In this episode of the Guy Osmond podcast, Guy welcomes Katie Deacon, a Chartered Electrical Engineer and the founder of 'Towards Belonging Limited.'

Katie shares her mission to bridge the gap between the disabled community and the technical, engineering, and architectural sectors. She discusses her various roles, including her work as a visiting professor at the University of Huddersfield and Aston University and vice president of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

The conversation covers the importance of inclusive design, the challenges disabled individuals face, and the potential of AI and technology in creating more accessible environments. Tune in to learn about the critical need for accessibility in engineering and the exciting innovations in this field.

Katy's Bio

Katy Deacon is a Chartered Electrical Engineer, a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering Technology (IET), a wife and a mother of two children. 

Katy’s career is a great example of tenacity, resilience and determination. She started her career as an avionic apprentice at British Airways, gaining her first-class honours degree in Air Transport Engineering from City University, London and the IIE Mary George Memorial Prize, awarded to an outstanding engineering apprentice working in the UK. 

Difficulties in the aviation industry caused by 9/11 resulted in Katy moving her skills and knowledge to focus on electrical design in buildings. She won the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year award in 2006. After completing her master’s degree in Advanced Engineering from Loughborough University, she became a Chartered Engineer and adjusted her career to focus on renewables and low carbon buildings. 

Her development of the Kirklees and Yorkshire Forward Renewable Energy Toolkit won the NICEIC Energy Efficiency Product of the Year. In the same year, Katy won the WES Karen Burt Award for the most outstanding newly Chartered Woman Engineer of the Year. 

She enjoyed designing and project managing the installation of renewable energy systems and managing building energy management systems until she decided to expand her experience in management and leadership. She then changed her focus to advance her management skills, become a leader within a large organisation and develop her experience in information governance and cyber security.

In 2011 she started displaying serious symptoms which were diagnosed in 2012 as multiple sclerosis. After years in a wheelchair, living with the difficulties posed by lack of understanding from engineers and architects in how to build inclusive and accessible environments, Katy now runs her own business Towards Belonging Limited. 

Towards Belonging Limited bridges the gap between the disabled community and the engineering community, improving inclusive engineering design implementation, enabling the disabled community to share their experiences of inaccessible spaces and helping engineers to understand the importance of designing for everyone.

Katy is a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor at Aston University and the University of Huddersfield, specialising in Inclusive Engineering Design. She is also a Vice President of the Institute of Engineering and Technology where she chairs the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Board, helping the IET to lead the way for inclusion within the engineering and technology industries.

In this episode of The Guy Osmond Podcast, Guy is joined by two brilliant guests for a dynamic conversation about communication, inclusion, and the science of being heard in the modern workplace.

Joining Guy is Paige Hodsman, a workplace acoustics specialist from Saint-Gobain Ecophon, whose research explores how acoustic environments and unconscious biases influence who gets listened to at work. Alongside Paige is Guy’s daughter-in-law, Rebecca O’Dwyer, a finance professional and advocate for diversity and inclusion, offering insight from the corporate front line. Together, they explore:

• Why women often feel unheard in meetings—and the psychology behind it
• How workplace design and acoustics impact inclusion and communication
• The role of leadership, culture, and hybrid working in driving positive change
• What the latest research says about communication styles, personality, and perception
• Practical ways businesses can make meetings more inclusive and effective

Whether you’re a leader, designer, people manager or just passionate about better conversations at work, this episode is full of fresh perspectives and practical ideas.

Paige Hodsman, MSc., PGDip., BA, APA, BPS

Paige is the Concept Developer and Workplace Specialist at Saint-Gobain Ecophon in the UK and IE and utilises her diverse background in psychology, environmental management, office interior design, and acoustics to create sustainable and productive workplaces. With over 25 years of experience in the field, she has worked on global projects from both the client and supplier sides. 

She is focused on creating awareness about the importance of mental and physical wellbeing in office environments and advocates for a research-based approach to architecture and interior design. She is also the co-developer of the psychoacoustic profiling tool for office workers and specialises in solving office noise distraction and design issues related to health and wellbeing. 

She holds an MSc. in Psychological Sciences (Research Psychology), a PGDip. in Environmental Management, and a BA in Interior Design. Paige is a speaker and author of numerous research papers, book chapters, and articles related to acoustics and health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Her current research subject is: ‘Hearing Women in the Workplace’, along with Dr. Nigel Oseland. 

Rebecca O’Dwyer

Rebecca joined M&G Investments in 2015, in the Direct Lending team within Fixed Income. She is responsible for co-leading corporate private credit origination, with a focus on originating, structuring and executing mid-market Direct Lending Investments in Northern Europe. 

Before joining M&G, Rebecca worked for Natwest (formerly RBS) in the Leveraged Finance team, originating and structuring debt packages for Private Equity backed and Founder owned corporates. She started her career by completing the RBS Corporate Banking graduate programme.

Rebecca holds a 1st class History BA from the University of York.

Welcome to the Guy Osmond Podcast, where we explore insightful conversations with thought leaders and industry experts. In this episode, "Empowering Change: Navigating Dynamics and Embracing Diversity," multi-award-winning change specialist Jennifer Bryan joins us. With a rich tapestry of experiences from her early days in a sexist environment to her career as a dancer and now a speaker, consultant and mentor, Jennifer outlines her people-centric perspective on change management. Join us as we explore the challenges of diversity and leadership, the balance of work-life dynamics, and the critical role of emotional awareness in the workplace. Jennifer shares her approach to engaging individuals in their own change processes and the empowering potential they hold. We also discuss the ever-evolving landscape of AI, its impact on society, and the importance of future planning and resilience. Whether you're navigating organisational change or contemplating the broader implications of AI, this episode is packed with valuable insights and strategies for today's dynamic world. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion and discover how to align personal decisions with organisational goals to create a lasting legacy.

Information about Jennifer Bryan

Jennifer Bryan is a multi-award winning change leader, published author, TEDx and global speaker, Non-Executive Board Director, and Founder of ABChange Consultancy, which is names after her kids (she has child A, Amelia and child B, Blake and they changed her world).

Jennifer has been helping leaders with change for over 25 years with over 40 different organisations across multiple industries, such as Microsoft, Mott MacDonald and Barclays. She has a passion for putting people at the heart of the decision-making room. 

She has developed a holistic approach to change and created a unique leading change framework, the ABChange Model and uses her commercial insight to help people lead others in change.Jennifer is author of Leading People in Change – A practical guide (Feb 2021), Co-Author of Leading Change in an Unpredictable World (May 2023) and Columnist for Workplace Insight Magazine. She has written articles in a number of industry journals and in peer reviewed articles such as Successfully Managing Change in the Workplace in Corporate Real Estate Journal vol. 8.1 (Oct 2018), Journey of Leadership in the Workplace in iCroner (Sept 2014) and Lead Behaviour in Coaching at Work (Jul 2012).

Jennifer has been interviewed by multiple industry podcasts and presented at TEDx Scunthorpe, Women in Technology Global Conference for the past 3 years, University of Reading Henley Business School of Management Conference and Alumni masterclasses, Association of Change Management Professionals (Global and UK), and Loughborough University, to name a few.

With a background in workplace design and neurodiversity consultancy, Debbie and Hayley collaborate to create inclusive workplaces. This process consolidates their personal experience and professional training.
This podcast explores corporate thinking (joined-up or not?) and business attitudes to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion with a particular focus on neurodiversity. Since the pandemic, many individuals have realised the benefits of homeworking and the distractions when returning to the office. However, the culture and management of many employers are not ready to meet these needs.

Where senior management encourages diversity, we explore design possibilities for an inclusive workplace, especially in addressing acoustics and quiet zones. In particular, our guests discuss recent successes in the education sector, where ideas to impact the student experience could be directly applied to offices or retail settings.

The wide-ranging conversation provides both personal and objective insights into the need to provide an inclusive workplace that meets legislative obligations and provides all personnel with an environment that meets their physical, sensory, and cognitive requirements.

Debbie Watts Co-Founder of ZoneND - With over 35 years of expertise in commercial interior design, Debbie is dedicated to creating innovative and functional spaces. As the Director of Ashlar ID since its establishment in 2007, she has led numerous projects with a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating inspiring environments. Debbie brings over 20 years of lived experience in neurodiversity, deeply understanding the importance of inclusive design principles. Her extensive background uniquely positions her to integrate neurodiversity considerations seamlessly into her designs, ensuring spaces that are welcoming and accessible to all.

Hayley O'Connor - Co–Founder of ZoneND,  is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and brings over a decade of experience in sensory processing, autism, and ADHD to her work. As a neurodivergent lived experience expert, she offers a unique perspective shaped by her journey and challenges. With a background as a neurodiversity consultant and SEND mentor, Hayley applies her expertise to guide and support others navigating similar paths. She seamlessly integrates the neurodivergent lens into all aspects of the design process, ensuring inclusive and accommodating environments for all individuals.

Welcome to my insightful podcast episode featuring the brilliant Nigel Oseland. A compelling discussion where Nigel and I examine the future of workspaces—balancing the home office and the traditional office environment.

Nigel, alongside my thoughts, navigates the pros and cons of working from home versus the office, touching on crucial aspects like productivity, creativity, and that ever-elusive work-life balance.

We delve into the necessity for physical offices in the modern age, the impact of hybrid working, and the evolution of both workplaces and work habits post-COVID. Hear about personal experiences and expert opinions mixed with a bit of humour as we share why some prefer solitude and others need office life.

Join us for a thought-provoking journey where we question how to make workplaces more inviting, the importance of providing a sense of belonging, and the essential role of well-designed spaces in creating collaboration and innovation. You'll also learn about the hidden challenges of managing hybrid teams and the overlooked skills required for effective management in this new era.Whether you're an advocate of the home office or a staunch supporter of traditional workspaces, this podcast offers a balanced view sprinkled with enlightening anecdotes and practical insights.

Don’t miss this episode if you're eager to understand what the future holds for our workplaces and how to navigate the shifting dynamics of work life.

Related Blog

The Enticing Workplace: Attracting People Back to the Office By Nigel Oseland and Gary Raw In partnership with MillerKnoll, Workplace Trends and Audiem (see https://bit.ly/46q8Iyk ) explores what factors influence preferences around place of work.

This report was then the touchstone for a discussion by an expert panel, which included the two authors, reported at length in an In Magazine supplement  (see https://bit.ly/3YleNdz ). 

In this insightful episode, we are joined by Kirsty Angerer, famously known as the Travelling Ergonomist, to delve into the dynamic world of workplace trends and innovations.

Kirsty has observed a significant transformation in workplace ergonomics over the last five years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore how employees adapted to home office setups and the evolving responsibilities between employers and employees for well-being and equipment. 

We also dissect the complexities of designing effective hybrid workplaces, using Amazon's real estate decisions as a case study, and discuss the importance of creating compelling office environments to attract employees. This includes integrating cutting-edge technology, AI, and convenient amenities.

Furthermore, we highlight innovative workplace adaptations that boost productivity, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, and discuss the role of leadership in promoting well-being initiatives. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with expert insights, practical advice, and a look into the future of workplace design. 

Highlight Timestamps: - (0:00:00) - Evolution of Workplace Trends: Introduction to Kirsty Angerer and the significant shifts in workplace ergonomics over the past five years, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(0:14:42) - Designing Effective Hybrid Workplaces: Analysis of Amazon's real estate decisions and the importance of creating compelling office environments in a post-pandemic world.
(0:20:04) - Innovative Workplace Adaptations for Productivity: The benefits and challenges of working from home, especially for neurodivergent individuals, and the evolving office landscape.
(0:23:39) - Workplace Design and Well-Being Priorities: Importance of air quality, natural light, noise management, and inclusive design for employee well-being and productivity.
(0:32:37) - Importance of Leadership in Workplace Well-Being: The role of senior management in promoting well-being initiatives and the impact of leadership on productivity.
(0:42:24) - Engaging Interview Dynamic: A refreshing exchange between Kirsty and Guy, showcasing their camaraderie and mutual respect.

About our guest: Kirsty has spent over ten years working Internationally in the Workplace & Real Estate sectors. Most recently, I as Development Director at Leesman, the world leader in measuring and analysing employees' experiences in their places of work. She is a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE), a Fitwel Ambassador, and an active member of the WELL community, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing people's health and optimising their performance through evidence-based design and policy interventions. She leverages her deep understanding of the interactions among humans and the ecosystems of workplaces to equip executives at all levels to make informed, forward-thinking decisions that allow them to mitigate risk, plan for the future, and benefit from excellent employee workplace experience.

Join us in this engaging retrospective episode as we delve into the hidden dynamics between C-suite executives and the rest of the organisation that could be holding your company back.

Producer Graham Coath sits down with host Guy Osmond to revisit some of our most impactful episodes with industry leaders offering insights into the challenges of modern work and tackling issues such as maintaining company culture in a remote work environment and the pressures faced by middle management.

Explore the transformative potential of technology as we discuss how wearable devices and AI can enhance productivity and accessibility.

Discover real-world stories, including lessons from the oil industry, that highlight the importance of adapting technology and mandates to local needs.

Our conversation also covers the evolving landscape of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), with a special focus on neurodiversity and aligning personal values with organisational culture.

We share personal anecdotes and practical examples that underscore the benefits of psychometric profiling and the importance of transparency and accountability in the workplace.

Wrapping up, we emphasise the need for engaging and disruptive strategies to drive meaningful change and tease some exciting topics and potential guests for future episodes.

Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect on our journey and look forward with us.

Tune in for a thought-provoking retrospective that explores the intricate dynamics within modern workplaces and the transformative potential of technology and EDI initiatives.

Join us in an exploration of the design thinking process and applying UX principles to development of the workplace experience. Will describes how he uses empathy, Customer Journey Mapping and the integration of AI to create a happier workplace.

Bio:

Will Easton is all about designing experience. With 17 years in the workplace industry, he focuses on true user-centric research and design thinking methodologies. His career has taken him through both public and private sectors, enabling him to understand

A positive disruptor, storyteller, innovator, and part-time punk. Will’s unique approach to the world of work helps unlock new opportunities for teams and their organisation. 

#EmployeeExperience #UX #Design #CustomerJourney

How does technology impact our psychological health and how does its adoption change our behaviours?

In conversation with CyberPsychologist, Carolyn Freeman, we explore corporate attitudes to availability expectation and individuals' desire to be seen to be productive, work pressures created by 'always in/always on' cultures, how demands on men and women differ and the need for a Technological Revolution mindset to replace the Industrial Revolution one.

Simone says: "You could say I’m a workplace thought-leader who’s passionate about creating human-centric workplaces, but at its most basic, what I do is focus on people."

"I home in on the employee experience, workplace culture, and organisational performance and use data insights to deliver change and business improvement in regard to culture, space, process, and technology."

In this episode, Simone Fenton-Jarvis explores her human-centred approach to the workplace, and indeed to life. We talk about being an outside consultant coming into an organisation, the gaps between C-Suite perceptions and front line staff, confusion between company policy and what local managers expect and being the catalyst, not the expert.

17 year's experience - MBA in FM - Fellow and NED of IWFM - Author of 'The Human-Centric Workplace – Group Director Workplace Consultancy at Vpod Smart Solutions.