valuable insights, progressive thought, and a vision for a more inclusive sporting world. About this Episodes Guest: Iffy Onuora Iffy is Head of EDI; Professional Pathways at The Premier League, having been appointed in April 2021. Amongst his duties, he's Chair of the PL's Black Participants Advisory Group (BPAG) and leads the PL's No Room For Racism action plan, and the flagship Player to Executive Pathways Scheme (PEPS). Before this, he'd spent nine years working for the Players Union (the PFA), in a joint role as Coach, Educator and Equalities Executive. As part of his role there, he was also a Trustee of the anti-racism organisation, Kick It Out, and sat on the FA Council as part of the FA's Inclusion and Advisory Board. Before joining the PFA in 2013, he'd taken several Coaching roles as an Assistant Head Coach and Head Coach both in the UK and abroad, and all this after a fifteen-year playing career spanning three decades.

Today, we invite you into a conversation that is sure to challenge your perspective and broaden your horizons. We've had the privilege of sitting down with Noémie, an influential figure at the forefront of advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her journey is rooted in her experiences in South Korea, where she first encountered significant cultural differences and misunderstandings, which inspired the pursuit of her passion. Noémie's story of self-discovery and exploration of privilege is compelling, and she brings these lessons to the daunting world of business, unravelling the often overlooked, yet impactful, office rituals that shape our workplace culture. She highlights the lack of women in leadership roles and emphasises the necessity of a qualitative approach when navigating the experiences of marginalised individuals in the workplace. Noémie's insights are a call to action, reminding us all of our role in creating more inclusive and diverse environments. Beyond the office, Noémie is a staunch advocate for inclusivity and diversity in the job market, particularly for those with disabilities. She talks about her work with organisations like Fort Schritt Bayan, which are making strides in promoting linguistic inclusion and creating opportunities for the youth. This episode concludes on a powerful note — the call for humility, the acknowledgement of indigenous wisdom beyond the Western framework, and the importance of empowering others. About this Episodes Guest: Dr. Noémie Hermeking Anthropologist, researcher, author, keynote speaker & podcaster Noémie Hermeking is an experienced intercultural trainer, consultant, inclusion and diversity officer who enables people to unlock their full potential to work within our multicultural world. Trilingual in German, French & English, Hermeking holds a PhD. in socio-cultural anthropology from Indiana University, USA & a master's degree in socio-cultural anthropology from l´Ecole des hautes études en Sciences Sociales (School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences), Paris. She is an anthropologist with nearly twenty years of work experience in research (extended research with Indigenous communities both in the USA and Canada) and in Germany. Her anthropological background helps her to identify the insider perspective, understand human behaviour and as such, be instrumental in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. As an inclusion and diversity officer at FortSchritt Bayern, it is Hermeking's goal to ensure that people with disabilities are included in all aspects of society; hence fostering their inclusion. As an avid inclusion and diversity officer Noémie daily strives to advance young people's career opportunities by levelling the playing field for underserved communities.

Immerse yourself in today's enriching conversation with Tolu, a passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Tolu opens up about his challenging journey that has been coloured with resilience and second chances, and how these experiences shaped him and his approach to DEI strategies. He shares his story of how he turned obstacles into opportunities and transformed his life to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We ventured into a thought-provoking discussion on the role of inclusive leadership in tackling racism. Tolu elaborates on the power of understanding the nuances of our interactions and how this awareness can mould a more inclusive workplace culture. He encourages us to delve into the world of cultural activation and provides crucial insights on how organisations can transcend beyond policy changes to authentically foster diversity and inclusion. Tolu sheds light on the designing of comprehensive DEI strategies and emphasises the need for accountability when it comes to implementation. He stresses the importance of having separate strategies to address race and ethnicity due to their varied nuances. He also underscores the value of mental health support in these initiatives. Lastly, Tolu gives us a snapshot of his initiative, Limitless, a fascinating intersection of brands, entertainment, and cultural change. This episode is brimming with priceless insights for anyone looking to cultivate a more inclusive and diverse workplace environment. About this Episodes Guest: Tolu Farinto Tolu Farinto, Founder of Limitless, Partner, change-maker & Ethnicity and Social Mobility Specialist Lead at Utopia Tolu is the Ethnicity and Social Mobility specialism Lead at Utopia - a culture change business that creates more inclusive, healthy and entrepreneurial cultures for clients. Tolu is a central part of a team that takes Utopia's top-to-bottom, boardroom to the factory floor into clients including household names such as Coca-Cola European Partners, Google, Schneider Electric, Spotify, and Universal Music.  Tolu is also the founder of Limitless Live - an annual music festival at The Roundhouse in Camen, with a social purpose at its core to reach, inspire, connect and equip aspirational talent from underrepresented backgrounds who are often disenfranchised. This is done through the power of culture change, brands and entertainment, shining a light on existing creative and employment opportunities for young people. He co-founded The Great British Diversity Experiment in 2015 and is a key advisor to Hackney CVS's flagship Black Men for Change initiative: a strategic pan-London platform, funded by the Mayor of London, to combat structural inequality as it impacts vulnerable communities. He also sits on the creative advisory board for the Ideas Foundation, a charity that ensures career opportunities within the creative industry are accessible to talent from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Have you ever wondered how personal experiences can shape professional journeys? What if I told you about Christina, an accomplished playwright and performer, who currently champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Soho House? Her compelling journey from being a soccer player and opera singer to discovering her passion for acting and education is nothing short of inspiring. Her powerful one-woman show about her disabled sister not only touched hearts but also steered Christina towards the world of DEI. In our chat, we also discuss her play 'Dangerous Giant Animals,' a poignant reflection on her relationship with her sister, showcasing the often overlooked perspectives on disability, violence, and caregiving within families. Christina helps us understand the intricate process of creating such impactful plays and how they become instrumental in advocating for social change. Wearing multiple hats can be challenging. Between managing DEI at Soho House and writing plays, Christina gives us valuable insight into effectively managing time and creative energy. We explore the concept of privilege in DEI, how resilience fuels her work, and the importance of storytelling in bridging art and advocacy. Christina's story is a testament to how personal experiences and unyielding commitment can shape a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Tune in to get inspired! About this Episodes Guest: Christina Murdock Christina Murdock has been a Diversity, Inclusion, and Wellbeing coach, consultant, and trainer for the past seven years for individuals and organisations across the UK, Europe, and the US. With extensive experience leading sessions on equity, belonging, and inclusive leadership with managers and senior leaders in top global organisations, she strategically tackles complex culture challenges in an accessible and human-centred approach. She motivates and inspires individuals to maximise their power and privilege as change agents in their spheres of influence, resulting in her clients describing her as an ‘empowering' and ‘expert communicator', particularly remarking on her accessible and pragmatic approach to diversity and inclusion. She's also an award-winning social impact theatremaker, performer, and playwright whose work has been performed at Shakespeare's Globe and The Park Theatre.

