D&I Spy - Inclusion, Uncovered

In this episode we are joined by Dr Marcelle Moncrieffe‑Newman, race and leadership expert, author, and senior HR leader. Drawing on her doctoral research and lived experience, Marcelle shares stark insights into the realities faced by Black employees in UK workplaces—from universal experiences of racial discrimination to the often‑ignored ethnicity career progression gap. We explore why entry‑level diversity hasn’t translated into equitable progression, how recent rollbacks in DEI commitments are felt on the ground, and why policies alone continue to fall short. The conversation also tackles British workplace culture, psychological safety, accountability, and what real commitment to racial equity looks like beyond performative action.

Resources:

Order Book: https://amzn.to/4ktatRE

Website: https://www.marcellemoncrieffe.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcellemoncrieffe/

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/dr-marcelle-moncrieffe

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marcy_400

In this episode, we explore the powerful idea of unhiding at work. Ruth Rathblott shares her personal journey of hiding her disability and reveals why so many people conceal aspects of themselves in the workplace.

We discuss the impact this has on wellbeing, belonging and performance, why inclusion efforts don’t always translate into lived experience, and what leaders can do to create cultures where people feel safe to be themselves.

A thought-provoking conversation on authenticity, vulnerability and the hidden cost of not bringing our whole selves to work.

Resources:

Speaker Reel:

TEDx: When I Stopped Hiding, I Found Freedom

https://www.ted.com/talks/ruth_rathblott_when_i_stopped_hiding_i_found_freedom

BOOKS

Singlehandedly. Learning to Unhide and Embrace Connection.

https://geni.us/singlehandedly

Unhide & Seek. Live Your Best Life. Do Your Best Work.

https://geni.us/UnhideAndSeek

SOCIAL:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-rathblott/

https://www.instagram.com/ruthrath

https://www.tiktok.com/@ruthrathblott

https://www.youtube.com/@ruthrathblott62

In this episode of D&I Spy, Julie Humphreys and Natasha White are joined by Katherine Bryant, CEO of The Progress Partnership, to explore why women’s’ progression at work remains a challenge despite years of focus on the talent pipeline. Together, they discuss the career moments where women are most likely to stall, the impact of sponsorship and workplace culture, the hidden barriers embedded in organisational systems, and what organisations can do to accelerate progress. The conversation also looks ahead to the opportunities and risks that AI and changing ways of working may create for the next generation of women leaders.

Resources:

With over 30 years’ experience in insurance, Katherine Bryant is founder and Managing Director of The Progress Partnership, which provides bespoke coaching and training for businesses within the global risk and (re)insurance sector. Offerings include:

•     One-to-one executive coaching

•     Bespoke training and development programmes

•     Progressive Panels – to equip your teams/people with the tools and skills they need to succeed as confident, impactful             speakers/panellists

•     Keynotes and conference sessions to inspire, challenge and engage your audience

Katherine is passionate about helping (re)insurance professionals achieve their potential at work and also runs the Insurance Breakfast Club, a year-long programme designed to help women accelerate their insurance and risk careers.

Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-progress-partnership-limited-uk-/

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

www.theprogresspartnership.com

https://insurancebreakfastclub.com/

We are joined by Zoë Arden, leadership and communications specialist, and author of Story‑Centred Leadership.

Together we explore why storytelling in business isn’t a “soft skill” but a powerful leadership and culture‑shaping tool. Zoë challenges scepticism around storytelling, shares her five‑part story‑centred leadership model, and discusses how listening, inclusion, failure, and authenticity influence trust and behaviour in organisations.

The conversation also looks at whose stories are missing at work, how to avoid performative “diverse storytelling,” and what organisations like Timpson’s get right.

In this episode we sit down with Rina Lynch, Founder & CEO of Voice At The Table and former lawyer, to cut through the noise. We talk honestly about what’s changed in D&I, where organisations are most uncomfortable, and why good intentions don’t always translate into impact. From over‑engineered strategies to simple actions that actually work, Rina shares what helps leaders embed D&I into everyday decisions - without it becoming “another thing”.

Resources:

Rina Lynch | LinkedIn

Voice At The Table Ltd: Overview | LinkedIn

Home | Voice At The Table

We’re joined by Dr Lucy Ryan to dig into what’s driving the revolt of midlife women at work. We talk candidly about the “midlife collision”, the three phases women move through, and the rarely acknowledged role of death anxiety. We challenge why menopause has become the dominant (and often limiting) corporate narrative, and instead reframe midlife as a moment of power, clarity and ambition. Drawing on Dr Lucy’s research, we explore how workplace systems slow women down or push them out — and what actually helps.

Revolting Women is available on Amazon

In this episode we’re joined by Liz Dimmock, CEO of Moving head and a member of the 30% Club Global Steering Committee. Together, we explore the real state of gender equity in leadership today — where progress is genuine, where it has stalled, and why pushback is increasingly part of the conversation.

Maria Gallucci, author and proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). Growing up as one of six hearing children in a Deaf household, Maria learned ASL before English and even helped her parents buy a home at age 12. Her lived experience shaped a lifelong commitment to inclusive communication and challenging assumptions about accessibility. Maria introduces the concept of “Deaf Gain”—a reframing that shifts the narrative from “hearing loss” to the unique cultural and cognitive contributions of Deaf communities.

RESOURCES:

American Sign Language Basics:

British Sign Language Basics:

Producer Dan’s Top Tip: ‘There’s options you will love in your daily life, or to support your needs, that you never knew existed. Read the manual and/or find the accessibility options on your device settings! …No, do it now!”

Nic Marks shares why happiness isn’t just a “nice-to-have” but a critical business metric that drives team performance and organisational success. We explore the hidden costs of ignoring happiness, the dangers of being stuck in “OK,” and why measuring happiness can transform the future of work. Plus, Nic offers practical tips to help leaders create happier, higher-performing teams.

In this episode we’re joined by author and leadership advisor Charlotte Otter to explore why the world needs a new kind of leader. Drawing on academic research and two decades of experience in global communications, Charlotte introduces the concept of reputation equity—and explains why it’s critical for diverse leaders aiming for the top.

RESOURCES:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotteeliseotter/

Book: https://www.charlotteotter.com/leaders

Podcast: https://www.charlotteotter.com/podcast

Recent articles: https://www.charlotteotter.com/press

Full transcript of this episode is available when listening on Apple Podcasts, or by visiting our Substack.

You can follow the show on Instagram, and Dr Julie and Natasha on LinkedIn