Welcome to the 277th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds Podcast! In this episode, as part of Stress Awareness Month, I dive into why your workplace shouldn't be like a family. I explore how family dynamics in the workplace can create unspoken challenges and how a more professional, accountable work community can enhance workplace wellbeing and productivity.

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Listen to the episode

If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.

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In today’s show on Your Workplace Shouldn't be a Family

 

• Why aiming for a "family-like" culture can lead to role confusion, lack of accountability, and toxicity [03:45]
• The impact of family dynamics on workplace conflict management and emotional baggage [08:00]
• The importance of creating a professional, accountable workplace community [12:30]
• How team charters and clear expectations can improve organizational culture and reduce stress [15:50]
• Support for employees dealing with personal challenges and their impact on work [19:15]

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Quotes on Your Workplace Shouldn't be a Family

• Family-like cultures in the workplace can lead to role confusion and a lack of accountability, making it difficult for people to break free from roles they never asked for.
• In many families, there's poor conflict management, which can bleed into the workplace, causing unresolved tension and stress.
• We need a professional work community where clear policies and communication create an environment of respect, fairness, and support.
• A positive and productive workplace culture starts with creating clear standards, holding people accountable, and ensuring employees have the support they need."

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Resources for Your Workplace Shouldn't be a Family

 

• Listen to episode #276: The Stress of Patriarchy at Work
• Check out episode #188: The Top 5 Inclusion Workplace Mistakes
• Download the free 200-episode guide with clickable links HERE.
• Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here
• Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health
• Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe

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Work with me

Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

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One-hour focused Sessions £250 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for Organisations

Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489

Check out my FAQs here: http://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/

You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. 

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Subscribe to the podcast 

If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.

If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review? 

You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  

Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

 

Welcome to the 276th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I explore how patriarchy in the workplace causes stress during Stress Awareness Month, examining systemic gender inequities and their impact on workplace wellbeing.

In today’s show on The Stress of Patriarchy at Work

• Introduction to Stress Awareness Month and this year's theme: #LeadWithLove [01:05]
• Definition of patriarchy and its manifestations in the workplace [02:30]
• How patriarchal systems affect work-life balance and create additional burden for women [04:10]
• The impact on representation and leadership opportunities [05:18]
• Understanding what feminism actually means versus misconceptions [12:15]

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Quotes on The Stress of Patriarchy at Work

• Patriarchy in the workplace manifests as systemic gender inequity, leading to issues like the glass or concrete ceiling, pay gaps, pension gaps, emotional labour discriminatory practices that hinder women's career advancement.
• Women face an uphill battle to prove their intelligence and commitment within the workplace.
• Feminism is a very broad range of sociopolitical movements and ideologies that advocate for the social, political and economic equality of the sexes, aiming to end sexism and achieve full gender equality and equity.
• Creating a positive environment with gender equity at its heart is not only beneficial for individual employees, but boosts morale, engagement and retention across an organization.
• We need to be very clear about what zero tolerance means. Zero tolerance and firing people for misogynistic behavior.

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Resources for The Stress of Patriarchy at Work

 

• Listen to episode #275: Women’s Mental Load at Work
• Check out episode #109: 8 ways to Create Culturally Inclusive Meetings
• Challenge patriarchy as you organize
• Gen Z boys and men more likely than baby boomers to believe feminism harmful, says poll
• Download the free 200-episode guide with clickable links HERE.
• Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here
• Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health
• Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe

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Work with me

Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

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One-hour focused Sessions £250 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for Organisations

Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489

Check out my FAQs here: http://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/

You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. 

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Subscribe to the podcast 

If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.

If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review? 

You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  

Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

 

Welcome to the 275th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I dive into women's mental load at work during International Women's Month, exploring how invisible labor impacts women in the workplace and contributes to gender inequity.

Listen to the episode

If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.