What if the missing piece of your organisation's growth puzzle is hiding in plain sight? Join us as we converse with the dynamic expert in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Nesli Ercan. From her journey that started in Turkey and took her to Dublin, she breathes life into the DEI narrative. Nesli not only carries a treasure trove of experiences shaped by different cultures but also carries the strategic chops and business acumen that help her make a real impact on DEI practices in organisations. She shares her insights on the importance of business acumen in facilitating effective learning and development sessions for DEI practitioners. But that's not all. Nesli also unwraps the tremendous benefits hidden in the simple act of prioritizing the recruitment and advancement of underrepresented individuals in organisations. We delve deep into the ethical, strategic, and innovative advantages that come along with cognitive diversity in the workplace. Nesli also shares her thoughts on the need for compensation and accountability in company models to foster an environment of equity. Listen in, as Nesli opens up about the journey to lasting change - a path paved with small steps, long-term commitment, and open-mindedness. This episode is a must-listen for all leaders, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about making a difference. About this Episodes Guest: Nesli. Ercan Nesli is a global business leader with a profound passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). With 15 years of global partnerships & growth experience, Nesli has orchestrated international projects and cultivated high-performing teams with a strong passion for driving change. From Udemy to GoStudent, Vodafone to Indeed, in addition to her full-time roles in business development, she always championed DEI initiatives, actively fostering inclusive cultures within every organisation she has touched. Notably, in her last role at Meta, she spearheaded transformative DEI partnerships and marketing programs that harnessed the potential of underrepresented communities. 

Brace yourselves for a stimulating discussion with the esteemed Dr. Mikal Anderson. As a diversity and inclusion practitioner and educator, not to mention a social impact entrepreneur, Dr. Anderson brings a wealth of expertise to the table. We navigate through his riveting journey from the financial services sector to the educational field, as he has passionately advocated for marginalised groups. Get ready to hear about his impact-driven approach to fostering equity and belonging, particularly in educational spaces. We also take a moment to address the elephant in the room – the essential role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in organisations. Dr. Anderson hammers home the importance of nurturing diverse talent, and the need for leaders to step out of their comfort zone and drive bold DEI initiatives. We also delve into the importance of representation in leadership, and why data shouldn't be feared but embraced, underscoring the integral role DEI plays across all sectors, not just education. Shifting our gaze towards the future, we explore the hurdles and prospects of promoting DEI in the workplace. About this Episodes Guest: Dr. Mikal Anderson Dr. Mikal Anderson is the Founder of Prototype Entities, a management consulting firm focused on equity in education and economic outcomes. With nearly two decades of experience as a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leader and international consultant, he addresses educational inequities globally. Dr. Anderson has worked with various organizations to develop and implement DEI agendas and improve education and workforce development. He is also a faculty member at Tulane University's John Lewis Master of Public Administration program. Dr. Anderson is active in community initiatives and holds multiple degrees and certifications from prestigious institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and the University of Southern California.

Ever wondered how the world of sports is tackling diversity and inclusion? In today's conversation with Jatin Patel, we peel back the layers of his professional journey to uncover the critical role of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in shaping the future of sports, particularly rugby. Jatin enlightens us about his experiences with the Rugby Football Union and their strategic approach towards nurturing a diverse and inclusive sports environment. This episode takes us to the heart of diversity data in sports, its importance, and the unique challenges it poses. Our guest from a national sports organisation drops some truth bombs about how capturing this crucial data can lead to more inclusive sports. As we navigate this landscape, we stress the significance of active listening and co-creation of solutions with those impacted directly by diversity issues. A recurring theme here is the need for sustainable and evolving strategies to make a real difference in the sports world. In our concluding thoughts, we cast our eyes on the future of sports, where technology and diversity play starring roles. We discuss the growing trust in reporting discrimination and how sports can be a unifying factor for marginalised groups. Our conversation with Jatin wraps up with an insightful discourse on self-care and mental health awareness in this demanding field. So, let's get ready for some hard-hitting, enlightening, and ultimately uplifting discussions about diversity in rugby, its impact, and the game plan for a more inclusive future in sports. About this Episodes Guest: Jatin Patel Jatin is an inclusion, diversity, and social equality professional with over 12 years of experience working across the private and charity sectors.   In his current role as Inclusion & Diversity Director at the RFU, Jatin focuses on driving the I&D strategy across four strategic pillars; Game Play, Fans/Followers/Partners, Employee and Board and Game Leadership via multi-year action plans, key events, ongoing awareness and education and advocacy for positive change across the game.   Before joining the RFU, Jatin worked for DLA Piper and KPMG UK, developing specific expertise in social and racial equality, communication campaigns and public & organisational policy.

Join us as we engage in an enriching conversation with the remarkable Dr. Lindy, an EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) expert. Listen in as she takes us through her journey in EDI work, how she was sponsored into her role, and her development of a programme around race literacy. Discover the factors that keep her inspired, such as the alliances she forms, learning from others, and watching people grow and change. You'll also learn about Dr. Lindy's innovative approach to dealing with minority racialised identity and neurodiversity in higher education, including her unique 80-20 rule. The conversation doesn't stop there. In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Lindy reflects on the essential aspects of power dynamics in higher education. She candidly shares her thoughts on the importance of those in positions of power owning up to their roles in EDI work and how they can avoid the pitfalls of inaction. This episode also explores ways higher education institutions can build stronger collaborations between staff and students. Dr. Lindy provides insightful advice on how students can harness their power and the necessity for staff to create space for students' voices. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the field of EDI and higher education. About this Episodes Guest: Dr Lindy-Ann Alfred, Lead Consultant/Senior Consultant | Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Advance HE Asked to describe Lindy-Ann, the word 'post-modern woman' was used by a friend. In the context of spaces inhabited by women of African descent it perhaps accurately describes  Lindy-Ann is an educator, poet, netball player, circus tricks learning,  African-Caribbean feminist,  and anti-racist activist Trekkie.  As a Senior Fellow of the HEA, Lindy-Ann has over three decades of experience in a range of education sectors both nationally and internationally. She considers herself firstly as a teacher/facilitator, offering a ‘principled' space for ‘participants to freely engage with and leverage their unique cultural wealth within any given learning arena.  Lindy-Ann embodies a creative and innovative flare to work in equality and inclusion and has built a reputable focus on equitable outcomes for students and staff marginalised by society. Her doctoral work focussed on the persistence of international women in Higher Education and this continues to be the focus of her research and practice in both further and higher education.   She has also worked across the sector to develop a systematic ‘thought mapping' approach to embedding equality and diversity in the curriculum. Outside the sector, Lindy-Ann continues to advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable by volunteering within the community as a school governor and on the panel hearing system in Scotland. Lindy-Ann is currently co-editing a book of indigenous methodologies with HE colleagues in the Caribbean and beyond. 

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Charlene Oke, a leader in championing Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) at LexixNexis. She shares her inspiring journey in spearheading D&I strategies globally, including her experiences as a black woman navigating challenging workplace conversations. Discover Charlene's groundbreaking D&I initiatives, including psychological safety measures and Amy Edmondson's seven questions for managers. Learn about her successful programmes like the Ethnically Diverse Group of Employees (EDGE), 30 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and initiatives like Ignite and Accelerate for senior women. Charlene also discusses inclusive culture and diverse talent acquisition, highlighting successes in recruiting from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. She shares insights on the Immersion Evolve programme and emphasises the importance of mental health for D&I leaders, offering tips to avoid burnout. Don't miss this riveting conversation with Charlene. About this Episodes Guest: Charlene Oke Charlene Oke (BSc Hons, MA Merit FCIPD) is currently a Senior D&I Business Partner at LexisNexis Risk  Solutions (LNRS) and a member of the (LNRS) Inclusion Council. Within this role, Charlene has the opportunity to support and influence D&I strategy across the organisation of more than 10,000  employees with the primary focus on enhancing and developing an inclusive culture and supporting employee experience. In doing so Charlene has participated in numerous podcasts, live lounges and summits including speaking at DIAL Global, D&I Leaders and Black Inclusion Week events. In addition, Charlene has interviewed David Olusoga OBE, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (PhD, MBA, LLM, MA, LLB, IAQ) and  The Rt Hon Mr David Lammy MP (Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and  Development Affairs) to name a few.   Before this appointment, Charlene was an established Global HR Business Partner within the LNRS  group and Founder of EDGE (Ethnically Diverse Group of Employees) employee resource group.   In previous organisations, Charlene's career spans over 15 years driving HR strategy, and programmes and providing HR leadership across media, travel, leisure, and fine dining restaurant industries. This has led to a passion and focus on building relationships, employee engagement, coaching and creating people strategies with a D&I focus while partnering with senior leadership teams.   Charlene has a Master- Degree from London Metropolitan University in Employment Studies & HR and a Chartered Fellowship of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel Development FCIPD). Along with her HR professional commitments, Charlene is also a Parent Governor Trustee at Whitehorse Juniors  Primary School in South London.   Aside from flying the flag for D&I, Charlene lives in London and spends her spare time trying new cuisines, travelling, and making memories with her husband and two children.   Charlene believes that pushing forward “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” should be a part of everyone's  DNA. This allows everyone to be able to be their authentic self and to find their voice.

