Race Forward Pod

What if the missing piece of your organisation's growth puzzle is hiding in plain sight? Join us as we converse with the dynamic expert in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Nesli Ercan. From her journey that started in Turkey and took her to Dublin, she breathes life into the DEI narrative.

Nesli not only carries a treasure trove of experiences shaped by different cultures but also carries the strategic chops and business acumen that help her make a real impact on DEI practices in organisations. She shares her insights on the importance of business acumen in facilitating effective learning and development sessions for DEI practitioners.

But that's not all. Nesli also unwraps the tremendous benefits hidden in the simple act of prioritizing the recruitment and advancement of underrepresented individuals in organisations.

We delve deep into the ethical, strategic, and innovative advantages that come along with cognitive diversity in the workplace. Nesli also shares her thoughts on the need for compensation and accountability in company models to foster an environment of equity.

Listen in, as Nesli opens up about the journey to lasting change - a path paved with small steps, long-term commitment, and open-mindedness. This episode is a must-listen for all leaders, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about making a difference.

About this Episodes Guest: Nesli. Ercan

Nesli is a global business leader with a profound passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). With 15 years of global partnerships & growth experience, Nesli has orchestrated international projects and cultivated high-performing teams with a strong passion for driving change. From Udemy to GoStudent, Vodafone to Indeed, in addition to her full-time roles in business development, she always championed DEI initiatives, actively fostering inclusive cultures within every organisation she has touched. Notably, in her last role at Meta, she spearheaded transformative DEI partnerships and marketing programs that harnessed the potential of underrepresented communities.

Brace yourselves for a stimulating discussion with the esteemed Dr. Mikal Anderson. As a diversity and inclusion practitioner and educator, not to mention a social impact entrepreneur, Dr. Anderson brings a wealth of expertise to the table.

We navigate through his riveting journey from the financial services sector to the educational field, as he has passionately advocated for marginalised groups. Get ready to hear about his impact-driven approach to fostering equity and belonging, particularly in educational spaces.

We also take a moment to address the elephant in the room – the essential role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in organisations.

Dr. Anderson hammers home the importance of nurturing diverse talent, and the need for leaders to step out of their comfort zone and drive bold DEI initiatives.

We also delve into the importance of representation in leadership, and why data shouldn't be feared but embraced, underscoring the integral role DEI plays across all sectors, not just education.

Shifting our gaze towards the future, we explore the hurdles and prospects of promoting DEI in the workplace.

About this Episodes Guest: Dr. Mikal Anderson

Dr. Mikal Anderson is the Founder of Prototype Entities, a management consulting firm focused on equity in education and economic outcomes. With nearly two decades of experience as a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leader and international consultant, he addresses educational inequities globally.

Dr. Anderson has worked with various organizations to develop and implement DEI agendas and improve education and workforce development. He is also a faculty member at Tulane University's John Lewis Master of Public Administration program.

Dr. Anderson is active in community initiatives and holds multiple degrees and certifications from prestigious institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and the University of Southern California.

Ever wondered how the world of sports is tackling diversity and inclusion? In today's conversation with Jatin Patel, we peel back the layers of his professional journey to uncover the critical role of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in shaping the future of sports, particularly rugby.

Jatin enlightens us about his experiences with the Rugby Football Union and their strategic approach towards nurturing a diverse and inclusive sports environment.

This episode takes us to the heart of diversity data in sports, its importance, and the unique challenges it poses. Our guest from a national sports organisation drops some truth bombs about how capturing this crucial data can lead to more inclusive sports. As we navigate this landscape, we stress the significance of active listening and co-creation of solutions with those impacted directly by diversity issues. A recurring theme here is the need for sustainable and evolving strategies to make a real difference in the sports world.

In our concluding thoughts, we cast our eyes on the future of sports, where technology and diversity play starring roles. We discuss the growing trust in reporting discrimination and how sports can be a unifying factor for marginalised groups.

Our conversation with Jatin wraps up with an insightful discourse on self-care and mental health awareness in this demanding field. So, let's get ready for some hard-hitting, enlightening, and ultimately uplifting discussions about diversity in rugby, its impact, and the game plan for a more inclusive future in sports.

About this Episodes Guest: Jatin Patel

Jatin is an inclusion, diversity, and social equality professional with over 12 years of experience working across the private and charity sectors.

 

In his current role as Inclusion & Diversity Director at the RFU, Jatin focuses on driving the I&D strategy across four strategic pillars; Game Play, Fans/Followers/Partners, Employee and Board and Game Leadership via multi-year action plans, key events, ongoing awareness and education and advocacy for positive change across the game.

 

Before joining the RFU, Jatin worked for DLA Piper and KPMG UK, developing specific expertise in social and racial equality, communication campaigns and public & organisational policy.

