A brief 2 minute peek into the wonderful conversation with Dr James Cusack - Full Episode - Episode 2 of series 7.

Bio – Dr James Cusack, CEO - ⁠Autistica⁠

In 2015 James became the national autism charity, ⁠Autistica’s, ⁠Director of Science. During this time, he has been at the heart of the charity’s growth and impact, including devising and overseeing its national research network; identifying, supporting and funding high-impact scientific studies; making Autistica a global leader in authentic community involvement and making health inequalities a priority for the charity, its beneficiaries and governments around the world.

In August 2020 James became the first openly autistic charity CEO and leads the world-renowned organisation.

Before joining Autistica, James had a successful career working for the ⁠University of Aberdeen⁠ in autism research.

James has a degree in psychology, a PhD in Biological Motion perception and undertook post-doctorate research with the University of Aberdeen before joining Autistica and being recognised as a rising star by the ⁠Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) ⁠and named in ⁠The Shaw Trust 100 Disability Power 100⁠ a list of the most influential disabled in the UK.

Throughout his career as a researcher and with Autistica, James has championed the needs and rights of those diagnosed with autism. James most recently unveiled ambitious goals that aim to transform the future of autistic people by 2030.

Podcast Outline

• Early Years & Influences

• Career Path

• ⁠Dame Stephanie Shirley⁠ - The Autistica Story

• Autism and Leadership

• Neurodiversity in the Workplace

• ⁠The Future - 2030⁠

• Sharing an insight that could help others in a leadership role

Bio – Dr James Cusack, CEO - Autistica

In 2015 James became the national autism charity, Autistica’s, Director of Science. During this time, he has been at the heart of the charity’s growth and impact, including devising and overseeing its national research network; identifying, supporting and funding high-impact scientific studies; making Autistica a global leader in authentic community involvement and making health inequalities a priority for the charity, its beneficiaries and governments around the world.

In August 2020 James became the first openly autistic charity CEO and leads the world-renowned organisation.

Before joining Autistica, James had a successful career working for the University of Aberdeen in autism research.

James has a degree in psychology, a PhD in Biological Motion perception and undertook post-doctorate research with the University of Aberdeen before joining Autistica and being recognised as a rising star by the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) and named in The Shaw Trust 100 Disability Power 100 a list of the most influential disabled in the UK.

Throughout his career as a researcher and with Autistica, James has championed the needs and rights of those diagnosed with autism. James most recently unveiled ambitious goals that aim to transform the future of autistic people by 2030.

Podcast Outline

• Early Years & Influences

• Career Path

• Dame Stephanie Shirley - The Autistica Story

• Autism and Leadership

• Neurodiversity in the Workplace

• The Future - 2030

• Sharing an insight that could help others in a leadership role

• Close

Series 7 (Leadership) - Episode 1. 100% Fluff-Free ED&I Sue Johnson

Our guest, Sue Johnson, has had a fascinating and very successful career, from the shop floor, and supply chain to becoming a leading voice in all matters concerning diversity and inclusion. She’s working with corporations around the world. Sue has a direct, engaging and highly effective way of covering key aspects, of what can lead to challenging introspection within the boardroom. She is highly adept at conveying the importance of introducing an effective Equity Diversity and Inclusion strategy within a business.

A podcast that is well worth a listen if ED&I is on your to-do list, for improvement, implementation or review.

Content

· Early Years & Influences

· Sue’s Career path Nestle, PwC, Odgers Berndston

· What is EDI and why is it important for employers?

· Examples of EDI failures, and how not to do it.

· A word about being “fluff-free”.

· Addressing bias, unconscious or conscious

· Advantages of a proactive approach

· Recruiting for success

· The future – where should we be in 5 years?

· A lesson learnt/ single insight to share that could help others.

Q&A - A sample of the questions provided by our audience ahead of recording the podcast. A big thank you to all who submitted their questions.

Q1. Holly Marsh, Talent Development Manager in London asks -

"Many organisations use apprenticeships as a tool to bring in new talent and diversify the workforce. What are the the main challenges associated with this and what solutions can be put in place?"

Q2. Kiera in Birmingham asks "Can you give an example of how you make your direct reports feel a sense of inclusion, belonging, and equity on a daily basis?"

Bio ⁠– Sue Johnson⁠

Sue Johnson is the Managing Partner of ⁠Inclusion & Diversity Consulting at Odgers Berndtson⁠. Having spent the first 15 years of her career in Operations and Sales, Sue has first-hand knowledge and experience of how and why Inclusion & Diversity, as an integral part of the organisation DNA, will step change business performance.

Prior to joining the Odgers Berndtson group, Sue was the Global Chief Diversity Officer for the Nestle group, and then led the Inclusion client practice at PwC Switzerland. Sue has worked cross-industry and cross-border, with clients from: Private banking, Sporting organisations, Pharma & Life science, Humanitarian sector, FMCG and Life sciences.

Sue is a renowned and passionate advocate for Inclusion and has spoken at the United Nations, Catalyst, women’s forum etc. and specialises on educating Executives, guiding, and challenging them to deliver results as organisations embark on their journey of cultural change.

Sue is ensconced into Warwickshire village life, being a School Governor (a much easier task in some ways than running the PTA!), writing grant letters to rebuild the local scout hut (£24k down this year, £41 to go), baking cakes for the local Library café, entering multiple categories in the village show and playing for the local B tennis team - whilst spending as much time as possible on adventures with her kids.

Nestlé: Good food, Good life | Nestlé Global

PwC UK - Building relationships, creating value

Executive Search and Recruitment - UK & International | Odgers Berndtson

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