Nothing Without Us

In this episode Angie delves into the complex terrain of despair faced by those engaged in equity work. Angie discusses the predictability of betrayal and retreat within equity movements. She references the work of thinkers like Audre Lorde and Leah Mani VIN to explain how capitalist patriarchy inherently demands the fragmentation and depletion of marginalized groups. Angie argues that DEI work often fails because it is reactionary and maintains power structures. She calls for a reimagining of equity work, emphasizing the importance of communal practices, resisting fragmentation, and creating spaces that honor diversity and collective well-being. By offering practical steps and encouraging reflection, Angie advocates for a generative and creative approach to equity that addresses structural exhaustion and fosters sustainable change.

Find out more about Audre Lorde https://alp.org/about/audre
and Leah Manaema Avene on her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/co_cu1tur3?igsh=b3p6emNiYTBwZHlz

"Like yoga, I need to keep showing up to the practice of humanising, of leaning in and toward things that are very difficult."

In this episode Angie discusses the importance of relational and narrative intelligence, particularly in the context of engaging with those with whom we disagree. Angie explores her physiological and emotional responses to listening to a long-form interview with Tommy Robinson, a known far-right figure, and emphasizes the significance of somatic awareness, emotional presence, and positionality in equity work. Drawing from personal experiences and academic references, she advocates for humanising even those with extreme views to foster deeper understanding and systemic change.

Find out more at https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/

"Equity work is everybody in the nobody out. And it means we need to be able to tolerate and hear and humanise the people whose views we oppose. Humanise them more, not less."

Welcome back to Nothing Without Us and a new season of episodes. 

This time, Angie is exploring the concept of wilderness in these troubled times. Today's episode also includes a reflection on responses to the murder of Charlie Kirk.

In this last episode before the summer break, Angie shares a short extract from her forthcoming book. 

Look out for more episodes of the podcast in our new series from September onwards.

In this week's episode, we join Angie on a recent webinar exploring a framework for managing staff conduct issues in polarising times. 

Angie explores various issues such as the influence of Andrew Tate, UK race riots, Trump's re-election, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and gender definitions. She breaks down a framework of narrative intelligence, emotional intelligence, liberatory intelligence, and spiritual intelligence to help you navigate these issues in school. By listening, you will gain practical tools and exercises to foster responsible and empathetic leadership. 

Find out more about the short course, Leading Well in Polarised Times: Managing Conduct, Culture, and Community, starting 17th September here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leading-well-in-polarised-times-managing-conduct-culture-and-community-tickets-1340604838159?discount=WebinarAttendee

This week, Angie reads her open letter addressed to the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT). The letter criticizes the design choice of placing a pub at the center of the 2025 Inspiring Leadership Conference, highlighting its exclusionary impact on various marginalized groups, including Muslim educators, people in recovery, disabled individuals, and more. 

Angie discusses the response she received and uses this scenario to explore broader themes around equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership. Using the Being Luminary Framework, she explores how to create truly inclusive spaces. Listeners are encouraged to rethink their own practices and embrace a more expansive and inclusive design in leadership contexts.

I'm diving deep into individual experiences of working in the DEI space this month. This week, I'm talking to Dr Leslie Williams about her life and career, and how she is shaping an EDIB vision across the many schools in Nord Anglia's portfolio.

Dr Leslie Williams is Nord Anglia’s Senior Programme Lead for Social Impact and Giving, and Chairperson for the Global Equalities Programme.
She began her career in education in 2002 as an English teacher in both public and private schools before transitioning into the role of High School Director at Windermere Preparatory School in August 2013.

During the summer of 2020, whilst High School Director, Leslie became the NAE Chairperson for Global the Equality Programme's Steering Committee, which is responsible for creating an EDIB Policy and an EDIB Vision with key organisational goals. She continues to lead the organisation’s efforts in ensuring everyone understands their role in creating inclusive environments that instil a sense of belonging in each community member. In July 2022, Leslie began her current role, which focuses on the NAE Social Impact Programme which supports UNICEF, Social Impact Grants, and Student Leadership. Through this role, she aims to connect with schools and to connect schools with one another as they work through the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Child Rights through the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and student leadership opportunities. 

Find Leslie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-leslie-williams-48a86965/

Find out more about the Being Luminary programme and the Excellence in Equity Award on my website https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/

I'm diving deep into individual experiences of working in the DEI space this month. This week, I'm talking to Charlotte McDowell from the British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) in Abu Dhabi, about how her own experience has shaped her work and her leadership of BSAK's DEI efforts.

Charlotte McDowell is a highly respected Assistant Head Teacher at the British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) in Abu Dhabi. With extensive experience in primary education across both the UK and UAE, she brings a wealth of pedagogical knowledge to her role. Charlotte is a passionate advocate for inclusive practices, serving as a coach and lead for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) initiatives at BSAK. Beyond her professional commitments, Charlotte is a full-time working mother, having built her family through adoption. Her personal journey enriches her understanding of the diverse needs of students and families, further strengthening her commitment to creating a supportive and equitable school environment.  

Find Charlotte on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-mcdowell-070535b5/

Find out more about the Being Luminary programme and the Excellence in Equity Award on my website https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/

I'm diving deep into individual experiences of working in the DEI space this month. We begin with a conversation with Kamare El Khatib about her self, her career and what has shaped her work so far, but also how she has experienced training as she leads her school's DEI work.

Kamare El Khatib is an educator with 13 years of experience in teaching and leadership across Sciences and Languages. As the DEI and Interculturalism Leader at the British International School Group (BISR), she leads the DEI Strategic Plan and works with her team to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout various aspects of school life. Kamare and her team also promote intercultural learning through the curriculum and events. She holds an MSc in Biology and an MA in Educational Leadership and Management.

Find Kamare on LinkedIn at 

www.linkedin.com/in/kamar-el-khatib-1ba35566

Find out more about the Being Luminary programme and the Excellence in Equity Award on my website https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/

In this last episode of my short May series, Microdosing Enchantment, I'm looking at Community. 

We cannot do equality work in isolation. Working in community saves the individual from shouldering all the burden, but it also creates better work. 

And talking of community, next month, I'll be returning with more conversations with friends and colleagues on this DEI journey with me.