A Leader Like Me: Building a Culture of Inclusivity

In this episode of A Leader Like Me, co-founders Advita Patel and Priya Bates sit down with internal communications specialist and former educator Rachelle Henderson. Rachelle shares her unique journey from linguistics and education into the world of internal comms, and how her passion for inclusion, creativity, and courageous conversations drives her work today.

Discover how Rachelle bravely challenged a C-suite leader early in her career to uphold ethical communications, how cultural competency tools shaped her understanding of inclusion, and why she believes the personal journey is key to creating systemic change. From her creative side projects to her reflections on belonging, this episode offers honest insights into what it really means to lead with purpose and integrity.

What inclusion really means on a personal and systemic level

How to build confidence in challenging conversations as a junior professional

The value of cultural competence and self-awareness in inclusive leadership

The role of creativity and connection in internal communications

Rachelle’s reflections on being part of the A Leader Like Me journey from member to consultant

Practical tips for starting your own inclusive leadership journey

Why emotional intelligence and reflection matter in workplace culture

How to identify your personal accountability in DEI conversations

What it takes to push back respectfully—and effectively—at work

Building a Culture of Inclusivity – The book by Priya Bates and Advita Patel

Inclusion on Purpose by Ruchika Tulshyan

Follow thought leaders like Lily Zheng and Dr. Marlette Jackson

A comms or HR professional navigating DEI in your organisation

Curious about how to turn values into action in the workplace

A junior employee looking for inspiration on how to use your voice

Passionate about driving inclusive change through communication

Visit www.aleaderlikeme.com to explore our programs, workshops, and community support.

https://www.koganpage.com/

Discount Code ALLME20

The book is available in most online stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Indigo etc… and in some physical ones as well. 

Want to evaluate where your business stands when it comes to the DEI? Visit our website to learn more:

https://aleaderlikeme.com/

Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.

If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.

Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.

If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: [email protected]. 

In this episode of A Leader Like Me, we sit down with Matisse, an award-winning advocate for inclusive communications, to unpack why accessibility is good business—and why it's time we stopped treating it as an afterthought.

We explore:

Why designing for the 'outliers' creates better experiences for everyone

Common accessibility oversights in communications—and how to fix them

The problem with getting stuck on acronyms like DEI or IDEA

The importance of listening to lived experience, especially in these polarised times

Why accessibility is not just a disability issue—it's a human one

Matisse also shares insights from her journey in the DEI space and gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book on accessible communications, out this October."Accessibility isn’t a bolt-on. It’s a mindset. And when you bake it in from the start, you tell people: you are welcome here."

Listen now and discover how to make your communications—and your workplace—more inclusive, effective, and welcoming for all.

Priya and Advita. 

______________

Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Order from

https://www.koganpage.com/

Discount Code ALLME20

The book is available in most online stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Indigo etc… and in some physical ones as well. 

Don't miss out. Get your copy of the book now and be part of the DEI conversation.

Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Want to evaluate where your business stands when it comes to the EI? Visit our website to learn more:

https://aleaderlikeme.com/

Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.

If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.

Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.

If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: [email protected]. 

If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 

In this powerful episode of A Leader Like Me, we speak with Janelle Benjamin—award-winning DEI consultant, founder of All Things Equitable, and LinkedIn Top Voice—about her journey from workplace mistreatment to building an influential consultancy rooted in justice and inclusion.

Janelle opens up about life beyond the title: a dedicated single mum, a quiet changemaker, and a passionate learner committed to creating safer, more inclusive workplaces. She shares how her legal background sharpens her strategic lens and why humility, curiosity, and continuous learning are essential for truly inclusive leadership.

We explore:

What real inclusion looks like beyond policy and posters

The emotional cost of exclusion—and the power of turning pain into purpose

How her legal training helps her spot risks others miss

Practical steps for those who want to lead inclusively, even when DEI is being scaled back

The power of connection, community, and shared accountability in driving cultural change

Whether you're just starting your inclusion journey or you're deep in the work, Janelle’s story will leave you inspired, challenged, and ready to act.

Listen now to discover what it takes to build cultures where everyone is truly seen, heard, and valued.

______________

Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Order from

https://www.koganpage.com/

Discount Code ALLME20

The book is available in most online stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Indigo etc… and in some physical ones as well. 

Don't miss out. Get your copy of the book now and be part of the DEI conversation.

Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Want to evaluate where your business stands when it comes to the EI? Visit our website to learn more:

https://aleaderlikeme.com/

Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.

If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.

Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.

If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: [email protected]. 

If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 

In this episode of A Leader Like Me, we sit down with Garry Clarke-Strange —founder of Think Inclusion and passionate inclusion consultant, who shares his inspiring journey from a traditional corporate career to running his own consultancy while living in Spain. Garry opens up about what inclusion really means, how respectful curiosity can be a catalyst for change, and why joy and humanity must be at the heart of workplace culture.

Together with co-hosts Advita Patel and Priya Bates, this honest conversation explores the emotional realities of leadership, the importance of community, and how internal communications can shape truly inclusive environments. If you're a communications or HR leader looking to drive meaningful change, this episode is not to be missed.

Priya and Advita. 

______________

Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Order from

https://www.koganpage.com/

Discount Code ALLME20

The book is available in most online stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Indigo etc… and in some physical ones as well. 

Don't miss out. Get your copy of the book now and be part of the DEI conversation.

Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Want to evaluate where your business stands when it comes to the EI? Visit our website to learn more:

https://aleaderlikeme.com/

Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.

If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.

Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.

If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: [email protected]. 