Prepare to be enlightened on the subject of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in this engaging conversation with Katrin and Ayse from Deutsche Telekom. We venture deep into the world of DEI, unearthing critical insights from real-life experiences that have shaped our guests' values and propelled their careers in this vital field. We dissect the impact of inclusive systems like AI and product design, emphasising the significance of comprehending DEI in its entirety, and the transformative power it holds when effectively implemented. Our narrative takes a significant turn as we investigate Deutsche Telekom's mammoth task of fostering DEI across its substantial workforce of 230,000 employees worldwide. We lay bare their strategies, including their use of data, cultivating a sense of belonging, and blueprint formation around the seven dimensions of diversity. With a sneak peek into their upcoming global D&I eLearning programme, this episode promises a rare insight into the corporate world's endeavours to construct inclusive environments and nurture unity among diverse individuals. From communication to public relations, gender equality initiatives, and the essential role they play in furthering DEI strategies, we unpack it all. Learn about Deutsche Telekom's groundwork in setting up three pillars for its DEI strategy and its innovative initiatives to promote gender equality. Our guests Ayse and Katrin add depth to the discussion with their personal experiences with job sharing and the importance of recognising individual strengths and differences. The episode concludes with the DEI gurus sharing priceless wisdom on implementing pragmatic DEI strategies in the workplace, harnessing the power of data, storytelling, and a relentless drive for progress. About this Episodes Guests: Katrin Terwiel and Ayse Semiz-Ewald About Katrin From Punk Rock Girl to Global VP: Katrin Terwiel is the global leader for DE&I at Deutsche Telekom (>200k employees) together with her job-sharing partner Ayse Semiz-Ewald. Katrin is 36 years old, lives in Cologne (Germany) and is fueled by being outside with her Australian Shepperd Kio and singing or dancing to punk & grunge music. The job-sharing model allows her to pursue her side hustle: DE&I consulting, mental health coaching for executives and co-hosting her German psychology podcast “DEEP SHIT TALKS”. Why mental health coaching? Katrin is a licensed psychotherapist and had her private practice in Berlin till 2018. She ended the classical therapy practice to start her career in corporate health and diversity management. Before she joined Deutsche Telekom in 2021, she was heading a department at Zalando responsible for health, family friendliness and anti-discrimination. Her mission is, to craft roadmaps for change together with executives and organizations facing turning points in a world full of old and new norms. She has their back on their journey towards a vital & equitable life & world. About Ayse Ayse has a solid foundation in data-driven insights and a hands-on approach, and she is on a mission to break down barriers and empower careers.

With the age-old wisdom of 'walking a mile in someone else's shoes,' we sat down with Sofi Musleh for a deep, engaging conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sofi, a woman of colour and a passionate advocate for DEI shared her journey— the triumphs, the trials, and the transformative experiences that have shaped her unique leadership style. In our conversation with Sofi, we also explore the intricate world of feminism and diversity in the corporate realm. We emphasise the importance of respecting individual beliefs and values and discuss the challenges of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives while addressing resistance and scepticism. Our dialogue underscores the role of education and global priorities in promoting allyship and advocacy for marginalised groups. Furthermore, we extend our examination of DEI to the healthcare industry, emphasising the pressing need for greater diversity in clinical trials. About this Episodes Guest: Sofi Musleh Sofi Musleh is the Global Head of DEI for Gender and LGBTQ+ in Novartis. She has worked in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion for years before taking on this role, as an ERG lead as well as an active participant in DEI initiatives and programmes wherever she worked. From speaking about the bereavement challenges for non-European people living in a European environment to delivering a TEDx talk in 2016 about the experience of people of colour in Ireland, to speaking about gender equity in panel discussions at corporate and global events, Sofi uses her lived experience alongside her DEI knowledge to tell the stories of minorities wherever they exist. Her TEDx talk was featured as one of 30 speeches delivered by women that changed the scene in Ireland, in the book: Irish Women's Speeches- Voices That Rocked The System, by Prof Sonja Tiernan. As an intersectional leader, Sofi aims to bring DEI into the forefront of discussions to give it the focus it deserves in a non-judgmental and empathetic manner. She is based in Ireland where she lives with her little family of three humans and three cats.  

Imagine growing up in an environment where you're different from everyone else. Our guest, Ayo Barley knows this all too well. Raised in a predominantly white working-class area in the UK, Ayo's experiences ignited her passion for advocating for minoritised communities. Her journey led her to establish a charity and a consultancy aimed at fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. She also shares her personal story of reclaiming her Nigerian name, underscoring the importance of embracing one's identity. Navigating the world of higher education and employment can be challenging, especially when you're faced with deeply entrenched biases. Ayo sheds light on this, highlighting her role as the chair of the Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Doctoral Education. This consortium has set its sights on making PhD programmes more accessible for underrepresented groups. We also discuss the complexities and layers of identity and the importance of creating a sense of belonging in the workplace. This episode is a testament to the power of personal experiences and the importance of ongoing commitment to DEI initiatives. About this Episode Guest: Ayo Barley Ayo (she/her) is the founder and Managing Director of Bakare Barley Ltd, a Liverpool (UK) based consultancy that works with organisations and underrepresented groups to influence strategy, policy and practice relating to advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). She is host of The Inclusion Exchange podcast which highlights how to make EDI improvements and catalyse progress in advancing equity in organisations. She has an academic background in Social Policy and has worked with people who are underrepresented in community and corporate settings including in science and engineering, banking, the Voluntary Sector, Higher Education, the National Health Service (NHS), Local Authorities, and social care to bring about visible culture change. Ayo has complementary skills in business development which includes improving financial performance through robust business strategies and income generation, and approaches EDI from a social justice, business performance, and compliance lens. Ayo is an Independent Equalities Advisor to national UK charity Citizens Advice, Chair of the External Advisory Board of the Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Doctoral Education (YCEDE) and co-founded the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff network.

