Diversity Matters

SummaryIn this conversation, Charles Sealy reflects on his life journey from growing up in Barbados to moving to England as part of the Windrush generation. He shares his experiences in education, his career in nursing, and the challenges of racism and identity faced by the black community. He discusses his voluntary work, the impact of the Windrush scandal, and the importance of recognizing black history and achievements. He also delves into his passion for poetry and how it has become a significant part of his life, ultimately expressing pride in his family and community.TakeawaysGrowing up in Barbados shaped his early experiences.Education was a challenge due to financial constraints.The journey to England was both exciting and daunting.Working as a bus conductor provided valuable life lessons.Transitioning to nursing opened new opportunities for him.Mental health nursing was a challenging yet rewarding field.Racism and identity issues were prevalent during his upbringing.Voluntary work has been fulfilling and impactful.The Windrush scandal highlighted systemic injustices.Poetry has been a means of personal expression and sanity.

In this episode of the Diversity Matters podcast, Edwina Kulego shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Sweden to becoming a leading figure in the fashion industry. She discusses her early influences, the challenges of diversity and inclusion in fashion, and her current initiatives at Informa. Edwina also highlights her beauty brand, Essentials by Edwina, which aims to fill the gap in the market for beauty products catering to women of color. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of mentorship, authenticity, and sustainability in the fashion industry.Edwina also highlights the issues with inclusion in the industry which is driven by powerful leaders with influence who still maintain the old ways of doing business in the industry which often leads to exclusion, manipulation and unfair treatment.Key TakeawaysEdwina's journey from Sweden to New York shaped her perspective on diversity.Fashion can significantly impact a person's mood and confidence.Internships are crucial for gaining experience in the fashion industry.The fashion trade show landscape is evolving post-pandemic.Diversity and inclusion remain significant challenges in fashion.Celebrating cultural milestones can foster community and connection.Essentials by Edwina addresses the lack of beauty products for women of color.Authenticity and curiosity are key for young professionals in fashion.Balancing personal and professional life is a continuous challenge.The future of fashion lies in sustainability and inclusivity.

Tatyana Arrington, an influential entertainment reporter and digital host, shares her journey from a young theater enthusiast to a global speaker and corporate client manager at the Diversity Org. She discusses her love for the arts, her experiences as an actor and model, and her transition into the world of entertainment reporting. Tatyana highlights the importance of authenticity in interviews and the thrill of connecting with celebrities and brands. She also talks about her role as a film critic and her ambition to be a part of mainstream entertainment news shows. Tatyana emphasizes the need for open conversations and listening to create a more inclusive workplace culture.

Deb Colden shares her journey to Hewlett Packard and her transition to becoming an executive coach. She discusses the importance of culture and values in a company and the impact of burnout on her mental health. Deb also talks about the creation of the Rules of the Garage Mentoring Circle and the benefits of such a group. She emphasizes the need for trust, support, and a safe space for collaboration in mentoring circles. Deb reflects on defining moments in her career, including a special meeting at Amen Corner in Bracknell, UK that led to a collaboration with Mike and the creation of an international leadership program.

Philippa shares her journey in pursuing a career in engineering, the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and the importance of mentorship and community support. She emphasizes the need for companies to focus on retention and create inclusive environments for underrepresented groups. She also discusses her aspirations to become a team principal in Formula One and the steps she is taking to make that dream a reality. She co-founded the Ascend Foundation to provide career support services and promote a growth mindset. Philippa encourages listeners to trust their gut, develop their confidence, and stay true to themselves.

Austin Okolo, CEO and co-founder of the Gen Z Club, discusses the gap between Gen Z and corporate companies and how his organization aims to bridge that gap. He highlights the unique qualities that Gen Z professionals bring to the workplace, such as their tech-savviness and access to information. Austin emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting Gen Z's perspective and harnessing their skills and talents effectively. He also discusses the changing workplace and the need for companies to align with Gen Z values, such as sustainability and social impact. Gen Z professionals thrive in workplaces that allow them to express their entrepreneurial flair. Companies that embrace this mindset have happier Gen Z employees who are more engaged and motivated. However, some hiring managers may be hesitant to hire individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset due to concerns about their commitment to the company. He explains that it is important for organizations to understand and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of Gen Z employees, as they can bring valuable skills and perspectives to the workplace. Gen Z professionals value passion, proactiveness, and the opportunity to make an impact. Integrating entrepreneurship into the corporate world and creating a supportive environment for side hustles can help attract and retain Gen Z talent.

