In today’s episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue interviews Helen Farmer, an Inclusion and Social Impact consultant, author, speaker, and writer. Helen's diverse background and passion for creating meaningful dialogues make her a valuable resource in the realm of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and beyond. They delve into the importance of preparation and reflection when approaching sensitive conversations in the workplace. Helen shares her experiences and insights, emphasising the value of self-awareness and vulnerability. The discussion explores the significance of frank conversations and the challenges leaders face in navigating them, especially during times of crisis. Helen also offers guidance on fostering open dialogue within organisations, emphasising the need for self-awareness, peer support, and a willingness to tackle the "unsaid stuff."
“I think the starting point I suggest is for people to always look at themselves. So that kind of self awareness is massive, because if you aren't on the journey, or haven't opened up, or gone on any part of that journey yourself, you're going to have less to relate to, and connect to the experiences that other people will have to go on to do that. ”
Episode Highlights:
-
The Power of Frank Conversations
-
Overcoming Fear in Leadership
-
The significance of encouraging self-awareness
About Helen Farmer:
Helen Farmer Bio 2023
Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion Consultant/ Research Associate
Helen works with people who support people from school to boardroom, especially young people and those most underserved; as well as overrepresented people, to remove barriers and provide better access, progress and support.
Specialist in the research/ strategy/ set-up/ support of multi-partner programmes, often working across sectors, in overrepresented sectors, working with a wide range of clients from corporates to charities, to universities and employability programmes in sectors like Creative; Digital; Engineering; Technology; Innovation, Construction; Refugee.
In 2023 her focus is on collaborations for Frank Conversations, curating and creating walks and talks for better listening, decision-making and action - thinking spaces, stories and spaces for better work and workplaces
Contact:
[email protected]
07795621781
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helenfarmer
Key Interests?
With core values of justice and belonging, Helen focuses on employability and social mobility and the S in ESG - Environmental and Social Governance. People don’t just need mentoring or programmes, they need to access jobs and pay, with equity, at all levels.
A fan of creative, disruptive support, she helps people explore their unsaid and undone work, from school to boardroom.
Alongside her research and consultancy she is a regular speaker; author; Associate Lecturer Bath Spa University Business School; Independent Assessor - for a UK grantmaker; and a Trustee - Creative Tuition Collective - Providing free tuition, and support to pupils (13-16 years old) from low-income backgrounds, marginalised and underrepresented communities.
Speaker/ Panellist/ Podcaster:
● Top listened-to podcast of 100 Inclusive Growth Podcasts: Brave Conversations opening the door to the unsaid and undone work in Inclusion
● Bristol Mental Health Hackathon
● CEOs Session: Talent Management and Skills for a Different City – Bristol and Bath Science Park
Author and Interviewer:
● Bounce Back Journey of Parenting - From Rock Bottom to Bouncing Back - Belonging in My Work for Inclusion
● Bounce Back Journey of Careers - Autism, Assumptions and Life as a Single Mum - Interview with Rebecca Scott
Live Projects and Problems solved:
*What is the missing talent infrastructure in Bristol? How could networking and connections be de-gatekeeped to be more accessible and useful for under-represented and under-served people in Bristol? - Live project for 2x Student Innovation Teams in University of Bristol Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
*Mindgarden CIC Research and identify strategic partnership opportunities in Bristol and the wider mental health sector to potentially collaborate and partner with on research projects and the research and development of wider Mindgarden CIC Tools, App and community.
*Ablaze and NatWest Find Your Path Employability Programme - delivery support for 10 session programme for 16-25 year olds not currently working or studying. Plus business development for new Employability Support programme - Mentoring for entry level staff.
*Creative Workforce for the Future Programme a flexible and bespoke Inclusion programme of professional development with EDI audits for 60+ organisations and paid placements for young people. February 2020-March 2021
*Research, recommendations and leadership support and training for ambitious diversity and inclusion recruitment and procurement targets - for Wates Houses of Parliament Project. (Working with Legacy Strategies Ltd and Green Consulting) .
*Design and support for inclusive, accessible Events/Networks/Training/Workshops E.g. Data Science Conference and Technology Recruitment Fair for Women’s Tech Hub and University of the West of England Master’s in Data Science, April 2022.
If you would like to apply to be a guest on the show email: [email protected]
If you would like to schedule a capability briefing call with our team, email: [email protected]
If you would like to apply for DEI PRO Coaching, email:
[email protected]
Stay Connected with Ashanti:
LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue