In 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.

Takeaways

Growing 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.

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 Takeaways

• Edwina'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.

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 encourages listeners to trust their gut, develop their confidence, and stay true to themselves.

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 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.

takeaways

• Life 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.

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.

takeaways

• The 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.

Takeaways

• Self-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 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 needs
• Explore all avenues and ask questions to understand why a child may be struggling
• Prioritize happiness and acceptance for children with special needs
• Understanding and fighting for your child's rights is crucial
• Maya's experience highlights the challenges and successes of advocating for a child with autism and ADHD

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.

Takeaways

• Ageism 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.

Takeaways

• Cultural 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.

Takeaways

• Growing 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.

Takeaways

• Endometriosis 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.

Takeaways

• The 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.

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.

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

She is the founder and owner of YKMD, a unique graphic design company that utilises modern technology and tools capable of delivering custom branded graphic designs in as fast as 12 hours after submission. Yanique has made significant strides in her career, serving on the Executive Board of the Graphic Artists Guild as National Treasurer before being elected as the first Black President of the organization. She is also a Vice President of the International Council of Design, where she advocates for the design community worldwide.

Her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the design industry has earned her a reputation as a trailblazer and champion for underrepresented voices.

There are a variety of reasons why children in inner city schools may be truanting. Students in these schools often face language acquisition problems, inadequate housing, poor nutrition, lack of parental support and enormous pressures from negative social influences such as gang violence and drug use, and yet, many of these children succeed. Their individual determination to improve their lives, and the dedication of hard-working teachers, must be credited.

My guest this week is Theresa Allotey. Theresa is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Westminster Academy and serves on the board of Stratford School Academy as a Director and Trustee. She deliberately chose to work with inner schools to help address the challenges and issues related to disadvantaged students in the education system.

Theresa shares her experiences and the great work she is doing including her work as founder of Meliora High School which is a not-for-profit company whose mission is to reduce the numbers of persistent absentees and students missing in education across North London, borough by borough. 

My guest is Lauren Chiren, CEO of Women of a Certain Stage a company that specialize in supporting employers in embracing and normalizing all life stages, from menstruation to menopause.  Their mission is to eliminate stigmas and ensure that everyone recognizes when to seek timely and effective support.

Lauren is an entrepreneur, passionate about supporting people to successfully navigate menopause. She provides evidence to the UK Parliament, sits on the BSI committee that created the landmark Standard on Menstruation, menstrual health and menopause, is a regular commentator in the media and is a global keynote speaker, trainer & coach on executive women's wellbeing.

She left her senior role in financial services, in her early 40's believing that she was suffering from early-onset dementia. Imagine her surprise when her doctor informed her, she had 'just' been through menopause!

Follow Lauren's work https://www.womenofacertainstage.com

Amongst his numerous achievements and awards, Julian is the winner of the inaugural Virgin Unite Founders award, endorsed by Sir Richard Branson, he is also a freeman of the Company of Entrepreneurs, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, member of the Association of Business Mentors and Shakespeare Globe Council, co-founder of UkBlackTech Julian has been honoured by the British Citizen Award with a medal for services to education.

Ultra Education | Teaching Entrepreneurship to Children & Young People – Teaching Youth Entrepreneurship

My special guest is Lee Lawrence, this episode marks an important point in UK Black History and Lee shares his life experiences and journey with triumphs and heartbreaks along the way.

Lee has written a book, entitled The Louder I will Sing which is available on Amazon and highly recommended - The Louder I Will Sing (Audio Download): Lee Lawrence, Lee Lawrence, Ben Bailey Smith, Candice Brathwaite, Hachette Audio UK: Amazon.co.uk: Audible Books & Originals

He is also the chair and founder of the Cherry Groce Foundation which is a charitable trust that exists to, Honour Cherry Groce so as to ensure that our future will learn from the past, build communities through the pursuit of justice and work at the root cause to prevent miscarriages of justice. Donations are gracefully excepted, click here to make a donation The Cherry Groce Memorial

NOTE: Apologies for the audio quality throughout the episode

My guest this week is Robert Leal, Robert is a colleague presently working with Informa Markets as a sales account executive for the International Roofing Expo, the largest U.S. roofing tradeshow.  The International Roofing Show allows roofing manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers to exhibit their latest products and services to commercial and residential roofing contractors.

Robert shares his Hispanic heritage, culture and background growing up in McAllen , Texas and really discovering diversity at the University of North Texas.

Alex is a friend and someone I met at my local gym as part of what I call the 6am club, a very small group of regular early morning gym goers who turn up for a workout rain or shine.

Her  9-year-old Son is autistic with special needs and today we are discussing the experiences of neurodiversity through the eyes of a parent

Georgie is an openly gay woman, diagnosed with ADHD and Dyxlexia, she has been working in sales for over 13 years but 4 years ago she actively moved into the neurodiversity space after realising that her neurodiverse differences were being interpreted as a lack of intelligence and ability. At Cognassist, she is on a mission, along with her colleagues and the wider neurodiversity community to drive change. This includes driving awareness by educating and sharing lived experiences, being an ally, and providing individuals, institutions, and organisations with the resources and tools to enable all to thrive.

Gabby is a multi award-winning diversity and inclusion expert delivering consultancy, education and training to the events and hospitality sectors as founder and director of Diversity Alliance. Gabby regularly writes for a variety of industry publications, lectures on diversity and inclusion in events, and has appeared on many panels and hosted talks about diversity in and outside of the events industry. She is also co-founder of the Reach Event Management Scholarship Fund.

Her professional experience spans over20 years with a first career as a corporate lawyer in the UK and subsequent careers in C-suite leadership roles within global pharmaceutical companies alongside providing DEI expertise. For many years, she worked as a senior leader for Roche, the world’s largest biotech company, serving in a range of different roles including the role of General Counsel and Head of Financial Compliance.

Immediately prior to her current role, she ran her own DEI consultancy during the pandemic, developing an impressive global client list over a 2-year period amongst which were several FTSE and NASDAQ-listed companies.

Together with her Son, She hosts a global podcast series called The Power of Privilege and Allyship, showcasing exceptional role models who have used their privilege to maximise the impact of their allyship to transform lives.

This is a very educational discussion which can be sometimes uncomfortable but must be heard.

Sam is a very passionate, energetic, remarkable young woman who handles life with positively and uses it to continually learn and grow.

Matt is also a radio presenter and currently hosting his 2-hour catch-A-Groove show on London’s top soul and R&B station, Mi-Soul Radio, every Wednesday from 9pm where listeners tune in from all over the world.

Mi-Soul Radio

Download the Mi-Soul App available on App Store and Google play

She provides great advice and tips for anyone who may have or think they may have or know someone with a form of neurodivergence.

Her book - Empowering Dyslexics is available through Amazon

LinkedIn - (6) Keisha (Adair) Adair Swaby(BSc First Class Hon) MSc | LinkedIn

Click the link to learn more about diversity.org The Diversity Org

inclusion work culture and leadership development company, that takes a non-political

cross cultural intersectional approach to training, upskilling and coaching

stakeholders involved in DEI work. She also hosts her own well established podcast

series – Confessions of a DEI Pro - Confessions of a DEI Pro (libsyn.com)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibd

email - support@benhue.com