Meloney shares her experience growing up in the British Virgin Islands and the challenges of living with bipolar disorder. She discusses the tight-knit community and the lack of conversation around mental health in her community. She explains the highs and lows of bipolar disorder and the importance of finding a balance through medication and therapy. Meloney also discusses her blog and advocacy work to raise awareness and support others with bipolar disorder. She shares her experience with bipolar disorder and the importance of mental health awareness. She discusses the stigma surrounding mental health in Caribbean families and the lack of understanding from her own family. Meloney also talks about her traumatic experience being held in a psych ward against her will and the importance of advocating for oneself. She emphasizes the need for open conversations about mental health and the support that others can provide. Meloney highlights the challenges faced by black men in discussing their mental health and the pressure to appear strong. She concludes by focusing on her own self-care and the importance of celebrating small goals.takeawaysLife in the British Virgin Islands is described as paradise, but the community can be sheltered and lacks conversation around mental health.Meloney's journey of self-discovery and acceptance of her bipolar disorder diagnosis highlights the importance of seeking help and finding a support network.Bipolar disorder involves experiencing intense emotions and mood swings, ranging from extreme highs to extreme lows.Finding a balance in managing bipolar disorder often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and support from a care team.Meloney's blog and advocacy work aim to raise awareness and support others with bipolar disorder. There is still a stigma surrounding mental health in Caribbean families, and many individuals with mental health issues are encouraged to keep it quiet to avoid bringing shame on the family.Advocacy is crucial in the mental health journey, as individuals may need to fight for their rights and make their own medical decisions.Open conversations about mental health and prioritizing mental health in the workplace can help create a supportive environment for individuals with bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.Black men often face pressure to appear strong and may be hesitant to discuss their mental health, but it is important to create spaces where they feel comfortable seeking support.Taking care of oneself and focusing on small goals is just as important as pursuing larger accomplishments.

Jason Jones, a gay rights activist, shares his experiences growing up in Trinidad and Tobago and his journey towards fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. He discusses the influence of his parents, who were journalists, and the impact of the black liberation movement on his activism. Jason also explains the history of anti-gay legislation in Trinidad and Tobago and how he challenged and successfully removed the buggery laws. He highlights the role of religion in driving homophobia and the need for people to seek out their own history and learn from the struggles of those who fought for equality before them. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the ongoing appeal process and the potential impact on LGBTQ+ rights in the region. Jason discusses the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and the challenges faced in achieving acceptance and equality. He highlights the importance of decolonization and internal change in the fight for human rights. Jones emphasizes the need for intersectional activism and the inclusion of all marginalized groups. He also criticizes the role of religion in perpetuating discrimination and calls for a shift in societal attitudes and acceptance of diverse identities. Jones shares his future goals, including taking his case to the Privy Council to decriminalize same-sex relationships in multiple countries and advocating for anti-discriminatory laws.takeawaysThe history of black liberation in Trinidad and Tobago influenced Jason Jones' activism for LGBTQ+ rights.Anti-gay legislation in Trinidad and Tobago was inherited from British colonial laws and remained in place even after independence.Religion plays a significant role in driving homophobia and transphobia globally.Challenging discriminatory laws requires legal expertise and strategic arguments.The ongoing appeal process for the decriminalization of same-sex intimacy in Trinidad and Tobago highlights the neocolonial influence of the Privy Council. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights is ongoing and requires continuous effort and activism.Decolonization and internal change are crucial in the fight for human rights.Intersectional activism is necessary to address the interconnected issues of discrimination and inequality.Religion can perpetuate discrimination and hinder progress towards acceptance and equality.Societal attitudes and acceptance of diverse identities need to shift to create a more inclusive world.Advocacy for anti-discriminatory laws is essential to protect the rights of marginalized groups.

