Why Care?

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by Kat Parsons, Group Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Centrica and co-founder of the All Female Design & Build Project, which she launched in 2023 with her wife. Kat reflects on her career across male-dominated industries, her passion for fairness and justice, and her drive to transform workplace cultures through empathy and education. She shares how her lived experiences as a lesbian, wife, and mother have shaped her approach to leadership, and why psychological safety and authenticity are central to inclusion.

Recently named Head of DEI of the Year and Inspirational Role Model of the Year at the British Diversity Awards 2025, Kat also discusses the importance of representation, being a visible LGBTQ+ role model, and the power of breaking barriers in construction and beyond. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and leadership that inspires change across industries and cultures.

Key Takeaways:

• True inclusion requires systemic cultural change, not token gestures.

• Representation and visibility of role models are crucial to inspire others.

• Psychological safety is a cornerstone of thriving, inclusive workplaces.

• Human-centric leadership, built on empathy, fairness, and storytelling, creates lasting impact.

• Breaking barriers in male-dominated industries takes resilience and vision, but also sparks progress for future generations.

Highlights:

• Kat’s journey from construction and oil & gas into DEI leadership at Centrica.

• Founding the All Female Design & Build Project with her wife to advance gender equity.

• The importance of psychological safety and empathy in workplace culture.

• Experiences navigating biases, stereotypes, and microaggressions in male-dominated environments.

• Her role as a visible LGBTQ+ role model, inspiring courage and authenticity.

• Redefining leadership as unapologetic, human-centric, and values-driven.

Guest Bio

Kat Parsons is Group Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Centrica and Co-founder of the All Female Design & Build Project, which she set up in 2023 together with her wife. A Fellow of the Leadership Society, she is a multi-award-winning leader, recently named Head of DEI of the Year and Inspirational Role Model of the Year at the British Diversity Awards 2025. 

Kat champions human-centric leadership, underpinned by empathy, education, and storytelling, to create inclusive cultures where people thrive.  In particular, she is an LGBTQ+ role model, having been named in the Power Pride List and British LGBT Awards’ Top 10 Diversity Trailblazers. By being a visible and vocal advocate, Kat inspires others to be more courageous and confident in embracing their identities. 

Beyond corporate leadership, her work with the All Female Design & Build Project highlights her passion for breaking barriers and advancing gender equity in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

Links

• Kat Parsons : LinkedIn | Instagram

• All Female Design & Build Project: https://www.all-female-build.co.uk/

• Nadia Nagamootoo: LinkedIn | Instagram

• Avenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices

• Purchase Beyond Discomfort using the discount code shared in the episode: https://practicalinspiration.com/book/beyond-discomfort

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with comedian, author, and actor Samantha Baines. Samantha shares her journey of discovering she has hearing loss in her late twenties, embracing her deaf identity, and advocating for better access and representation in the arts. She discusses her books, her experiences navigating comedy and acting with deafness, and the importance of language in shaping identity. Samantha also reflects on finding out she has ADHD, barriers faced by women in comedy, and why inclusion and access coordinators are essential to transforming creative industries. A funny, honest, and thought-provoking conversation that blends advocacy, creativity, and resilience.

Key Takeaways

• Identity and language matter: shifting from “sufferer” to proud deaf representation challenges stigma.

• Access coordinators and inclusive practices create equal opportunities in creative industries.

• Women and neurodiverse people face systemic barriers in comedy and the arts that must be addressed.

• Comedy and writing can be powerful tools for advocacy, inclusion, and representation.

• Embracing diagnoses like deafness and ADHD can empower self-understanding and drive change.

Highlights

• Samantha’s journey to discovering and embracing her deaf identity.

• The role of language in shaping perceptions of deafness and disability.

• Barriers and gender imbalance in the comedy industry.

• How access coordinators can transform inclusion in the arts.

• Samantha’s experience of being diagnosed with ADHD and its impact.
• Using comedy, books, and acting to challenge stereotypes and build representation.