In today’s show on Women's Mental Load at Work

• The definition of mental load and its impact on women. [01:30]
• Women's "office housekeeping" resulting in non-promotable tasks. [02:43]
• Research from Kenya on how mental load impacts productivity. [05:21]
• Gender pay gap statistics from April 2024. [09:10]
• Practical steps to shift the dial on mental load in the workplace. [10:09]

Quotes on Women's Mental Load at Work

• "Mental load" is the invisible labor involved in managing a household and family, which typically falls on women's shoulders.
• In the workplace, women do spend more time on non-promotable tasks than men.
• We need to stop putting the onus on women to set boundaries and push themselves forward. Everyone needs to take responsibility, but it's the system that needs to shift.
• Gender pay gaps mean less spending and a pensions pay gap too.
• Creating a positive and equitable environment is not only beneficial for individual employees, but it boosts morale, engagement and retention across an organization.

Resources for Women's Mental Load at Work

• Listen to Episode #221: Wellbeing in Parenting with Dr. Naomi Irvine
• Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant's research on Women doing Office Housework
• BBC Article: The extra shift': The unpaid emotional labour expected of women at work
• Research Paper: The impact of women's mental load on labor market outcomes - experimental evidence from Kenya
• Listen to Episode #274: Accelerate Action for ALL women
• Listen to Episode #185: Imposter Syndrome versus Frustration Syndrome
• Download the free 200-episode guide with clickable links HERE.
• Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here
• Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health
• Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe

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Work with me

Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

.stk-d762e95 {height:30px !important;}

One-hour focused Sessions £250 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for Organisations

Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489

Check out my FAQs here: http://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/

You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. 

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Subscribe to the podcast 

If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.

If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review? 

You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  

Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

 

Welcome to the 274th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I explore the themes of this year's International Women's Month and International Women's Day (March 8th).

In today’s show on Accelerate Action for ALL women

• The current state of gender equality and the need for urgent action. [01:35]
• Understanding the "Pink Kitten Heel Effect" in workplace initiatives. [08:16]
• Global policy areas needing transformation. [04:27]
• Success stories from Morocco's corporate board quotas. [13:58]
• Bolivia's achievements with 50% female lawmakers [16:37]

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Quotes on Accelerate Action for ALL women

• At the current rate, full gender parity will not be achieved until 2158, which is about five generations from now.
• The pink kitten heel effect is the fun, often pink tokenistic things that happen around international women's day or in the workplace.
• Accelerating action goes beyond having a lovely event on the 8th of March. While we absolutely need to celebrate, we need to remember that basic rights and freedoms have to be fought for.
• Policy is the first step, but continuous radical action in a timely, speedy fashion is always needed.
• We must and have to learn from the global and grassroots movements, as opposed to commercialising the day as a concept.

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Resources for Accelerate Action for ALL women

• A big step forward for women’s leadership in Morocco
• US midterm elections: Why Bolivia’s lawmakers are 50% women
• You have to keep fighting”: Uruguayan Feminists Work to Build on their Gains
• The Lancet: Self-management of medical abortion in Uruguay
• Video from Kenya’s Activists: Watch here
• TBS News: Empowering women in Bangladesh
• UN Women Asia Pacific: Bangladesh laws protecting women’s rights
• Download the free 200 Episode Guide with clickable links HERE.
• Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here
• Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health
• Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe

Work with me

Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

Welcome to the 273rd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, host Leyla delves into the Wheel of Power/Privilege and its role in reshaping workplace equity.

In today’s show on Using the Wheel of Power

• Exploring the Wheel of Power. [00:39]
• Understanding Systemic Power and Privilege. [01:35 ]
• A detailed breakdown of the wheel’s elements. [02:47 ]
• Applying the wheel in real-world scenarios. [04:47]
• Reflecting on personal identity and privilege. [11:12]

Quotes on Using the Wheel of Power

• We have to consider who holds power and what that power is.
• I always say that it’s people who are closer to societal power that will experience fewer barriers in life.
• If we really want to understand the barriers faced, we have to consider systemic advantage and disadvantage to really see change.
• The wheel is a really helpful tool that we can use to understand the dominant lens and the way that things might be done in our workplace.
• I think it’s really helpful to reflect on our own identity elements, where we experience advantage and disadvantage and how that might have changed throughout our life.