Join us as we engage in an enriching conversation with the remarkable Dr. Lindy, an EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) expert. Listen in as she takes us through her journey in EDI work, how she was sponsored into her role, and her development of a programme around race literacy. Discover the factors that keep her inspired, such as the alliances she forms, learning from others, and watching people grow and change.

You'll also learn about Dr. Lindy's innovative approach to dealing with minority racialised identity and neurodiversity in higher education, including her unique 80-20 rule.

The conversation doesn't stop there. In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Lindy reflects on the essential aspects of power dynamics in higher education. She candidly shares her thoughts on the importance of those in positions of power owning up to their roles in EDI work and how they can avoid the pitfalls of inaction.

This episode also explores ways higher education institutions can build stronger collaborations between staff and students. Dr. Lindy provides insightful advice on how students can harness their power and the necessity for staff to create space for students' voices. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the field of EDI and higher education.

About this Episodes Guest: Dr Lindy-Ann Alfred,

Lead Consultant/Senior Consultant | Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Advance HE

Asked to describe Lindy-Ann, the word 'post-modern woman' was used by a friend. In the context of spaces inhabited by women of African descent it perhaps accurately describes 

Lindy-Ann is an educator, poet, netball player, circus tricks learning,  African-Caribbean feminist,  and anti-racist activist Trekkie. 

As a Senior Fellow of the HEA, Lindy-Ann has over three decades of experience in a range of education sectors both nationally and internationally. She considers herself firstly as a teacher/facilitator, offering a ‘principled’ space for ‘participants to freely engage with and leverage their unique cultural wealth within any given learning arena.  Lindy-Ann embodies a creative and innovative flare to work in equality and inclusion and has built a reputable focus on equitable outcomes for students and staff marginalised by society. Her doctoral work focussed on the persistence of international women in Higher Education and this continues to be the focus of her research and practice in both further and higher education.  

She has also worked across the sector to develop a systematic ‘thought mapping’ approach to embedding equality and diversity in the curriculum. Outside the sector, Lindy-Ann continues to advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable by volunteering within the community as a school governor and on the panel hearing system in Scotland. Lindy-Ann is currently co-editing a book of indigenous methodologies with HE colleagues in the Caribbean and beyond.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Charlene Oke, a leader in championing Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) at LexixNexis. She shares her inspiring journey in spearheading D&I strategies globally, including her experiences as a black woman navigating challenging workplace conversations.

Discover Charlene's groundbreaking D&I initiatives, including psychological safety measures and Amy Edmondson's seven questions for managers. Learn about her successful programmes like the Ethnically Diverse Group of Employees (EDGE), 30 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and initiatives like Ignite and Accelerate for senior women.

Charlene also discusses inclusive culture and diverse talent acquisition, highlighting successes in recruiting from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. She shares insights on the Immersion Evolve programme and emphasises the importance of mental health for D&I leaders, offering tips to avoid burnout. Don't miss this riveting conversation with Charlene.

About this Episodes Guest: Charlene Oke

Charlene Oke (BSc Hons, MA Merit FCIPD) is currently a Senior D&I Business Partner at LexisNexis Risk  Solutions (LNRS) and a member of the (LNRS) Inclusion Council. Within this role, Charlene has the opportunity to support and influence D&I strategy across the organisation of more than 10,000  employees with the primary focus on enhancing and developing an inclusive culture and supporting employee experience. In doing so Charlene has participated in numerous podcasts, live lounges and summits including speaking at DIAL Global, D&I Leaders and Black Inclusion Week events. In addition, Charlene has interviewed David Olusoga OBE, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (PhD, MBA, LLM, MA, LLB, IAQ) and  The Rt Hon Mr David Lammy MP (Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and  Development Affairs) to name a few.  

Before this appointment, Charlene was an established Global HR Business Partner within the LNRS  group and Founder of EDGE (Ethnically Diverse Group of Employees) employee resource group.  

In previous organisations, Charlene's career spans over 15 years driving HR strategy, and programmes and providing HR leadership across media, travel, leisure, and fine dining restaurant industries. This has led to a passion and focus on building relationships, employee engagement, coaching and creating people strategies with a D&I focus while partnering with senior leadership teams.  

Charlene has a Master- Degree from London Metropolitan University in Employment Studies & HR and a Chartered Fellowship of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel Development FCIPD). Along with her HR professional commitments, Charlene is also a Parent Governor Trustee at Whitehorse Juniors  Primary School in South London.  

Aside from flying the flag for D&I, Charlene lives in London and spends her spare time trying new cuisines, travelling, and making memories with her husband and two children.  

Charlene believes that pushing forward “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” should be a part of everyone’s  DNA. This allows everyone to be able to be their authentic self and to find their voice.