Jason Bean shares his experiences growing up with autism and the challenges he faced in school and the workplace. He discusses the lack of support and understanding from teachers and employers, as well as the discrimination he encountered. Jason emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and understanding one's own challenges in order to effectively communicate and request accommodations. He also highlights the need for employers to educate themselves about neurodiversity and create inclusive environments. Jason has written a book, 'Unbound Minds: A Neurodivergent Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment,' to share his experiences and provide guidance for others.TakeawaysSelf-advocacy is crucial for individuals with neurodiverse conditions to communicate their needs and request accommodations.Employers need to educate themselves about neurodiversity and create inclusive environments that support individuals with neurodiverse conditions.Understanding one's own challenges and strengths is essential for determining the accommodations needed in the workplace.Trade shows and events should consider providing sensory rooms or quiet spaces for individuals with neurodiverse conditions to decompress and regroup.Education and awareness about neurodiversity are key to breaking down stereotypes and creating a more inclusive society.

Maya shares her experiences of moving to the UK as a child and the challenges she faced in adapting to a new culture and language. She then discusses her journey through education, including her pursuit of a biomedical engineering degree and her desire to study medicine. Maya also opens up about her son, Hamza, and the difficulties she faced in recognizing and getting support for his neurodevelopmental conditions, including ASD and ADHD. Maya shares her experience of advocating for her son, Hamza, who has autism and ADHD. She discusses the challenges they faced in the education system, including bullying and a lack of support. Maya fought for her son's rights and eventually found a specialist school that has made a significant positive impact on Hamza's life. She emphasizes the importance of not giving up and being a voice for children with special needs. Maya also highlights the need for happiness and acceptance in their lives, as well as the importance of understanding their rights.Moving to a new country as a child can be a challenging and fearful experience, especially when faced with language and cultural barriers.The education system may not always provide the necessary support for children with neurodevelopmental conditions, and parents may need to advocate for their child's needs.Getting a diagnosis for a child with neurodevelopmental conditions can be a relief, as it provides a better understanding of their challenges and opens up access to appropriate support and interventions.Parents of children with neurodevelopmental conditions often face lifelong commitments to supporting their child's needs and ensuring their well-being.Medication can be a difficult decision for parents, but it may be necessary to help children with neurodevelopmental conditions succeed academically and manage their symptoms. Don't give up and be a voice for children with special needsExplore all avenues and ask questions to understand why a child may be strugglingPrioritize happiness and acceptance for children with special needsUnderstanding and fighting for your child's rights is crucialMaya's experience highlights the challenges and successes of advocating for a child with autism and ADHD

Jessica shares her journey in the fashion industry, from her early experiences with custom clothing to founding her own store, Luxor and Finch. She discusses the importance of diversity and personalization in fashion, and how technology can bridge the gap. Jessica then explains her latest venture, Looks AI, a peer-to-peer shopping platform that matches users with their digital doppelgangers based on body type and style. She emphasizes the need for education and a customer-centric approach in the fashion industry to drive innovation and inclusivity. Jessica Couch discusses the need for fashion brands to listen to their customers and adapt to their preferences. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the consumer and creating products that solve their problems. Jessica also talks about the role of education in the fashion industry and how she is involved in developing curriculums and teaching younger generations. She shares her passion for sharing knowledge and making a positive impact in the industry. Jessica also discusses the importance of sustainability in fashion and suggests ways to improve sustainability, such as designing for longevity and balancing supply and demand.About Jessica Couch...Jessica Couch stands as a luminary in the Retail and Retail Tech industries, renowned for her exceptional leadership and expertise. With over a decade of experience as a Marketing and Innovation Strategy Consultant, she is celebrated for her pioneering approach in User Experience and Human-centered design for commerce. Jessica's extensive experience encompasses a broad spectrum of areas, including technology integration, agile development, product management, design thinking, and consumer insights across fashion, beauty, CPG, health, wellness, and tech sectors. Her impressive client portfolio includes industry giants like Nordstrom and Amazon.Recognized as a trusted authority in retail tech, Jessica has provided invaluable advice to a multitude of companies, brands, and retailers. She is the mastermind behind Women of Color Worldwide, an influential community organization dedicated to women of color at the nexus of creative and technological fields, known for its signature annual brunch. Additionally, Jessica is the creator of Canna Conversations, a groundbreaking series spotlighting women in the cannabis industry.As the founder of Looks, a pioneering personalized peer-to-peer shopping platform, Jessica continues to push the boundaries of retail innovation. Her academic and professional contributions are as remarkable as her business achievements. She has served as a former Dean’s Young Alumni Council Member at NC State Wilson College of Textiles and as an advisor for the MIT Kinetic Program. Her mentorship extends to students for whom she has developed cutting-edge curriculums in Fashion Tech. A guest writer for WWD and a Board Member of the Carnell Couch Foundation, Jessica's insights and expertise are widely sought after.

