Business, Belonging, and Beyond

In this episode of Business, Belonging, and Beyond, we explore how language, workplace culture and accessibility shape the experience of colleagues with different abilities.

We are joined by Disha Mehta, Global Strategy and Talent Change & Enablement Lead at Standard Chartered, who shares insights drawn from both her professional experience and lived experience of navigating the workplace with a visible disability.

Disha challenges some of the assumptions that can quietly exclude - from the language around workplace adjustments to the idea of an “ideal worker”, and the tendency for leaders to make career decisions on behalf of colleagues with different access needs.

We also explore what meaningful accessibility looks like in practice, why disclosure depends on trust and tangible support, how tools such as “workplace adjustment passports” can give colleagues greater agency, and how leaders can move beyond good intentions towards genuine accountability.

Looking ahead, Disha discusses the potential of AI to create more accessible and flexible workplaces, and why technology alone isn't enough. The real shift, she argues, is from a compliance mindset to a curiosity mindset: asking not what people can’t do, but what becomes possible when barriers are removed.

A conversation about accessibility, belonging, leadership and the future of work, while reminding us that inclusion isn't about making people fit the environment. It's about creating environments where people can bring their whole selves and their full potential to work.

In this episode of Business, Belonging, and Beyond Matt Horwood is joined by Anna Urbańska, CEO of Standard Chartered Poland, and Anna Jarczewska, Head of HR at Standard Chartered Poland to explore how inclusion and belonging drive culture, employee experience, and business success.

Together, they discuss why inclusion is everyone's responsibility - not just HR's - and how organizations can create environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best work. Drawing on their own leadership journeys, they reflect on the role of inclusive leadership, the importance of listening to employee feedback, and the impact that belonging can have on attracting, developing, and retaining talent.

The conversation also explores how global organizations balance consistent values with local realities, the role of leaders in creating psychologically safe workplaces, and why inclusion is both a cultural priority and a business imperative.

Listen now to discover why creating a workplace where everyone belongs is not only the right thing to do - it's essential for long-term success.

In this episode of Business, Belonging and Beyond, we sit down with Mark Bailey, CFO for Corporate & Investment Banking and Global Pride Co-Sponsor at Standard Chartered, to explore the role of leadership in driving meaningful inclusion.

Mark reflects on what it takes to move inclusion from intention to impact. The conversation highlights how real impact comes from creating a fair and fostering equal opportunity where visible, values-led leadership not only drives change, but embeds inclusion into everyday business practices and meaningful partnerships with Colleague Communities.

A practical and honest discussion on leadership, accountability and building a workplace culture where belonging is real for everyone.

In this episode of Business, Belonging and Beyond, we sit down with Tanuj Kapilashrami to explore the experiences, values and leadership lessons that have shaped her career.

From balancing accountability with empathy to embracing vulnerability and finding purpose beyond professional achievement, Tanuj reflects on what it means to lead with authenticity in today's world.

The conversation also explores the future of work and the shift from job titles to skills, adaptability and human potential. As organizations rethink how talent is recognized and developed, we discuss what it means to build cultures where people can contribute, grow, bring their full potential to work and find a sense of belonging.

A thoughtful conversation on leadership, culture, impact and creating opportunities that help people thrive.

Join host Matt Horwood, Director of Communications and External Affairs for Open for Business, and Aleksandra Brojek, Vice President of the Empower Beyond Foundation and the key architect of the LGBT+ Diamonds Awards, as they explore how practical strategies can embed inclusion and belonging in the workplace.

From the power of employee-led networks and community activism to initiatives like the LGBT+ Diamonds Awards, Aleksandra shares her insights, real-life stories, and tips for building a truly inclusive company culture.

How can inclusion unlock innovation and better business outcomes?

In this episode, Rafał Dembe — President of Warsaw Pride and strategy leader in financial services — shares how his journey from grassroots activism to corporate leadership reshaped his view on workplace inclusion.

In this episode we discuss:

Rafał also reflects on boundary-setting and avoiding burnout in inclusion work.

🎧 A practical conversation about leadership, accountability and measurable impact.

In this episode, Alison Higgins, Head of Markets UK and Europe and Head of Prime Service at Standard Chartered, shares her perspective on how multinational businesses can deliver consistent values across markets, while adapting to local realities, with Matt Horwood, Open for Business. They explore why inclusion matters for cross-border growth, how it shapes client trust, and what leaders can do to embed belonging into global teams and strategies.

Join the Standard Chartered and Open for Business teams as we unpack the Origins of Business, Belonging, and Beyond – why we created it, why this moment matters, and what listeners can expect from conversations with leaders shaping more inclusive workplaces.