Links

• Samantha Baines : Instagram | FB | X | TikTok | 
• Baines London: Instagram | Etsy Shop
• Nadia Nagamootoo:⁠ LinkedIn⁠ |⁠ Instagram
• Avenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices
• Purchase Beyond Discomfort using the discount code shared in the episode: ⁠⁠⁠https://practicalinspiration.com/book/beyond-discomfort

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with Geeta Sidhu-Robb, award-winning entrepreneur, political candidate, and the visionary founder of W Corp. Geeta shares her extraordinary journey from law and politics to building safer, more inclusive workplaces for women across the globe. She discusses launching W Corp at the United Nations, challenging CEOs with the Return on Investment of diversity, and her mission to reshape power structures for women leaders. Geeta also reflects on her Sikh upbringing, early experiences with racism, her resilience through having no money, and how she redefined her identity and leadership. A bold, honest, and empowering conversation on power, purpose, and creating change.

Key Takeaways:

• Women’s safety and inclusion in workplaces must be measurable and actionable, not tokenistic.

• Framing diversity through Return on Investment makes it harder for organizations to ignore.

• Resilience and self-reinvention are vital when navigating personal and professional adversity.

• Women must reject the pressure of likeability and embrace unapologetic leadership.

• Building ecosystems - from politics to entrepreneurship - is essential to lasting systemic change.
  

Highlights:

• Geeta’s journey from law and politics to entrepreneurship and activism.

• Founding W Corp to certify and improve workplace safety and inclusion for women.

• Launching at the UN and challenging global leaders on accountability.

• Redefining power and leadership as unapologetically feminine and strong.

• Creating ecosystems like the Green Flag movement to fund women entrepreneurs.

• The personal resilience story behind her public voice and mission.

Guest Bio

Geeta Sidhu-Robb is an award-winning entrepreneur, health coach, and activist, recognized with multiple "Entrepreneur and Businesswoman of the Year" awards, and recent accolades like "Disruptor of the Year" and "Most Inspiring Women's Workplace Equity Advocate 2025." She founded Nosh Detox in 2008 due to her son's severe food allergies and has since built a strong reputation in the health and nutrition industry, with clients including Gwyneth Paltrow and Sarah Ferguson.Originally a lawyer, she retrained as a health and wellness coach in 2014, working with high-profile women to achieve career and personal success. She recently launched The Womanist Movement, which includes WCorp, a B2B initiative to certify women-supportive workplaces, and WComm, a global B2C online community for women.Geeta is also an activist, having been involved with Open Britain against Brexit, and serves on the boards of the Microloan Foundation and Sarah's Trust. She previously chaired Montessori Global, focusing on education for refugee children. A sought-after media expert, her motto is, "Anything is possible. If you can see it, you can do it; if you can dream it, you can make it happen."

Links

• Geeta Sidhu-Robb: Website | Podcast | Instagram | LinkedIn | FB

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with Ryan Panchoo, the Founder of Borough 22, a pioneering doughnut brand built on the principles of inclusion, representation and authenticity. From his early days balancing family needs with business ambitions to breaking into iconic retailers like Selfridges, Ryan shares his inspiring journey of resilience and innovation. He discusses why designing for the minority is true inclusion, how visibility matters as a Black Founder, and his mission to redefine what’s possible in the food industry. With reflections on representation, expansion, and creating treats everyone can enjoy, Ryan’s story is both uplifting and thought-provoking.

Key Takeaways

• • Building with inclusion at the core creates lasting impact and opportunity.
  • Representation matters: visibility of minority founders inspires change and belonging.

• Challenges in food and retail industries can become stepping stones to innovation.

• Mentorship, resilience, and authenticity are vital in sustaining entrepreneurial growth.

• Inclusion is not just social good, but a smart and future-facing business strategy.

Highlights

• Ryan’s journey from bricklaying to becoming a celebrated food entrepreneur.

• Founding Borough 22 to create inclusive doughnuts that everyone can enjoy.