In this episode, Mike reflects on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace. He emphasizes that DE&I is not just a buzzword, but a strategic necessity for organizations. Mike discusses key trends and predictions for DE&I in 2024, including data-driven strategies, inclusive leadership development, recognition of intersectionality, inclusivity in remote work, global adaptability, transparency and accountability, and evolving legislation. He concludes by highlighting the ongoing progress and opportunities in the DE&I space.

Lyndsey Simpson, founder and CEO of 55 Redefined, discusses the need to address ageism in the workplace and society. She shares her inspiration for creating 55 Redefined and the challenges faced in breaking age stigma. Lyndsey emphasizes the importance of creating an age-inclusive workplace and provides strategies for employers to achieve this. She also offers advice for individuals navigating later life careers and highlights the role of technology in connecting over 50s. Finally, Lyndsey discusses the products and services offered by 55 Redefined and encourages organizations to develop an age strategy.TakeawaysAgeism is a prevalent issue in the workplace, with many employers overlooking the value and potential of older workers.Creating an age-inclusive workplace requires education, policy changes, and a focus on skills development.Individuals can thrive in later life careers by embracing lifelong learning, re-skilling, and finding purposeful activity.Technology plays a crucial role in connecting over 50s and should be embraced to enhance productivity and collaboration.55 Redefined offers a range of products and services to support age diversity in the workplace and empower individuals in their later careers.

Ritika Wadhwa discusses the importance of cultural intelligence for leaders in today's globalized business landscape. Cultural intelligence is defined as the capability to work effectively with people from different cultures. It is essential for leaders to be adaptable and flexible in order to navigate diverse teams and changing environments. Building cultural intelligence involves understanding cultural values, adapting communication styles, and challenging unconscious biases. Prabhaav Global, Ritika's company, focuses on developing cultural intelligence in individuals, teams, and organizations to create impactful behavior change. The vision is to make the world a better place by fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.TakeawaysCultural intelligence is crucial for leaders in a globalized business landscape.Building cultural intelligence involves understanding cultural values, adapting communication styles, and challenging unconscious biases.Prabhaav Global focuses on developing cultural intelligence in individuals, teams, and organizations.The vision is to make the world a better place by fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Devin shares his experience growing up in Leytonstone and his journey from studying fashion to working in finance. He discusses his drive to create positive socioeconomic change and the inspiration behind his podcast, 1000 Voices. Devin aims to showcase diverse voices and memorialize black British stories. His long-term ambition is to use the podcast to drive tangible systemic change and support black British change makers. The conversation with Tevin revolves around the mission of his platform, 1000 Voices, to drive tangible systemic change and eradicate racial inequality in the UK. Tevin outlines the four key aspects of their approach: show, educate, empower, and nurture. They aim to inspire and educate individuals to drive change and create a sustainable ecosystem. The discussion highlights the various inequalities faced by Black British groups and the need to address barriers and disparities. Tevin also expresses his personal goal of using business as a tool to drive positive socio-economic change. The conversation emphasizes the importance of inspiring success and clearing a path for others, as well as recognizing social responsibilities.TakeawaysGrowing up in a diverse area like Leytonstone can shape one's perspective and drive to create positive change.Transitioning from one career path to another can be a result of personal growth and a desire for a more impactful role.Podcasts like 1000 Voices provide a platform to showcase diverse voices and challenge negative perceptions.Failure can be a stepping stone to success, and self-belief is crucial in overcoming challenges.Long-term ambitions for 1000 Voices include driving tangible systemic change and supporting black British change makers. The mission of 1000 Voices is to drive tangible systemic change and eradicate racial inequality in the UK.The approach of 1000 Voices includes showing, educating, empowering, and nurturing individuals to drive change.Addressing inequalities is crucial, as Black British groups often face disparities in wealth, education, and other areas.Using business as a tool for positive change can contribute to creating a more equitable society.Inspiring success and clearing a path for others is important, as is recognizing social responsibilities.

Raphael Sofoluke shares his journey from a background in music and sales to becoming the founder of the UK Black Business Show. He discusses the inspiration behind the show and the need for representation and networking opportunities for black entrepreneurs and professionals. Sofoluke highlights the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the events industry and the need for more black-owned exhibitions and conferences. He also discusses the impact of his book 'Twice as Hard' and his plans for the future of the UK Black Business Show.