Join us on this enlightening journey with our special guests, Alex Hirst and Lizzie Penny, as we explore the revolution of work style and its potential to redefine our professional lives. Tune in to hear about our personal experiences and how the concept of "work style" was born, advocating the freedom to choose when and where we work. This discussion emphasises the importance of a digital-first, asynchronous, and trust-based work environment that fosters inclusivity while boosting efficiency and flexibility. Listen in as we stress the critical role leaders play in modelling trust for this new approach to work to be truly successful. Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst are friends, entrepreneurs, changemakers and bestselling authors. They have been leading the Workstyle Revolution for a decade, campaigning for the individualisation of work to improve well-being, step change productivity and redefine inclusion through a fundamental redefining of work. They believe fiercely that creating autonomy at work - giving everyone the freedom to choose when and where they work - could drive diversity, equity and inclusion at work in a way not seen before. They co-founded B Corp Hoxby Ltd in 2015 to prove the concept and the business now consults to others wishing to work this way. They have helped thousands of workstylers around the world to set, project and respect their workstyles, and are conducting pioneering research into the link between autonomy, productivity and well-being. Hoxby has delivered projects working in a workstyle way for some of the biggest businesses in the world including Unilever, Merck, Amazon, AIA and Sony.

In this engaging conversation with Dr. Shanéa Thomas, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in education, the discussion revolves around the question of whether we are doing enough to promote inclusion in schools. Dr. Thomas shares her personal journey and professional growth, highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the rigid binary framework of educational settings. The conversation goes beyond identifying the problems and explores potential solutions. Dr. Thomas encourages us to challenge our preconceived notions and emphasises the importance of continuously updating our knowledge about sex and gender. She suggests using platforms like TikTok as a resource for education. Dr. Thomas underscores that training and open discussions about sex and gender benefit everyone and calls for greater recognition of trans and queer individuals in our communities. About this Episodes Guest: Dr Shanéa Thomas Dr. Shanéa Thomas, LICSW (He/She/Dr.) is a bold lecturer and seasoned scholar-practitioner with more than 18 years of professional social work experience in the Washington D.C. metro area. His organization, Thomas Consulting and Therapeutic Services, main commitment is training and strategising with social workers, educators, and service providers around building safer therapeutic and educational spaces for all people. This is especially for those working in communities that are underserved and under-resourced, and those identifying as Black, Indigenous, people of color, and LGBTQ+ folks. Dr. Thomas has facilitated over 80 workshops centring on DEI needs, grief and loss, mental health, sex and gender, and LGBTQ+ populations. When creating organisational change through strategic planning, Dr. Thomas' work unapologetically centres marginalized voices with community organisations and healthcare institutions to help shift power, privilege, and organisational accountability. Dr. Thomas ended his 10-year position at the University of Southern California School of Social Work as a Senior Lecturer in 2022 to further the commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity through the University of Maryland School of Public Health as their new LGBTQ+ Training Specialist and Assistant Research Professor. Dr. Thomas is currently curating a national training program launching in May 2023 with the use of the Prevention Research Center's evidence-based tools to build LGBTQ+ competency in practice amongst mental health professionals.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to create a workplace where diversity and inclusion aren't just buzzwords but a part of the company's DNA? Sandra Sheehan, the Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Director at Merlin Entertainments, joins us to shed light on this fascinating topic. In this candid chat, Sandra recounts her personal journey navigating a male-dominated engineering industry, and the transformative initiatives she's implementing at Merlin Entertainments, including the Rising programme. A programme designed to nurture diversity and facilitate the career growth of underrepresented groups. But it's not just about diversity, Sandra helps us understand the nuances and complexities of creating a culture of inclusivity, where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. About this Episodes Guest: Sandra Sheahan Sandra Sheahan is an advocate for diversity, inclusion, and belonging, known for her commitment to driving positive change for both employees and customers. Serving as the Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Director for Merlin Entertainments, Sandra boasts a wealth of experience in crafting and executing comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategies. With a profound belief that diverse perspectives are the bedrock of innovation and growth, Sandra has dedicated over a decade to delivering transformative programs that not only enhance workforce diversity but also cultivate disability confidence and foster a profound sense of belonging within a global workforce.

When Sharlene, a seasoned recruitment professional, first walked into a boardroom, she was a teenage mother fresh out of college and the only woman of colour. Fast forward 25 years, she recounts her journey and unyielding dedication to diversity in recruitment, challenging stereotypes, and her quest to create equal opportunities. The conversation also loops in the significance of mental health in the pursuit of change, and a strong call to action - to consider what we can do to make a positive impact even if it's just for one person at a time! About this Episodes Guest: Sharlene John Sharlene is an award-winning Recruitment leader with over 20 years of experience in HR and Recruitment. Since joining Selfridges in 2021, Sharlene has been instrumental in making progress towards Selfridges goal of building an inclusive retail culture. She is focused on engaging and educating Selfridges leadership and management, raising awareness around DE&I, inclusive hiring and HR best practices. Her work has supported closing the gender pay gap and has increased representation at different levels across the business. Sharlene's passion for DE&I extends beyond the workplace. She is an active member of her community, supporting local authorities in London providing career advice to young people and mentoring women to promote empowerment and self-belief. As a woman of colour in business, Sharlene knows first-hand how critical representation is.