If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 

In this energising episode of A Leader Like Me, Priya Bates and Advita Patel sit down with the dynamic and joy-fuelled Gabriel Galdamez—internal communications expert, community builder, and flying trapeze coach (yes, really!). Gabriel shares his unconventional journey into internal communications, his passion for purpose-driven work, and his reflections on what inclusion truly looks like when it’s done with integrity.

Together, they explore:

Why “bringing your whole self to work” can be problematic—and what to say instead

How trauma and trust (or the lack of it) influence how people show up in organisations

The myth of the ‘authentic self’ and how inclusion should offer people the choice of what to share

The danger of framing workplaces as "families" and why seeing them as teams creates healthier cultures

How introspection can be a game-changer for leaders building inclusive workplaces

What it means to lead with curiosity over judgement in a fast-changing world

This episode is a must-listen for internal comms professionals, HR leaders, and DEI advocates who want to move beyond surface-level inclusion and into real, transformational culture change.

Find out more about Gabriel. 

Priya and Advita. 

______________

Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Order from

https://www.koganpage.com/

Discount Code ALLME20

The book is available in most online stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Indigo etc… and in some physical ones as well. 

Don't miss out. Get your copy of the book now and be part of the DEI conversation.

Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Want to evaluate where your business stands when it comes to the EI? Visit our website to learn more:

https://aleaderlikeme.com/

Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.

If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.

Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.

If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: [email protected]. 

If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 

Welcome back, and thank you for joining us for a brand-new season of A Leader Like Me Podcast!

Season five brings a fresh approach—while we’ll still be joined by inspiring guests and industry leaders, this time, we’re focusing on stories closer to home.

This season, we’re highlighting voices from The Leader Like Me Collective—a powerful network of HR professionals, communication experts, and leaders committed to amplifying inclusive workplace cultures. 

In episode one, we reconnect, reflect on the journey so far, and dive into the impact of our global consultancy and community. If you're looking for actionable insights on inclusive leadership, workplace culture, and belonging, this season is for you.

🎧 Tune in and let’s continue driving change together.

Priya & Advita

______________

Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Order from

https://www.koganpage.com/

Discount Code ALLME20

The book is available in most online stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Indigo etc… and in some physical ones as well. 

Don't miss out. Get your copy of the book now and be part of the DEI conversation.

Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Want to evaluate where your business stands when it comes to the EI? Visit our website to learn more:

https://aleaderlikeme.com/

Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.

If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.

Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.

If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: [email protected]. 

If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 

In this episode of A Leader Like Me, hosts Advita Patel and Priya Bates sit down with Alexandra McAvoy, a marketing and events professional, business owner, and digital assistant for A Leader Like Me. Alex shares her inspiring journey of resilience—navigating job loss, single parenthood, and entrepreneurship—while championing equity, diversity, and inclusion.

What’s Inside This Episode?

Key Takeaways:

🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe!If you’re a leader looking to drive real change or someone passionate about building inclusive workplaces, hit subscribe and join us for more insightful conversations!

📣 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

Until next time, keep leading with purpose, inclusion, and authenticity!

Priya and Advita. 

______________

Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Order from

https://www.koganpage.com/

Discount Code ALLME20

The book is available in most online stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Indigo etc… and in some physical ones as well. 

Don't miss out. Get your copy of the book now and be part of the DEI conversation.

Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Want to evaluate where your business stands when it comes to the EI? Visit our website to learn more:

https://aleaderlikeme.com/

Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.

If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.

Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.

If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: [email protected]. 

If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 

In this episode, Priya and Advita are joined by Christelle Beneteau, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer for Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Christelle leads all aspects of Ferrings Human Capital Strategy, Corporate Communications and sponsors the ED&I Strategy, she also serves on Ferring's Executive Committee.  

Before that she held similar positions with a number of major global companies such as Ebay, Novartis and Implenia, and is trained as a biochemist at the Ecole Supérieure de Chimie in Lille, France, and also holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland.

Christelle speaks passionately about inclusion and why this plays such an important part of life at Ferring Pharmaceuticals. 

______________

Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Order from

https://www.koganpage.com/

Discount Code ALLME20

The book is available in most online stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Indigo etc… and in some physical ones as well. 

Don't miss out. Get your copy of the book now and be part of the DEI conversation.

Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Want to evaluate where your business stands when it comes to the EI? Visit our website to learn more:

https://aleaderlikeme.com/

Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.

If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.

Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.

If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: [email protected]. 

If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 

In today's episode were interviewing Katherine Power and Tony Tenicela from Sodexo. 

Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Order from

https://www.koganpage.com/

Discount Code ALLME20

The book is available in most online stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Indigo etc… and in some physical ones as well. 

Don't miss out. Get your copy of the book now and be part of the DEI conversation.

Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Effective Internal Communication For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Want to evaluate where your business stands when it comes to the EI? Visit our website to learn more:

https://aleaderlikeme.com/

Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.

If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.

Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.

If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: [email protected]. 

If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/ 

In this special bonus episode, Priya Bates and Advita Patel, co-founders of 'A Leader Like Me,' discuss the Society for Human Resources Management's (SHRM) decision to remove Equity from their terminology. 

SHRM, a career development membership based in America, equips today’s HR professionals with the knowledge, resources, skills, and support to make a true, lasting impact—creating a world of work that works for all.

Advita and Priya also discuss the political landscape in the USA following President Biden stepping down from the candidate race and naming Kamala Harris as his nominee. The hosts discuss the challenges Black women and women of color may need to watch out for if Kamala succeeds in being named the leader for the Democrats. 

The end the podcast with some of their favorite moments from the season so far. 

Resources mentioned in the episode

SHRM website: https://www.shrm.org/home 

Lily Zheng's post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lilyzheng308_equity-activity-7220125682893254656-gc-X?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: [email protected]. 

If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/