In this episode of Diversity Matters, Erica shares her personal journey with endometriosis and the impact it has had on her daily life, relationships, and mental health. She discusses the challenges she faced in the events industry and the importance of support from managers. Erica also talks about the diagnosis process and the treatment options available for endometriosis. She shares her worries about the future and offers advice for those suspecting they may have endometriosis. Erica emphasizes the importance of staying active and managing mental well-being. She encourages open conversations about menstrual health and offers support to those who may feel alone.TakeawaysEndometriosis can have a significant impact on daily life, relationships, and mental health.Support from managers and understanding workplaces can make a difference in managing endometriosis.Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing endometriosis.Staying active and finding coping mechanisms can help alleviate symptoms and improve mental well-being.Open conversations about menstrual health are important to reduce stigma and provide support.

Stuart Lawrence, the brother of Stephen Lawrence, discusses the impact of his brother's murder and how it catapulted him into a different world. He shares the challenges his family faced as they became the focus of media attention and the ripple effect the murder had on the black community and society as a whole. Stuart also talks about his close relationship with Stephen and how it shaped his own identity. He explains his transition into teaching and the importance of giving back. Stuart emphasizes the power of storytelling and the need to advocate for social justice. He reflects on his journey and the unknowns of the future. Finally, Stuart discusses his experience with systemic racism in the UK and the need for dismantling structures of power and privilege. In this conversation, Stuart Lawrence discusses structures of privilege and power, the stories we tell ourselves, the battle for change, striving to be the best, making a difference in communities, staying grounded and real, and lessons from power and privilege. The Lawrence family's impact on the country is also highlighted.TakeawaysThe murder of Stephen Lawrence had a profound impact on Stuart Lawrence and his family, catapulting them into a different world and making them advocates for social justice.The ripple effect of Stephen Lawrence's murder extended beyond his family and affected the black community and society as a whole.Stuart Lawrence's close relationship with Stephen shaped his own identity and influenced his career choices, including becoming a teacher and an advocate for social justice.Stuart emphasizes the power of storytelling and the need to use personal experiences to inspire and educate others.Systemic racism in the UK is still prevalent and requires ongoing efforts to dismantle structures of power and privilege. Structures of privilege and power perpetuate inequality and competition.Examining the stories we tell ourselves can reveal lies and constructs that uphold the status quo.Change is driven by those who don't have privilege and power.Striving to be the best requires hard work and a commitment to continuous improvement.Making a difference in communities involves gathering others and working together.Staying grounded and real is important to maintain humility and authenticity.Lessons from power and privilege include recognizing one's own privilege and understanding the potential for change.The Lawrence family's work has had a significant impact on the country, changing the way institutions operate and improving opportunities for people of color.

My guest on this episode is Javina Greene, Javina explains how for over 6 years she was trapped in an abusive relationship that spiraled into a life of being exploited, physically abused, and addicted to drugs. That life left her alienated and abandoned by family who tried many times to help her. Through her resilience and determination she was able to escape and is rebuilding her life as has reconnected with her family. Javina’s journey from a difficult past to a promising future is an inspiration to many. In this podcast, we will delve into her life story, her music career, and her efforts to support women in refuge through her organization FAM – Females About Music which cares not only the protection of women, but the protection of their rights and ownership of their work.We will explore how she overcame the challenges she faced and how she is using her experiences to help others build their lives through music.

Life for black UK police officers in the 80s and 90s was a complex and challenging experience. They faced racism and discrimination from both their colleagues and the public, and they struggled to balance their identity and loyalty. During this period we witnessed the rise of social movements and protests against police brutality and injustice, such as the Brixton riots, the Broadwater Farm riots, and the Stephen Lawrence case.My guest on the show is Karen Greene, Karen grew up in Newham, East London by West Indian Parents. She worked for British Telecom for 8 yeas and had 2 children before deciding to join the metropolitan police force. She also had a desire to work for the police as she felt she could make a difference.Having completed 2 years probation in uniform, Karen realised she wanted to become a detective having met a black female Detective who had inspired her and is still a very close friend today. She spent nearly 25 years as a detective in specialist roles including witness protection,  counter terrorism,  fraud and close protection.   Her skills included surveillance,  Firearms, advanced driving and a Exhibits Officer in Counter Terrorism. So, what was life like for a black female police officer? Listen to the show