In this episode, Lydiah Igweh talks to Greg Turner who shares insights about Rolls Royce and their efforts to improve gender balance and creating welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ employees. Greg graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering before achieving an MSc in Engineering Management. He joined Rolls-Royce in 2006, working initially within Civil Aerospace, and in 2015 he was instrumental in launching Prism, the Rolls-Royce LGBTQ+ employee network, which he led until 2021. Following the success of Prism, and combined with his passion for inclusion and belonging, Greg accepted the role of Group Inclusion Lead in 2020, allowing him to support the global Rolls-Royce inclusion strategy. He was shortlisted for Exceptional Inclusion at the 2021 British LGBT Awards and led Rolls-Royce to become a Stonewall Top 100 Employer.

Want to use apprenticeships to make a difference in terms of diversity and inclusion in your organisation, but don't know where to begin? Join Lydiah Igweh today for episode 30 of the Race Foward Pod: Featuring Isa Mutlib, the CEO of the BAME Apprenticeship Alliance. Isa Mutlib is the CEO of the BAME Apprenticeship Alliance, whose mission is to promote apprenticeship diversity and increase access to high-quality opportunities for underrepresented talent. He has been actively involved in the apprenticeship space for over five years, working with some of the UK's biggest brands and actively engaging with senior stakeholders to increase workforce diversity.

How do we move from being a passive ally to an engaged force for global change? In this episode, Lydiah Igweh speaks with Jessica Rogers about achieving equity through actionable allyship, defining leadership vision, and how to articulate leadership USP. Jessica is a Certified Leadership and Business Coach who, over the last 13 years has worked with business leaders and entrepreneurs, helping them to find more purpose and joy in their work and in their lives. She has an Economics BA (Hons) and Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma. She started her career in marketing, working for international media and publishing organisations including Dorling Kindersley, Egmont Publishing, and Hasbro toys managing large budgets and diverse teams. She now combines practical business savvy with deep coaching skills to provide a safe space for her clients to explore possibilities to be bolder, braver, and successful in life.

In this episode 28, Henrique Zanin explains how to cultivate a diverse and inclusive culture that considers individual differences of employees and strives to make all feel welcome and accepted. Henrique is a Brazilian diversity and inclusion professional, lawyer, and researcher based in Berlin, Germany. Henrique is a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Manager for Europe & Asia at Wayfair and a faculty member in a Postgraduate program in Diversity and Inclusion. His papers on diversity and inclusion, human rights, and labour law have already been published in over 12 journals and his past endeavours include working with NGOs in Uganda and Canada and founding one in Brazil, DEI consulting firms, and the Brazilian Bar Association Commission of Diversity.

In this episode, Sanchia Alasia shares her insights about advancing diversity and inclusion in the higher education sector and how to engage staff and students with EDI strategies and initiatives. In this episode, Sanchia shares some insights about advancing diversity and inclusion in the Higher education sector and how to engage staff and students with EDI strategies and initiatives. Sanchia is a multi-award-winning specialist in equality, diversity, and human resources and has over 15 years experience working in this field across the public sector. She has worked across the public sector to help move organisations towards being truly inclusive, valuing their staff, and creating a culture where staff feels supported, appreciated, and respected. She currently works as the Acting Director of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at London Southbank University. She is a member of the CIPD and a fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. Sanchia has won numerous awards including, being highly commended as a political figure in the Baton awards in 2020 and winner as an outstanding public sector figure at the Precious awards in 2020. She was also named as one of 50 most inspirational Black women in the UK during Black history month in 2019.

In this episode, Lydiah Igweh talks to Rachel Billington, who sheds some light on the importance of walking before you can, setting up governance for EDI and creating an inclusive culture so that when a strategy is developed it can be sustained. Additionally - the participation of white men in the DE&I agenda is imperative for change to take place. Rachel is the Head of ED&I, Europe and India at AECOM She has developed an ambitious ED&I strategy, delivery plan and governance structure to make sure the region delivers on its aims and vision for change, partnering closely with the Executive and Employee Resource Groups. She is also a chartered CIPD member and MBTI practitioner. She is also an ILM7 advanced Executive coach and mentor who specialises in mentoring underrepresented groups including maternity and career returnees as well as positive action schemes.

In the music industry, gender inequality is a prominent topic. It cuts across all sectors, from artists to behind-the-scenes executives, and unites the music industry with other industries around the world suffering the same problem. Lack of inclusion for minority groups is also a problem that stifles the development of talented people. In this episode, Lydiah Igweh talks to Ammo Talwar, who shares insights about increasing diversity and inclusion in the music industry. Ammo Talwar started life selling vinyl at his specialist record shop, which became a local hub for DJs and artists - His leadership and vision built the company into an award-winning music agency; working internationally and in partnership with leading private and public sector companies to support music and innovation. He received an MBE for contributions to music and young people. A recipient of the International Cultural leadership award, Ammo's professional acumen is in demand by organisations facing both new business opportunities and challenges. Currently Chairman of UK Music Diversity Taskforce and BPI board member, he leads on charting Punch's future.

In this episode, Lydiah Igweh talks to Melanie Eusebe who shares insights about using data to foster diversity and inclusion. Melanie Eusebe is the founder of the Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards) and a Director of Strategy and Consulting at Accenture. Melanie is also a professor in leadership and management at a leading business school and has her own online financial wellness community. Alongside her leading role in the BBBAwards, Melanie was Executive Producer for the Women of the World (WoW) Festival, a global gender equality festival involving over two million women from 50 cities on five continents. Given the Queen's honours for her contributions, Melanie has been profiled as one of the most influential women in business and the creative industries in the UK.