Prepare to be enlightened on the subject of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in this engaging conversation with Katrin and Ayse from Deutsche Telekom. We venture deep into the world of DEI, unearthing critical insights from real-life experiences that have shaped our guests' values and propelled their careers in this vital field. We dissect the impact of inclusive systems like AI and product design, emphasising the significance of comprehending DEI in its entirety, and the transformative power it holds when effectively implemented.

Our narrative takes a significant turn as we investigate Deutsche Telekom's mammoth task of fostering DEI across its substantial workforce of 230,000 employees worldwide. We lay bare their strategies, including their use of data, cultivating a sense of belonging, and blueprint formation around the seven dimensions of diversity. With a sneak peek into their upcoming global D&I eLearning programme, this episode promises a rare insight into the corporate world's endeavours to construct inclusive environments and nurture unity among diverse individuals.

From communication to public relations, gender equality initiatives, and the essential role they play in furthering DEI strategies, we unpack it all.

Learn about Deutsche Telekom's groundwork in setting up three pillars for its DEI strategy and its innovative initiatives to promote gender equality.

Our guests Ayse and Katrin add depth to the discussion with their personal experiences with job sharing and the importance of recognising individual strengths and differences. The episode concludes with the DEI gurus sharing priceless wisdom on implementing pragmatic DEI strategies in the workplace, harnessing the power of data, storytelling, and a relentless drive for progress.

About this Episodes Guests: Katrin Terwiel and Ayse Semiz-Ewald

About Katrin

From Punk Rock Girl to Global VP: Katrin Terwiel is the global leader for DE&I at Deutsche Telekom (>200k employees) together with her job-sharing partner Ayse Semiz-Ewald. Katrin is 36 years old, lives in Cologne (Germany) and is fueled by being outside with her Australian Shepperd Kio and singing or dancing to punk & grunge music. The job-sharing model allows her to pursue her side hustle: DE&I consulting, mental health coaching for executives and co-hosting her German psychology podcast “DEEP SHIT TALKS”.

Why mental health coaching? Katrin is a licensed psychotherapist and had her private practice in Berlin till 2018. She ended the classical therapy practice to start her career in corporate health and diversity management. Before she joined Deutsche Telekom in 2021, she was heading a department at Zalando responsible for health, family friendliness and anti-discrimination.

Her mission is, to craft roadmaps for change together with executives and organizations facing turning points in a world full of old and new norms. She has their back on their journey towards a vital & equitable life & world.

About Ayse

Ayse has a solid foundation in data-driven insights and a hands-on approach, and she is on a mission to break down barriers and empower careers.

🚀 From building trustful relationships with senior stakeholders to translating business needs into impactful project portfolios, She is your go-to partner for navigating the intersection of people and strategy.

🤝 At the core of her ethos lies a deep commitment to fostering equity. She passionately champions an inclusive environment and promotes a performance-driven culture.

Her broad experience across diverse people-centric domains has earned me the title of "HR Swiss Knife" among her colleagues.

💡 Currently, she's proud to steer transformative initiatives at Deutsche Telekom as the VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and is the Founder of JobMagnet Career Coaching, which in collaboration with the German employment office, provides free job coaching to empower women and marginalised groups..

With the age-old wisdom of 'walking a mile in someone else's shoes,' we sat down with Sofi Musleh for a deep, engaging conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sofi, a woman of colour and a passionate advocate for DEI shared her journey— the triumphs, the trials, and the transformative experiences that have shaped her unique leadership style.

In our conversation with Sofi, we also explore the intricate world of feminism and diversity in the corporate realm.

We emphasise the importance of respecting individual beliefs and values and discuss the challenges of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives while addressing resistance and scepticism. Our dialogue underscores the role of education and global priorities in promoting allyship and advocacy for marginalised groups.

Furthermore, we extend our examination of DEI to the healthcare industry, emphasising the pressing need for greater diversity in clinical trials.

About this Episodes Guest: Sofi Musleh

Sofi Musleh is the Global Head of DEI for Gender and LGBTQ+ in Novartis.

She has worked in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion for years before taking on this role, as an ERG lead as well as an active participant in DEI initiatives and programmes wherever she worked. From speaking about the bereavement challenges for non-European people living in a European environment to delivering a TEDx talk in 2016 about the experience of people of colour in Ireland, to speaking about gender equity in panel discussions at corporate and global events, Sofi uses her lived experience alongside her DEI knowledge to tell the stories of minorities wherever they exist.

Her TEDx talk was featured as one of 30 speeches delivered by women that changed the scene in Ireland, in the book: Irish Women's Speeches- Voices That Rocked The System, by Prof Sonja Tiernan.

As an intersectional leader, Sofi aims to bring DEI into the forefront of discussions to give it the focus it deserves in a non-judgmental and empathetic manner. She is based in Ireland where she lives with her little family of three humans and three cats.

Imagine growing up in an environment where you're different from everyone else.

Our guest, Ayo Barley knows this all too well. Raised in a predominantly white working-class area in the UK, Ayo's experiences ignited her passion for advocating for minoritised communities.

Her journey led her to establish a charity and a consultancy aimed at fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. She also shares her personal story of reclaiming her Nigerian name, underscoring the importance of embracing one's identity.

Navigating the world of higher education and employment can be challenging, especially when you're faced with deeply entrenched biases. Ayo sheds light on this, highlighting her role as the chair of the Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Doctoral Education.

This consortium has set its sights on making PhD programmes more accessible for underrepresented groups. We also discuss the complexities and layers of identity and the importance of creating a sense of belonging in the workplace.

This episode is a testament to the power of personal experiences and the importance of ongoing commitment to DEI initiatives.

About this Episode Guest: Ayo Barley

Ayo (she/her) is the founder and Managing Director of Bakare Barley Ltd, a Liverpool (UK) based consultancy that works with organisations and underrepresented groups to influence strategy, policy and practice relating to advancing Equality, Diversity and

Inclusion (EDI). She is host of The Inclusion Exchange podcast which highlights how to make EDI improvements and catalyse progress in advancing equity in organisations.

She has an academic background in Social Policy and has worked with people who are underrepresented in community and corporate settings including in science and engineering, banking, the Voluntary Sector, Higher Education, the National Health

Service (NHS), Local Authorities, and social care to bring about visible culture change.

Ayo has complementary skills in business development which includes improving financial performance through robust business strategies and income generation, and approaches EDI from a social justice, business performance, and compliance lens.

Ayo is an Independent Equalities Advisor to national UK charity Citizens Advice, Chair of the External Advisory Board of the Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Doctoral Education (YCEDE) and co-founded the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff network.

Join us on this enlightening journey with our special guests, Alex Hirst and Lizzie Penny, as we explore the revolution of work style and its potential to redefine our professional lives.

Tune in to hear about our personal experiences and how the concept of "work style" was born, advocating the freedom to choose when and where we work.

This discussion emphasises the importance of a digital-first, asynchronous, and trust-based work environment that fosters inclusivity while boosting efficiency and flexibility. Listen in as we stress the critical role leaders play in modelling trust for this new approach to work to be truly successful.

Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst are friends, entrepreneurs, changemakers and bestselling authors. They have been leading the Workstyle Revolution for a decade, campaigning for the individualisation of work to improve well-being, step change productivity and redefine inclusion through a fundamental redefining of work. They believe fiercely that creating autonomy at work - giving everyone the freedom to choose when and where they work - could drive diversity, equity and inclusion at work in a way not seen before. They co-founded B Corp Hoxby Ltd in 2015 to prove the concept and the business now consults to others wishing to work this way. They have helped thousands of workstylers around the world to set, project and respect their workstyles, and are conducting pioneering research into the link between autonomy, productivity and well-being. Hoxby has delivered projects working in a workstyle way for some of the biggest businesses in the world including Unilever, Merck, Amazon, AIA and Sony.

In this engaging conversation with Dr. Shanéa Thomas, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in education, the discussion revolves around the question of whether we are doing enough to promote inclusion in schools.

Dr. Thomas shares her personal journey and professional growth, highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the rigid binary framework of educational settings.

The conversation goes beyond identifying the problems and explores potential solutions. Dr. Thomas encourages us to challenge our preconceived notions and emphasises the importance of continuously updating our knowledge about sex and gender. She suggests using platforms like TikTok as a resource for education.

Dr. Thomas underscores that training and open discussions about sex and gender benefit everyone and calls for greater recognition of trans and queer individuals in our communities.

About this Episodes Guest: Dr Shanéa Thomas

Dr. Shanéa Thomas, LICSW (He/She/Dr.) is a bold lecturer and seasoned scholar-practitioner with more than 18 years of professional social work experience in the Washington D.C. metro area. His organization, Thomas Consulting and Therapeutic Services, main commitment is training and strategising with social workers, educators, and service providers around building safer therapeutic and educational spaces for all people.

This is especially for those working in communities that are underserved and under-resourced, and those identifying as Black, Indigenous, people of color, and LGBTQ+ folks. Dr. Thomas has facilitated over 80 workshops centring on DEI needs, grief and loss, mental health, sex and gender, and LGBTQ+ populations. When creating organisational change through strategic planning, Dr. Thomas' work unapologetically centres marginalized voices with community organisations and healthcare institutions to help shift power, privilege, and organisational accountability.

Dr. Thomas ended his 10-year position at the University of Southern California School of Social Work as a Senior Lecturer in 2022 to further the commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity through the University of Maryland School of Public Health as their new LGBTQ+ Training Specialist and Assistant Research Professor. Dr. Thomas is currently curating a national training program launching in May 2023 with the use of the Prevention Research Center's evidence-based tools to build LGBTQ+ competency in practice amongst mental health professionals.