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.

In one of the most thought-provoking episodes yet of Inclusion Unlocked, Sasha is joined by founder of APS Intelligence LTD, Professor John Amaechi OBE.

John is widely recognised as an influential thinker in HR and a respected organisational psychologist who partners with businesses to build bespoke programmes focused behavioural change. We learn about his experience of cultivating effective leadership and authentic workplace cultures, and John shares a glimpse into what drew him to psychology, including the lasting impact of the deep pragmatism role-modelled by his mother.

This deep and wide reaching conversation lives up to its promise. We unpack what it takes to drive high performance in today's workplace, and the leadership imperative of living up to the commitments made on workplace culture. We also explore the energy cost experienced both by introverts and extroverts, and how small adjustments in our approach can help our team members to thrive.

Whether you are a leader, an aspiring leader or a people practitioner looking to drive change, this episode offers a wealth of 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.

In the latest episode of Inclusion Unlocked, Sasha is joined by Sharon Peake, the award-winning founder and CEO of Shape Talent.

In a wide reaching conversation, we learn about how Sharon's psychology and talent management background have influenced the way she works with organisations and leaders to drive authentic change.

From navigating the complexities of organisational culture to implementing practical strategies for fostering inclusivity, we explore invaluable insights into creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Together, Sasha and Sharon emphasise the importance of authentic leadership and the role it plays in creating environments where all individuals feel seen and heard. They share personal anecdotes, practical tips, and heartfelt reflections on the journey toward a more inclusive future.

Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with wisdom, empathy, and actionable takeaways.

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

In one of the most candid episodes yet of Inclusion Unlocked, Sasha is joined by Lewis Raymond Taylor. Lewis is the founder of global coaching phenomenon the Coaching Masters and has been listed among the top 10 coaches in the world by Yahoo Finance.

Lewis recently featured in recent Netflix documentary, the Psychopath Life Coach, a powerful and, in parts difficult, watch tracking how childhood trauma and abuse led to a life of crime and self-sabotage. Having been diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, emotionally unstable personality disorder and bipolar disorder, the documentary explores the uncomfortable question of whether Lewis has managed to turn his life around after a deeply troubled start - or whether his success is simply rooted in manipulation.

Lewis shares incredibly open insights into both his personal journey, and the positive and negative responses he has received since the documentary aired. We take a deep dive into identity, behaviour, and how the self beliefs formed in childhood continue to distort our reality as adults.

This is an open discussion highlighting the impact of early trauma - but there is also a great deal of inspiration here. Lewis's experience of "flipping the script" is powerful, as is his view on the immense value coaching holds to unlock our inner potential. If you have watched the documentary, I would urge you to put any views and opinions to one side, and dive into the discussion.

Trigger warning: This episode covers content some may find challenging, including childhood abuse, addiction and suicide.

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

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

Welcome to our latest episode of Inclusion Unlocked. Sasha is joined in conversation by one of the most respected leaders in the DEI space, Sonia Bate, founder and Managing Director of Edit Development. Edit was created with the goal of making a difference and since its inception in 2010, Edit has been at the forefront of advancing gender diversity and women in leadership, working closely with some of the world's most forward-thinking organisations.

We discuss Sonia's career journey, and unpack some of the most challenging and sensitive issues facing DEI professionals, from overcoming the fear of failure to managing discomfort and hostility. We also explore the importance of community, purpose, safety and laughter in preserving the resilience of DEI professionals.

Sonia brings a wealth of experience when it comes to gender diversity. We explore how well-intentioned initiatives and programmes can miss the mark and fall into the trap of "fixing the women" and discuss the interventions and approaches that make a real impact. For anyone looking to accelerate progress on gender and to make lasting change, this episode is quite simply a must listen.

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

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

In our latest episode of Inclusion Unlocked, Sasha is joined by Funke Abimbola, MBE. Funke is an award-winning, C-suite diversity, equity and inclusion leader, lawyer, media commentator and author who, following a highly successful legal career, has become a leading figure in the DEI space.

We explore Funke's early career, her experience of adversity and discrimination and the impact this had in shaping her approach as a diversity advocate and champion. Funke shares a candid insight into how the murder of George Floyd acted as a catalyst for her career move into DEI, and her experience of growing a successful DEI business alongside her incredible son Max Abimbola. We also explore the importance to Funke of celebrating - and educating others around - her Nigerian heritage. And Funke gives us a hint of what to expect from her first book, Climbing Mountains, set for release in 2024.

For leaders who are committed to addressing inequity and discrimination, and for colleagues at all levels who would like to use their voice to lift others up and inspire change, the candid and personal insights shared by Funke make this episode an absolute must listen.

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

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