Rajiv Sudan first joined the water sector in a junior non-graduate traineeship position and has worked his way up to being Major Projects Director at Mott MacDonald.

It was being mentored that gave his career a launch pad - enabling him to proceed with confidence with a guiding voice and a levelled-up network of contacts. Now he himself mentors others and does what he can to make sure that people without privilege see people like themselves in senior positions.

In this revealing and inspiring conversation Rajiv talks to host Perminder Atwal about a variety of subjects including:

• Why role models from under-represented backgrounds need to be visible in real positions of authority to show the path
• How finding the right mentor requires some self-analysis and self-starting from the mentee
• The value of reverse-mentoring 
• What senior leaders in the water sector can do to improve their ability to find and keep talented young people from untapped pathways
• The power of just asking someone you admire to have a conversation with you... you'll be surprised how often you get a "Yes"
• Practical and positive steps you can take if you are unhappy with the progress you are making in your career, especially if you are someone who has not had the early-life advantages others may have had

This is an important and instructive listen for people at all levels of the water sector - you will get ideas on how you can improve your own career and future and/or the quality and range of people you recruit... or both.

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.