Resources for Using the Wheel of Power

• Framework for Open and Reproducible Research Training
• Download the free 200 Episode Guide with clickable links HERE.
• Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here
• Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health
• Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe

Work with me

Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

Welcome to the 272nd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, we explore the crucial distinction between policy models and liberation models in equity, diversity, and inclusion work.

In today’s show on EDI Policy Model vs Liberation Model

• Understanding policy vs liberation models in EDI. [02:15]
• Why policy models alone don’t create lasting change. [05:30]
• The limitations of data-driven approaches. [09:45]
• How liberation models empower communities. [12:20]
• Practical examples of liberation in education. [15:35]

Quotes on EDI Policy Model vs Liberation Model

• We can write the best policies in the world, but often they sit on dusty e-shelves.
• Humans are pack animals. There is so much strength in numbers and in communities.
• A policy model might look at the existing structures to mitigate issues and not address the root causes.
• Liberation models are about delving into and dismantling oppression. Policy models are about making the current system a bit better.
• If you put a ramp in front of a building, it helps wheelchair users, but it also helps someone with a heavy bag, someone on crutches, and people with prams.

Resources for EDI Policy Model vs Liberation Model

• Listen to the last episode of the podcast Episode #128 on Reciprocity in a Mentoring Relationship
• Check out my series on white dominant norms
• Talent liberation
• Download the free 200 Episode Guide with clickable links HERE.
• Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here
• Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health
• Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe

Work with me

Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

Welcome to the 271st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I talk about identifying and evaluating genuine workplace well-being cultures, which is significant for those seeking new roles after recent redundancies.

Listen to the episode

If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.

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In today’s show on Recognising a Positive Workplace Wellbeing Culture

• An Introduction to why workplace wellbeing culture matters in light of recent redundancies. [02:15]
• Why "tokenistic" wellbeing initiatives don't work. [04:30]
• An example of successful well-being implementation at ASOS. [08:45]
• Eight key indicators of a positive workplace wellbeing culture. [12:20]
• Some practical advice for job seekers evaluating company culture. [18:35]

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Quotes on Recognising a Positive Workplace Wellbeing Culture

• Building a positive well-being culture in the workplace is not just a nice to have.
• Fostering a positive workplace wellbeing culture leads to more engaged teams, reduces burnout and creates a greater sense of belonging.
• Remember, interviews are a two-way process. You need to assess if it's the right organisation for you.
• Building a positive workplace wellbeing culture is a continual process and it requires effort,and  empathy, and it has to be embedded into all strategies.
• Creating a positive workplace wellbeing culture is beneficial for employees because it really does boost employment morale, engagement, and retention across the organisation.

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Resources for Recognising a Positive Workplace Wellbeing Culture

• Download the free 200 Episode Guide with clickable links HERE.
• Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here
• Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health
• Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe

Work with me

Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

Welcome to the 270th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I reflect on the accuracy of my 2024 predictions on workplace wellbeing and share insights into trends expected for 2025.

Listen to the episode

If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.

In today’s show on Workplace Wellbeing Trends for 2025

• What we got right (and wrong) in 2024 predictions. [0:36]
• Building better intergenerational understanding at work [01:07]
• Is the buzz around equality, diversity, and inclusion fading? [01:54]
• Navigating menopause in the workplace: what needs to change [03:52]
• Looking ahead to 2025: how redundancy support will evolve [08:46]

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Quotes on Workplace Wellbeing Trends for 2025

• Work is the most common cause of stress, with 79 percent of people being affected by work related stress.
• The right to switch off is currently a proposed law that would give employees the right to decline work related communication outside of their regular working hours.
• UK business confidence has actually fallen to its lowest level in two years as output drops sharply.
• There's been a significant increase in reported hate crime.
• 90% of UK workers say their employer has put no measures in place to relieve workplace stress

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Resources for Workplace Wellbeing Trends for 2025

