Diverse & Inclusive Leaders

David Grevemberg CBELeila is joined by David Grevemberg - Chief Executive Officer at the Commonwealth Games Federation.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· How David went from growing up in New Orleans to working in wrestling, to his high-flying career in sports management· The inclusive agenda at the Commonwealth Games Federation· The racial tension that he dealt with as a young white person in New Orleans· Embracing both authenticity and sincerity as a leader· The human rights element that David likes to apply to both sports and business leadership· The Commonwealth Games Federation’s proud record as a driver for social change in the world RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://thecgf.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-grevemberg-cbe-0611634/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Mark AdamsLeila is joined by Mark Adams - Chief Executive of Community Integrated Care and Non-Executive Director at National Care Forum and Countess of Chester Hospital. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· What it has been like combating Covid-19 “on the front line” for Mark and his charity colleagues· The differences between working in social care and in physical healthcare· Mark’s personal background, having started working in healthcare at a very young age and experienced working for a combination of large corporate companies and smaller, more entrepreneurial businesses·          RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/markadams10/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Geoff McDonald Leila is joined by Geoff McDonald, Co-Founder of Minds@Work and former Global Vice President HR at Unilever. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT·The difficulties of dealing with social distancing and self-isolation, but also the benefits that these offer, such as the opportunity for reflection·“That ability to talk is what saved my life”: how the power of love helped Geoff overcome personal mental health challenges·How to deal with mental health symptoms when they are having a severe negative impact on your life, both during the Covid-19 pandemic and ‘normal times’·Geoff’s personal advice on steps that everyone can take to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-mcdonald/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Andi JarvisLeila is joined by Andi Jarvis – Owner/Founder/Strategy Director at Eximo Marketing.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Andi’s career journey to date, having gone from aiming to become a PE teacher to working in marketing· “Tapping into the fabric of what you’re doing”: Andi’s approach to marketing· The challenges behind integrating D&I into marketing, as can be seen in numerous examples of various marketing misfires and successes respectively· The meaning of diversity in different places: religious diversity in Northern Ireland, for instance RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andijarvis/Twitter @andijarvisInstagram @jarvisandiContinue the conversation on LinkedIn

VE Day 75th Anniversary Special with the British Army Leila is joined by key individuals from the British Army: Major General Celia Harvey OBE QVRM TD, Deputy commander of the Field Army & Defence Sikh Champion Colonel Karl Harris – Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff Operations (DACOS) at Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ)  and also the Chair of the Army BAME Network.Naveed Muhamad – Muslim National Liaison Officer.Lt Col Tim Petransky, SO1 CE Communities, Engagement Branch, Headquarters Regional CommandIN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUTThe history of VE (Victory in Europe) day and the importance of the 75th Anniversary that we remember on this special day.  The contribution of the commonwealth as a whole to Victory in Europe including the economic and material support from other countries such as Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.The parallel between the time of crises today and the time of crises between 1939 and 1945 and the coming together of society and what we can learn from the wartime experience.Dive

VE Day 75th Anniversary Special with the Royal Air Force (RAF)"Find your right way to pick yourself up and carry on": the opportunities you're  Leila is joined by Sally Bridgeland – Honorary Group Captain Royal Air Force (RAF) & Trustee, RAF Central Fund IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUTThe history of VE (Victory in Europe) day and the importance of the 75th Anniversary that we remember on this special day.  The contribution of the commonwealth as a whole to Victory in Europe including the economic and material support from other countries such as Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.The parallel between the time of crises today and the time of crises between 1939 and 1945 and the coming together of society and what we can learn from the wartime experience.Sally's personal experience within the RAF and how she has managed this alongside her career in business in a portfolio capacity. Diversity, Inclusivity and Belonging in relation to the forces and the positive changes we have seen over

Leila is joined by Commador David Elford OBE Commador BE ADC BSc MSc MA CEng FRAeS MIET of The Royal Navy. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUTThe history of VE (Victory in Europe) day and the importance of the 75th Anniversary that we remember on this special day.  The contribution of the commonwealth as a whole to Victory in Europe including the economic and material support from other countries such as Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.The parallel between the time of crises today and the time of crises between 1939 and 1945 and the coming together of society and what we can learn from the wartime experience.Diversity, Inclusivity and Belonging in relation to the forces and the positive changes we have seen over the years. The Navy’s current role in supporting the nation today during the COVID 19 crises as we battle the invisible enemy together.  The important role of the reservists and others involved within the forces. How we can pull together and get involved as individuals, businesses and wider society. V

Christopher Kenna Leila is joined by Christopher Kenna - CEO & Founder at Brand Advance.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Why VE Day is so important to Chris· What led Chris to join the armed forces and, latterly, to found Brand Advance· The powerful yet privileged position that advertisers find themselves inRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskenna/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Don IroLeila is joined by Don Iro - Managing Director at Allteks Ltd.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Don’s personal background, from his upbringing in Nigeria through to his time in various C-suite level roles· The importance of digital frameworks and technology to adapting to the current Coronavirus crisis· How technology can be used to enhance inclusivity in the workplace· How crucial it is to be not only authentic but consistent as a leader in businessRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldiro/Don@allteks.co.ukContinue the conversation on LinkedIn

