In this episode we sit down with Toby Mildon. Toby is the founder and director of Mildon, a diversity and inclusion consultancy helping HR heads implement effective diversity and inclusion changes in their organisations to improve decision-making, innovation, employee engagement, retainment and employer branding. Toby’s Book Inclusive Growth (available on Amazon) provides a practical framework that enables you to deliver a sustainable, diverse and inclusive workplace that allows your organisation to grow. Prior to this Toby has worked as Diversity and Inclusion Manager at both the BBC and Deloitte.

This episode covers a variety of topics from: 

Common challenges organisations face with EDI

Advice for people who’re new to EDI roles

How to create job descriptions that attract more diverse talent

How to overcome resistance from senior leaders

… and so much more, enjoy.

Join us on LinkedIn:

🔗 Connect with Toby Mildon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobymildon/

🔗 Connect with Vicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/

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In this episode of The Culture Shift, host Vicki Baars welcomes Ilona Alcock, co-founder and director of Elevate, a dynamic network dedicated to supporting purpose-driven organisations. Ilona shares her insightful journey in launching Elevate amidst the pandemic, focusing on elevating inclusivity and collaboration across diverse sectors.

The episode highlights the crucial role of building trust and safe work environments where employees feel comfortable expressing their feelings and discussing external factors impacting their work. Ilona and Vicki then tackle the pressures inherent in startup culture, with Iona recounting her transition from employment to self-employment and her commitment to fostering a healthy, non-toxic work culture at Elevate.

Listeners will gain insights into Elevate's varied daily operations, from organising events to conducting training programs, illustrating the organisation's dynamic nature. The episode also explores how Elevate's principles of wellbeing and purpose-driven work influence the practices of the organisations they collaborate with, leading to more diverse and sustainable practices.

The conversation also touches on work-life integration, the avoidance of burnout, and shifts in work culture during the pandemic, emphasising the need for authenticity and balance. Further, the discussion delves into the evolving dynamics of the workplace, the importance of employee wellbeing, and the trend towards more flexible and respectful work environments.

The episode doesn't shy away from discussing innovative work practices and the role of informal communication channels in adapting to various working styles. It culminates in a profound discussion on redefining work, engaging employees meaningfully, and the potential impact of a four-day workweek on employee wellbeing and productivity.

Join us in this enlightening episode with Ilona, where we uncover the essence of creating a purpose-driven, inclusive, and sustainable work culture.

Stay Connected: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10000836/

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShift

Connect with our host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/

Reach out to Ilona:

View Ilona Alcock’s profile

Stay Informed: https://share.hsforms.com/1wxV7qbNNTFqnDpE8NyQRqg19u31

For more insights and resources, visit our website: https://culture-shift.co.uk/podcast/

Tune in to this compelling episode and be part of the conversation shaping the future of work and organisational culture.

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In this episode of The Culture Shift, host Vicki Baars sits down with Christopher Owen, the Inclusivity Development Manager for Manchester Pride. Christopher brings his unique perspective from his journey in intersectional systemic oppression studies and his impactful consulting work in equality and diversity.

Christopher explores the nuances of genuine equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, moving beyond superficial efforts. He critiques commonplace diversity gestures like hosting tokenistic events for LGBTQ+ employees during Pride Month and sheds light on the often limited resources allocated to such initiatives within organisations.

This episode delves deep into the importance of understanding the history and ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, rather than simply celebrating Pride Month superficially. Christopher discusses the myth of meritocracy and how beliefs in a fair, merit-based system often mask the real barriers to advancement in the workplace.

Listeners will gain insights into real-world examples, like how mentorship can play a crucial role in addressing systemic issues and aiding career advancement. The episode also highlights the paradoxes of unconscious bias training and its unintended consequences, as well as the impact of UK government policies on trans individuals' healthcare access.

Christopher and Vicki also discuss the All Equals Charter's thorough accreditation process and the 'Getting Started' program for organisations beginning their journey towards inclusivity. They address the challenges professionals face in engaging inclusively with marginalised communities and identify common workplace practices that inadvertently reinforce systemic barriers.

This episode is not just a conversation but an invaluable resource for understanding and challenging systemic oppression in the professional world.

Stay Connected:

• Join us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10000836/admin/feed/posts/
• Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShift
• Connect with Vicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/
• Reach out to Christopher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecjowen/

Stay Informed:

• For more insights and resources, visit our website: Culture-shift.co.uk

Join us in this enlightening discussion and be part of a shift towards a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Culture Shift, Vicki Baars sits down with Advita Patel to explore the link between internal communications and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives in the workplace.

Advita, co-author of "Building a Culture of Inclusivity" and founder of Comms Rebel brings her expert knowledge in internal communications to the table. They discuss how internal comms can be leveraged to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace.

In this enlightening conversation, Advita Patel unveils her journey from early writing aspirations to becoming an emblem of inclusivity and effective communication in organisations. The dialogue delves into the critical role of aligning communication strategies with organisational goals, unconscious bias, fostering productive disagreements, personalised communication and the dangers of living in a digital world.

Through the lens of Advita's extensive experience this episode illuminates the transformative power of internal communication in nurturing a culture of inclusivity. Advita's narrative encapsulates the essence of bridging organisational strategies with communication to promote diversity, equity, and meaningful connections within the professional realm.

Want to join the conversation? Stay connected with us on

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10000836/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShift

Vicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/

and visit our website at https://culture-shift.co.uk/ for more information and resources.