• Episode 193: Anxiety Linked to the Climate Crisis
• Episode 194: Parents for Future with Jelly Mae Moring
• Episode 195: Colonial Legacies and Climate Change with Irene Asuwa
• Episode 196: How Divestment Links to Mental Health
• Episode 206: Making Climate Justice Accessible with Pooja Tilvawala
• Episode 111: Black Women in Menopause with Nina Kuypers
• Episode 68: Still Too Scared to Talk About Race
• Episode 114: Identifying and Combating Burnout
• Episode 120: Having Conversations About Workplace Adjustments
• Episode 254: Is It Okay to Talk About Politics at Work?
• Episode 188: The Top 5 Inclusion Workplace Mistakes
• Read blog: Business confidence falls to lowest level in almost two years as output drops sharply
• Check out: The invisible mental health crisis plaguing the West Bank
• Read: Wellbeing trends for 2025
• Download the free 200 Episode Guide with clickable links HERE.
• Contact me to work together on mental health support at work.
• Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here
• Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health
• Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe

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Work with me

Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

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One-hour focused Sessions £150 1-2-1

Welcome to the 269th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this special end-of-year episode, I reflect on the highs and lows of 2024. From unexpected personal challenges to career milestones, I share insights from a year marked by both setbacks and breakthroughs.

Listen to the episode

If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.

In today’s show on Year in Review

• Reflecting on the Past Year [00:54]
• Recapping the Highlights of 2024 [01:54]
• A Month-by-Month Overview of 2024 [02:58]
• Unveiling the 2025 Word of the Year [15:45]
• What’s Ahead in 2025 [16:00]

Quotes on Year in Review

• This year has been my seventh full year of business, and I have to say, it’s been an incredibly bumpy ride, which I didn’t expect.
• I think it’s a useful exercise to celebrate all that we might have achieved and consider what we want to build on.
• When you have worked for yourself for a long time, it is quite difficult to go back into an organisation
• The reason I chose the word "magical" is that it was more about finding small magical moments every day.
• It's amazing how two days a week really eats into your time.

Resources on Year in Review

• Episode 186 – International Day of Happiness
• Episode 228 – A Career with Heart and Mind with Dr Rolake Ojo
• Episode 229 – Coaching with Collage with Andrea Watts
• Episode 230 – Healthy Functioning with a Heart and Mind Connection with Dr Magdalena Bak-Maier
• Episode 232-235
• Episode 236-239
• Episode 240-244
• Episode 245-248
• Episode 249-252
• Episode 253-255
• Episode 256-259
• Episode 261-262
• Episode 264-265
• Episode 266-267
• Download the free 200 Episode Guide with clickable links HERE.
• Contact me to work together on mental health support at work.
• Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here
• Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health
• Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe

Work with me

Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

Welcome to the 268th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I dive into the intertwined concepts of well-being and inclusion.

I break down the definition of well-being, explore its five distinct categories, discuss what inclusion truly means and explore how to approach well-being and inclusion together in a meaningful way.

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Listen to the episode

If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.

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In today’s show on How Workplace Wellbeing Enables Inclusion

• Introduction to today’s episode [01:05]
• What well-being means [01:23]
• Exploring the five key categories of well-being [02:17]
• Understanding the concept of inclusion [03:39]
• Practical steps to integrate well-being and inclusion [04:45]

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Quotes on How Workplace Wellbeing Enables Inclusion

• It’s really nice to have a community in the workplace.
• Inclusion refers to an individual’s experience within their workplace and society.
• It’s important to understand the types of barriers that employees are facing
• If we feel included, that’s going to help our well-being.
• It’s important to understand the unique needs of your employees.

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Resources on How to handle gatekeepers

• Read my blog: How Inclusive Workplaces Can Enable Good Wellbeing
• Department of Health PDF
• The Five Essential Elements of Well-Being
• Download the free 200 Episode Guide with clickable links HERE.
• Contact me to work together on mental health support at work.
• Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here
• Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health
• Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe

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Work with me

Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

.stk-d762e95 {height:30px !important;}

One-hour focused Sessions £150 1-2-1