Efforts to level the playing field for diverse talent are in the spotlight. Will employers stand by their DEI commitments, or in an increasingly politicised landscape will diversity targets, diverse shortlists and DEI talent programmes be deemed high risk? Sasha is joined in conversation with Joelle Emerson to find out more.

Joelle is the co-founder and CEO of Paradigm, a US-based consultancy working with some of the world's most innovative companies to develop diversity & inclusion strategies. Named by Recode as one of the 100 most influential people in business, and appearing on Marie Claire's "New Guard" list of 50 women changing the world, Joelle is a deeply respected leader on workplace diversity and culture.

Having started her career as a civil rights lawyer, Joelle has seen first hand the consequences when companies fail to adequately consider Diversity. And at a point where hostility continues to grow in the US, the UK and beyond, Joelle unpacks the impacts of the Supreme Court Affirmative Action ruling and shares invaluable perspectives on how organisations and individuals maintain a strong focus on diversity.

We explore the potential to influence societal change through organisational change, and the importance of building collaborative, cross-generational cultures. And, with the Worker Protection Act soon to come into force on this side of the pond, we discuss the importance of creating cultures which are intolerant of inappropriate behaviour, and the role of training and awareness raising.

Whether your organisation's approach to diversity, equity and inclusion is global in nature, or you are a local DEI practitioner looking for new perspectives on how to drive change, this episode offers a wealth of practical insights.

To learn more about Inclusive Group and our comprehensive solutions for fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, visit inclusivegroup.co.uk/solutions.

As organisations and individuals realise the importance of building both their understanding of neurodiversity and their capability around neuro-inclusion, Sasha is joined in conversation by Matt Boyd. Matt is the founder of Exceptional Individuals a trailblazing organisation providing neurodiversity consulting to employers, while offering recruitment and employment support to those with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism.

Matt shares his personal experience of dyslexia, the shame he initially carried, and how dyslexia impacted his job-seeking journey. And we learn how this experience inspired him to provide practical support to others.

We discuss the role Exceptional Individuals play in helping candidates to understand their neuro-divergent profile, and the importance, both for individuals and employers, of focusing on strength areas as well as challenging areas. Matt discusses the barriers faced by neurodivergent job-seekers, what has inspired the shift in openness and interest in neurodiversity in the workplace.

Whether you are an employer who is relatively early in your journey to support neurodivergent job-seekers, or an individual who is looking for personal insights and tips, this episode offers a range of exceptionally valuable insights.

To learn more about Inclusive Group and our comprehensive solutions for fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, visit inclusivegroup.co.uk/solutions.

Do men have a friendship problem? Research indicates that, generally, men have less close friends than women - and the problem is getting worse. In the latest episode of Inclusion Unlocked, Sasha speaks with actor, presenter, comedian and author Max Dickins on masculinity, mental health, loneliness, and why friendship can feel trickier for men.

Max gives an insight into his work helping others to tap into the different versions of themselves through theatre and improvisation, and the value of creating space for self reflection. We explore the personal realisation that formed the impetus for Max's book, Billy No Mates. Max shares the insights gained from leading experts on the factors that can hamper men's friendship.

Does this matter, and what can do about it? We explore the long term damage loneliness can create, the importance of investing in building and preserving strong social relationships and we ask whether technology is helping or hampering human connection. This is an immensely important conversation, whether you find this topic of loneliness and friendship struggles relatable, or you are involved in workplace inclusion, mental health and wellbeing programmes.

To learn more about Inclusive Group and our comprehensive solutions for fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, visit inclusivegroup.co.uk/solutions.