LaFawn DavisLeila is joined by LaFawn Davis - Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Indeed.com and member of 2019 SFBT Most Influential Women in Business shortlist.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT·The importance of intersectionality, both to LaFawn personally and to building a community·How Indeed are making the most of their Inclusion Resource Groups (IRGs) to help adapt to the threat posed by Coronavirus·LaFawn’s advice for those who are suffering from Covid-19 due to furlough/redundancy·How to embrace being different in order to conquer imposter syndromeRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.indeed.com/career-advice/coronavirus-job-resources?from=here_to_helphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lafawn/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Simon FilleryLeila is joined bySimon Fillery - Modern Employer Consultant at GSK and Principal Consultant at SiFI Diversity.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· The “two halves” of Simon’s career, investment banking and latterly D&I· The three pillars of GSK’s ‘Modern Employer’ strategy: ‘Being you’, ‘Feeling good’ and ‘Keep growing’· Simon’s own personal tricks for surviving social distancing and self-isolation· The need to prioritise inclusion now more than everRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/simonfillery/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Kirsty Rogers Leila is joined byKirsty Rogers – Executive Head of Manchester office at DWF, Board Trustee at WeMindTheGap, Board Member at North West Academies Trust (NWAT) and Chair of Board of Governors at Delamere Academy.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· What led Kirsty to move into law for a career· What drives her to manage a very busy law career in addition to various non-exec roles· Kirsty’s own experiences and thoughts on furthering the cause of gender diversity· The importance of accepting everybody for who they are and avoiding unconscious biases as much as possibleRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyrogersemploymentlaw/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Brannan HancockLeila is joined by Brannan Hancock – Technical Induction Manager, Head of Employee Resource Group and Chair of internal LGBTQ+ community at Alfa Financial Software.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT·How Brannan has spent his entire career to date at Alfa, going from software development to his current role on the training side·The influence of digital products on every day life, particularly for millennials and zillennials·How he first discovered his bisexuality as an adult·What led him to become involved in Alfa’s LGBTQ+ community and similar inclusion groups·The importance of getting "buy-in" from C-suite level executives for community-focused initiatives RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brannanhancock/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Yulia O’Mahony Leila is joined byYulia O’Mahony – Former Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing at John Lewis Partnership. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT·  Yulia’s career story to date, which has seen her go from working in the consulting space in Russia to heading up Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing for John Lewis Partnership· The differences in the ‘melting pot’ of nations between different international cultures· The three components essential to improving wellbeing in any organizationRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/yuliaomahony/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Stacey CopelandLeila is joined by Stacey Copeland - Professional speaker, athlete and Founder of Pave the Way. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· The barriers that Stacey has had to overcome to practice her sports as a female in a male-dominated environment· The legal struggle to make boxing legal for females (after it had been legal for males to practice for many decades)· What Stacey believes still needs to be done in order to keep progressing and “moving the dial” for female sport· The details of Stacey’s exciting Pave the Way project· “Feeling excluded is a human experience, and everyone has felt it”: the negative impact of exclusionRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDwww.stacey-copeland.co.ukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-copeland-431649162/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Ben PageLeila is joined by Ben Page, Chief Executive at Ipsos Mori, Visiting Professor at King’s College London and a Board Member of the King’s Fund and the Centre for Ageing Better.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· “The speed of the shock”: the tough times experienced by Ipsos Mori and many of their clients due to Coronavirus·The new role that technology is playing in Ben’s day to day working life·“I didn’t ever expect to be a Chief Executive”: How Ben went from studying history and not being sure what he wanted to do in life after university to working his way through the ranks to the very top at Ipsos Mori over the last 30 years·The importance of being a leader that employees can relate to (“great leaders selectively show their weaknesses” – Ronald Heifetz)·The link between a company’s a CSR policy and employee motivation/engagement: “People want to be part of something that’s more than themselves”RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDUncharted: How to Map the Future Together by Margaret HeffernanLeade

Paul ClealLeila is joined by Paul Cleal, Non-Executive Director at various FTSE 100 /public sector companies (including Sainsbury’s, PwC and the NHS Guy and St. Thomas’ Foundation Trust)IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· The impact of Coronavirus on the public sector institutions where Paul operates as a board member· Paul’s life story, from growing up in London as the son of first generation immigrants and his mother in particular to suffering the difficulties of being “non-white” in the early 1970s and finally achieving partner level at PwC· “I think it helps often to share stories when it hasn’t been easy at all”: the importance of learning lessons from difficult times and previous mistakes· The importance of accepting and promoting diversity in order to encourage inclusion and belonging within organisationsRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-monekosso-cleal-obe-9230415/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Ramcess Jean-LouisLeila is joined by Ramcess Jean-Louis, Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Verizon Media.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Ramcess’ personal background, beginning with his upbringing by Haitian immigrants in New York through graduating from law school and then his career move into the D&I space·The ‘Four Cs’ model: Community, Culture, Career and Customer·How allowing time for social interaction can help to combat the negative effects of Coronavirus on employees’ mental health·The importance of collaboration within a company’s community RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ramcess-jean-louis-a8696139/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Jon DuttonLeila is joined by Jon Dutton, Chief Executive at Rugby League World Cup 2021.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· How Jon has found himself in a very privileged position taking the lead on showcasing Rugby League’s finest athletes· The impact that Coronavirus has had on sport in general, and Rugby League in particular· The various Inclusivity measures being introduced as part of RLWC 2021, with Inclusivity being one of their core values· Their choice to focus on the “power of the North” in the UK geographically, with many of the host cities being in the North of the UKRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-dutton-29a5121a/Twitter @jon-dutton72www.rlwc2021.comContinue the conversation on LinkedIn

Mark ParelloLeila is joined by Mark Parello, Managing Director & Chartered Wealth Manager at King Street Wealth Management.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Mark’s epiphany moment in 2015 when he realised that there was a better way to do wealth management, leading him to co-found his own business· Mark’s difficult experiences as a teenager after being taken into a care home· Mark’s incredible work ethic which is one of his key attributes -- “I have never met anyone that I couldn’t outwork”RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-parello-79974b13/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn