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Race and the Water Sector: Where Are We Now and What Needs to Change?
Reuel Abrams was born in the UK, grew up in Barbados, then returned to the UK to complete his A-Levels. He has experienced racism throughout his life, but, is more than anything a "glass half full" person. In this episode he shares his positive blend of honesty, insight and analysis to the subject of race in the water sector (one of the many industries he has worked in). Now a senior industry figure, his contributions from a varied and successful career... are hugely engaging.
Lila, Perminder and Reuel all share experiences from their own lives and career of where they have had issues... but also where they have seen examples of best practice and strategies to progress.
It is acknowledged in this episode that the water sector has made progress, but there is still improvements to be made. There are great bit of advice here for every different type of person in the water sector.
Beneath The Surface
Through powerful stories and real-life examples, Beneath The Surface highlights EDI topics in the water sector, sharing personal experiences and best practices that inspire change. It brings attention to the voices of under-represented groups, with a focus on attracting diverse talent and fostering a culture of inclusion.
By connecting senior leaders and rising professionals from different backgrounds, it creates a space where ideas flourish, synergies are built, and the industry moves closer to becoming a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Beneath The Surface is co-hosted by British Water's CEO, Lila Thompson, and Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland.
Podcast Co-host- Lila Thompson, British Water, CEO
Lila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction, representing the interests of UK water and wastewater supply chain companies together with wider stakeholders across the sector, through the UK, Technical and International forums. The Water Industry Forum provides challenge-led, independent thought leadership, to tackle the challenges facing the sector. Lila was formerly responsible for British Water’s international services and led business development visits to a range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, and India. Lila has over 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in a variety of sectors.
Podcast Co-host- Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland
With 18 years of HR experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and now the water industry, Perminder has developed a deep understanding of business and strategy, and her journey has also highlighted the critical role of company culture and psychological safety in driving engagement, business success, innovation, and development. Perminder is passionate about ensuring the accessibility of clean water for all. A trip to India in her early years revealed the harsh reality of limited and unclean water resources, particularly impacting children, which was heartbreaking. This experience fuelled her dedication to helping others and reinforced her commitment to working in a global organisation focused on the social value of water.
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By British WaterReuel Abrams was born in the UK, grew up in Barbados, then returned to the UK to complete his A-Levels. He has experienced racism throughout his life, but, is more than anything a "glass half full" person. In this episode he shares his positive blend of honesty, insight and analysis to the subject of race in the water sector (one of the many industries he has worked in). Now a senior industry figure, his contributions from a varied and successful career... are hugely engaging.
Lila, Perminder and Reuel all share experiences from their own lives and career of where they have had issues... but also where they have seen examples of best practice and strategies to progress.
It is acknowledged in this episode that the water sector has made progress, but there is still improvements to be made. There are great bit of advice here for every different type of person in the water sector.
Beneath The Surface
Through powerful stories and real-life examples, Beneath The Surface highlights EDI topics in the water sector, sharing personal experiences and best practices that inspire change. It brings attention to the voices of under-represented groups, with a focus on attracting diverse talent and fostering a culture of inclusion.
By connecting senior leaders and rising professionals from different backgrounds, it creates a space where ideas flourish, synergies are built, and the industry moves closer to becoming a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Beneath The Surface is co-hosted by British Water's CEO, Lila Thompson, and Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland.
Podcast Co-host- Lila Thompson, British Water, CEO
Lila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction, representing the interests of UK water and wastewater supply chain companies together with wider stakeholders across the sector, through the UK, Technical and International forums. The Water Industry Forum provides challenge-led, independent thought leadership, to tackle the challenges facing the sector. Lila was formerly responsible for British Water’s international services and led business development visits to a range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, and India. Lila has over 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in a variety of sectors.
Podcast Co-host- Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland
With 18 years of HR experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and now the water industry, Perminder has developed a deep understanding of business and strategy, and her journey has also highlighted the critical role of company culture and psychological safety in driving engagement, business success, innovation, and development. Perminder is passionate about ensuring the accessibility of clean water for all. A trip to India in her early years revealed the harsh reality of limited and unclean water resources, particularly impacting children, which was heartbreaking. This experience fuelled her dedication to helping others and reinforced her commitment to working in a global organisation focused on the social value of water.