Episode 23 brings a conversation between Lydiah Igweh and Ivié Itoje about achieving racial awareness & diversity and breaking barriers to inclusion and racist behaviours through a measured approach. Ivié is the Anti-Racism Expert at Flair Impact, a people analytics company that helps organisations measure and build anti-racist cultures, founded on the footrail of the Black Lives Matter campaigns and following the murder of George Floyd. Ivié started as a student activist, challenging policy, discrimination courses on campus. She went on to study law with great interest in race theory. Her experience includes working with the Migrant law centre, amplifying the marginalised voices and has been at the frontlines fighting for racial and social justice, focusing on how race and gender interject. Now she champions intentional inclusion in workplaces, helping organisations use data to build informed and sustainable change towards DE&I goals.

In episode 22, Lydiah Igweh speaks to Javed Thomas. Javed is an Executive Director at The Collaboratory & Co-Founder of Race Equality Matters, a UK initiative that aims to create positive change and tackle racial inequality in the workplace. Javed shares insights on creating collaborations that ensure everyone is represented and heard to create a truly inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong and thrive regardless of their race. Within his work experience, Javed has developed several highly effective initiatives addressing DEI and mental wellness in the workplace, including initiatives such as the #ThisisMe and the hugely successful Green Ribbon campaign reaching millions of people and transforming attitudes to mental health.

In this episode, Lydiah Igweh talks to Nzinga Orgill, who shares insights on breaking racial stereotyping and achieving sustainable DEI in the workplace. Nzinga Orgill is the Founder & CEO of RaCExpert Limited. She is an anti-racism strategist and diversity, equality & Inclusion consultant. Nzinga is a transformational change leader in the innovation, automation and digitisation spaces. As an advocate of social justice, Nzinga believes in giving everyone the support, sponsorship and opportunity to move forward and progress. In her words, being able to “do what we say, and say what we do” is where progress can be achieved in moving things forward in the DE&I space.

In this episode, Deloitte's Richard Odufisan shares insights on the importance of celebrating multi-racial and multi-cultural history. Richard shares the innovative initiatives and ways to achieve a cohesive multi-racial workforce. He shares how to "listen" to your employees to learn the challenges they face as a specific race and create allyship in the workplace and community. He delves deeper into how you can collaboratively drive positive change to achieve DEI goals while constantly learning and improving as an organisation. And most importantly, he shares practical insights on how to continually measure organisational progress towards achieving inclusive workplaces for all races, especially for black employees. For Richard, Black History is about celebrating culture, background and identity and recognising the incredible contributions that black people have made across the world. About Richard, Richard is a Manager in the Deloitte Consulting Practice and a leader in the firm's Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing agenda, holding multiple roles as an Inclusion Lead, Mental Health Champion and Wellbeing Champion. He has coordinated and supported numerous cross-firm and external initiatives to drive the conversation and build greater organisational cultural change. As a member of a firmwide Steering Group, he is working with the firm's leadership to design and implement Deloitte's Black Action Plan. He is also the co-chair of the firm's Black Network, the newest of Deloitte's twelve Diversity Networks. At the heart of his message is the aim that through diversity and inclusion, we celebrate our differences, and no one gets left behind or forgotten.

In this episode, Jenny shares her strategies for inclusive leadership and the importance of equity in creating an organisation that empowers and inspires employees to be their authentic selves, to have a sense of belonging. She shares her experiences of inequality, especially racism, and how she overcame adversity in her early career, including creating solutions to the challenges she faced. About Jenny Garrett Jenny is an award-winning Career Coach, Leadership Trainer, Speaker & Author. Using her unique skills around gender balance, leadership, inclusion and self-improvement Jenny works with individuals and organisations to achieve career and life-changing results. She has over 4,000 coaching hours under her belt, has designed and delivered leadership programmes to support the advancement of ethnically diverse leaders, and has reached an audience of over 30,000 through her speaking engagements. Jenny created the first-ever Diverse Executive Coach Directory and was awarded an OBE in the Queen's 2021 New Year Honours list for services to Entrepreneurship and Women in Business.

In this episode of the Race Forward Pod with Lydiah Igweh and Tiger de Souza, Tiger shares his love for working at the National Trust to create a culture that values difference, includes everyone, and recognises the strength that comes from diversity. He provides insights into the importance of strategies and initiatives focused on inclusion as a driver for effective employee engagement, and in developing inclusive work environments. He has had a wide-ranging career in the non-profit sector and worked at the Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors, NSPCC and England Netball. Tiger is a passionate advocate of the power and creativity of youth, after spending five years in his early career being motivated and challenged by a host of brilliant young people at Vinspired. He has been a trustee of both Volunteering England and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations and is currently a Trustee for the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations. Tiger was awarded an MBE for volunteering services, including during the pandemic on the 2020 New Year's Honours List.

Rashford, Sancho, and Saka suffered racist abuse after England lost the penalty shootout against Italy in Euro 2020. Episode 17 features former professional footballer Michael Duberry. Michael talks about tackling racism in football and shares his thoughts on the role of clubs, society and social media platforms in creating an anti-racist culture and a positive experience for all. Michael had a 20-year playing career when the average football career is only 8 years. He made a staggering 500 appearances for clubs including Chelsea, Leeds United, Stoke City and Reading, to name but a few. After retiring from elite football, Michael set up Made Leaders, his own coaching company, and has forged a new career as an executive coach, facilitator and keynote speaker, specialising in Elite Performance.

Building synergies between internal and external DE&I efforts is a challenge faced by many organisations. In this episode 16, Asif Sadiq MBE, Senior Vice President of E&I International at Warner Media, explains the importance of transformation from DE&I to belonging to create future workplaces. Asif has a long and rich career in the DE&I space, with previous senior executive roles at Adidas, The Telegraph, and EY Financial Services. He is listed as one of the most Influential Global D&I Leaders by Hive Learning, the CIPD's Top 20 Power List, and was honoured with an MBE in 2017 by the Queen.