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Did you know that happy employees are 31% more productive than their unhappy counterparts? So, how can one find joy in their everyday work?

In the 6th episode of The Culture Shift, host Vicki Baars is joined by the insightful Yvonne Alozie Obi. Together, they delve into the intricacies of finding happiness in our professional lives.

Yvonne is the Global Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at Standard Chartered Bank, has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of D&I. With a background in Organisational Psychology, she emphasises the critical importance of psychological safety, personal growth and how it is deeply intertwined with the relationships we share with both our employees and employers.

Many professionals struggle to identify what truly brings them joy at work. This episode aims to equip listeners with the perspectives and tools to rediscover those moments of joy and satisfaction.

Stay connected and join the conversation with us on:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culture-shift-communications-ltd/mycompany/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShift
• Vicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/
• Yvonne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonnealozieobi/

Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our mailing list: https://info.culture-shift.co.uk/podcast-mailing-list

For more insights and resources, visit our website at: Culture-shift.co.uk

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In Episode 5 of The Culture Shift, host Vicki Baars is joined by our very own Kenya Peters, Product Marketing Manager at Culture Shift.

They discuss:

✅ Can policies change culture

✅ How to create policies that don't get forgotten, but are a part of everyday employee behaviours

✅ What happens when an company's culture hits the press, and how company's can react when these things happen.

✅ Do independent culture reviews really make a lasting impact on culture transformation

Want to join the conversation? Stay connected with us on

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10000836/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShift

Vicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/

and visit our website at https://culture-shift.co.uk/ for more information and resources.

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What are HR doing to support employees with disabilities in the workplace? Do you have the policies and reasonable adjustments in place to understand the breadth of physical and psychological differences in each individual you hire?

In the 4th episode of The Culture Shift, host Vicki Baars is joined by our very own Emily Abbott, Chief of Staff at Culture Shift. She shares her career journey and how she found fulfilment in working for a mission-led organisation.

Emily shares personal experience living with epilepsy and chronic illness, highlighting the importance of workplace support and accommodations.

Workplaces often don't understand the complex impacts of chronic illnesses on employees, leading to false economy and detrimental outcomes. Disclosure rates are low due to lack of safety and comfort in disclosing disabilities, leading to missed opportunities for support and accommodations.

Dive into this episode and further your understanding of the modern workplace and its evolving dynamics.

Want to join the conversation? Stay connected with us on

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10000836/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShift

Vicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/

Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about new podcasts: https://info.culture-shift.co.uk/podcast-mailing-list

and visit our website at https://culture-shift.co.uk/ for more information and resources.

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In this episode of The Culture Shift, host Vicki Baars sits down with Ash McDowell, the Finance Director of Culture Shift, to discuss the evolving dynamics between monetary investments and the intrinsic value of employees in today's workplace. They delve into the transformative impact of the pandemic, highlighting the rise of flexible working and its broader implications.

Ash offers insights into the nuances of presenteeism versus absenteeism, the multifaceted costs of workplace culture, and the critical role of diversity in shaping the future of work. With a spotlight on the increasing prominence of employment tribunals, Ash emphasises the importance of proactive investments in a positive workplace culture.

Join us in this enlightening conversation as we explore the intricate balance of value in numbers and people.

Stay connected with our discussions:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10000836/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShift

Ash: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ash-mcdowell-1518ba51/

Vicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/

To stay updated on our latest episodes, sign up to our mailing list: https://info.culture-shift.co.uk/podcast-mailing-list

For more insights and resources, visit our website at https://culture-shift.co.uk/.

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What does psychological safety mean in the modern workplace? How do generational differences shape the way we manage people and what can we learn from the experiences of those in the field?

In the second episode of The Culture Shift, host Vicki Baars is joined by Chelsea Maher, head of marketing at Culture Shift with a wealth of insights into team dynamics and people management. Together, they delve deep into the nuances of psychological safety, the do's and don'ts of managing large teams, and the unique challenges that different generations face when it comes to leadership.

Chelsea shares her personal journey as a marketer, highlighting the importance of nurturing team members rather than pushing for immediate results. Through engaging stories and critical insights, our conversation tackles the challenges and solutions for creating a workplace where every team member feels valued, understood, and safe.

Dive into this episode and further your understanding of the modern workplace and its evolving dynamics.

Want to join the conversation? Stay connected with us on

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10000836/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShift

Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseamaher/

Vicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/

Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about new podcasts: https://info.culture-shift.co.uk/podcast-mailing-list

and visit our website at https://culture-shift.co.uk/ for more information and resources.

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What does a workplace mean to you? How has the concept of the workplace evolved over the last century, and what impact has it had on culture?

In the first episode of The Culture Shift, host Vicki Baars sits down with Gemma McCall, the transformative co-founder and CEO of Culture Shift. Together, they delve into the concept of a workplace, exploring how it has transformed over the last 100 years and how these shifts have influenced workplace culture.

Gemma shares her personal experiences and insights, offering a fresh perspective on changes in the workplace. Our conversation navigates through significant historical political movements, the influence of global lockdowns on EDI initiatives, and the challenges of hybrid working.

Join us for this episode and help contribute to a positive shift in workplace culture. 

Want to join the conversation? Stay connected with us on

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10000836/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShift

Gemma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmamccall/

Vicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/

Sign up to our mailing list be be the first to hear about new podcasts: https://info.culture-shift.co.uk/podcast-mailing-list

and visit our website at https://culture-shift.co.uk/ for more information and resources. 

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