Most people do not grow up in a household where personal and business finance is spoken about. Still, Selina Flavius of Black Girl Finance is committed to making personal and business finance more accessible. In this episode, Selina shares many positive and uplifting insights into how to take responsibility for your money confidently, even in the face of adversity. Selina is the British Bank Awards Online Financial Influencer of the Year 2021, the best selling author of Black Girl Finance Let's Talk Money, Speaker and Finance Coach. Today, the Black Girl Finance Brand includes a podcast, an 11k strong social media presence, events, a personal finance book, and personal and corporate financial coaching.

Want to help your fellow colleagues who may be struggling with opportunities in the workplace? Learn how allyship can be the key to unlocking the power of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Join Lydiah Igweh today for Episode 14 of the Race Forward Pod: Allyship Support Driving D&I with NatWest Group's Abram Tilling, Pam Sheemar, Amber Rai, and Clinton Raghnal.

Want to learn how to create a sustainable D&I strategy, which not only drives change but makes an impact for years to come? Businesses need to look through multiple lenses when it comes to a D&I strategy, and should dig deeper into the intersectionality of its multiple facets such as race, gender, disability, and more to assure a long-term and sustainable plan of action. Join Lydiah Igweh today for Episode 13 of The Race Forward Pod: Sustainable D&I with Hannah Awonuga, Founder of Rarity London Career Development Services.

Want to make positive changes towards diversity and inclusion in your workplace, but feel like your voice isn't being heard? Learn how to use sponsorship as a change vehicle to push for increased diversity at senior levels. Join Lydiah Igweh today for Episode 12 of The Race Forward Pod: Sponsorship Driven D&I with Reg Amoah, Diversity and Inclusion Lead - Omnicon Media Group UK

Ever heard of someone from humble beginnings entering the investment banking arena, working in London and New York, being made redundant and then creating an award winning TV Series with no experience in the film industry whatsoever? Learn how film and TV can be a source of inspiration and comfort to those who feel alone and out of place in society. Join Lydiah Igweh today for Episode 11 of The Race Forward Pod: From Banking to Netflix with Andrew Osayemi, Creator and Producer of Meet The Adebanjos and inspirational author.

Want to push for enhanced inclusion goals within your workplace, but unsure which areas to focus on? Learn about Lloyds Banking Group's Race Action Plan and its three strands - culture, recruitment, and progression, and how it's helped in creating a more diverse and inclusive culture. Join Lydiah Igweh today for Episode 10 of The Race Forward Pod: Culture, Recruitment & Progression with Lucy Adler, Head of D&I, Commercial Banking - Lloyds Banking Group

Where do you look to hire talent? All businesses need to be conscious, not only, of being inclusive in their hiring processes, but working with agencies which do the same in their search processes as to contribute to the wider drive for change. Join Lydiah Igweh today for Episode 9 of The Race Forward Pod: Representation Through Recruitment with Richard Pickard, Founder of Inclusive Search.

Have you ever experienced something which changed your life forever? Many people are faced with circumstances beyond their control which can affect the opportunities they have and the decisions they have to make. Today we are so lucky to be joined by someone who overcame her hardship and uses her experience to inspire others in everything that she does. Join Lydiah Igweh today for Episode 8 of The Race Forward Pod: Passion Rooted in Experience with Kei-Retta Farrell, Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging - Clic Sargent.

Working at a large corporation but unsure of what steps to take to create a diverse and inclusive culture at a global scale? Learn how to change the work environment around you to make it more inclusive of talent from a range of diverse backgrounds, no matter how big you are. Join Lydiah Igweh today for Episode 6 of The Race Forward Pod: A Day in My Shoes with Geoffrey O. Williams, Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Dr. Martens.

Tune in to the Race Forward Pod with your host, Lydiah Igweh, to be inspired by the world's most respected D&I leaders, practitioners, and advocates to inform better decision-making and help you create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

Want to create a more inclusive culture in your workplace, but don't know where to look to inform your decisions? Learn how to use data to drive evidence-based sustainable D&I strategies and initiatives in your workplace today. Join Lydiah Igweh today for Episode 5 of The Race Forward Pod: Data Driven D&I with Bola Gibson, Head of Inclusion and CSR at Osborne Clarke.

Learn how to attract more women to your workforce and maximise their potential. This episode is particularly useful if you work in a traditionally male-dominated industry, especially STEM. As more and more females are taking STEM subjects, it's so important to support the next generation of women in the field! Join Lydiah Igweh today for Episode 4 of The Race Forward Pod: Break Barriers & Maximise Potential with Vicky Bawa, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at BAE Systems.

Want to learn how to take pride in being different and how to embrace that difference as a business? Many people grow up without role models who look like them, who represent them, who make them feel like they have a place in society. This is all changing now, but there are many miles ahead. Join Lydiah Igweh today for Episode 3 of The Race Forward Pod: Take Pride in Being Different with Bhavik Pancholi, Pioneering D&I Activist and Consultant.

Did you know that feeling connected & belonging is key to our survival as human beings? Have a listen to EY UK & Ireland's Deputy Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Joanne Conway's, incredible knowledge on belonging, engaging your employees and making them feel valued.

Interested in creating a diverse and inclusive culture, but don't know where to start? Have a listen to former D&I Leader for IBM UK & Ireland, Deborah Richards', fantastic advice to companies that want to implement diversity and inclusion strategies, but aren't sure where to begin.

Listen to why you should tune in week by week!