• Breaking into Selfridges and proving the demand for gluten-free and vegan products.

• Reflections on the lack of representation in food entrepreneurship and his decision to be visible.

• Expanding Borough 22 globally, from Qatar to the United States.

• Why true inclusion means designing products with the minority in mind.

Guest Bio

Ryan Panchoo is the Founder of Borough 22, a pioneering free-from doughnut brand that has transformed the UK’s perception of gluten-free and vegan indulgence. Originally developed in his home kitchen for his children with multiple allergies, Ryan has built Borough 22 into a category-defining business that’s now stocked in Selfridges, ships nationwide, and appears regularly at high-profile pop-ups and festivals.

A self-taught baker turned entrepreneur, Ryan has consistently pushed boundaries in the free-from space, blending product innovation, brand storytelling, and strategic growth to carve out a loyal and ever-growing customer base. His leadership has seen Borough 22 featured in major media publications including Vogue, GQ, and The Guardian, whilst also attracting retail partnerships and expansion opportunities across the UK and beyond.

As a Black founder in the food and beverage space, Ryan is a vocal advocate for representation, inclusion, and building businesses with purpose. With a sharp eye for market trends and a deep connection to his brand’s mission, he continues to redefine what it means to be a challenger brand in today’s food landscape.

Links

• Ryan Panchoo : Website | Instagram | TikTok

• Nadia Nagamootoo:⁠ LinkedIn⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠
• Avenir Consulting: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices⁠
• Purchase Beyond Discomfort using the discount code shared in the episode: ⁠⁠https://practicalinspiration.com/book/beyond-discomfort

In this inspirational episode, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by Lavina Mehta MBE, wellness coach, TEDx speaker, and Founder of Feel Good with Lavina. Lavina passionately discusses her journey of normalising menopause conversations, especially within South Asian communities, and her commitment to promoting accessible health through her innovative ‘exercise snacking’ concept. From celebrating menopause publicly as a positive milestone to addressing workplace awareness, Lavina candidly shares her personal and professional experiences. The conversation also explores her groundbreaking work in making fitness inclusive, breaking cultural taboos, and empowering women to prioritise their health through practical lifestyle changes.

Key Takeaways

• Menopause should be celebrated as a positive milestone to reduce stigma.

• The importance of creating a supportive environment in workplaces for women experiencing menopause.

• Accessible exercise methods like ‘exercise snacking’ can significantly improve overall health.

• Cultural taboos in South Asian communities need addressing through open conversations and education.

• Midlife can be a period of reinvention and empowerment, both personally and professionally.

Highlights

• The importance of openly celebrating menopause as demonstrated by Lavina’s public menopause party.

• How Lavina addresses cultural barriers and taboos within South Asian communities about women's health.

• Lavina’s practical approach to fitness through ‘exercise snacking’, enabling manageable daily activity.

• Insights into the benefits of strength training, particularly during menopause.

• Advice to workplaces on supporting women through menopause with awareness and practical initiatives.
  

Guest Bio

Lavina Mehta MBE, Founder of Feel Good With Lavina, is a 46-year-old personal trainer, bestselling author, wellness coach, TEDx speaker and mum to three. Lavina was awarded an MBE for services to health and fitness during Covid-19. Her mission is to help all ages (up to 100) feel good physically, mentally and reduce risks of common chronic diseases through her concept of ‘exercise snacking’ and free desk/chair workouts (as seen on TV & Radio with her 76 year old Mother in Law). Her slogan is to “Exercise for Sanity not Vanity®.”

Lavina is a Patron of the Menopause Mandate.  Lavina is a proud Ambassador for Diabetes UK, Wellbeing of Women and Alzheimer’s Society, as well as supporting many charities. She regularly runs workplace wellness workshops, menopause talks, exercise snacking workshops, keynotes and features regularly in press and podcasts.

She has been sharing her own perimenopause and menopause journey on social media and press to help normalise the conversation, especially in the workplace and in the South Asian community where many women are suffering in silence.  She wants to break the taboos, raise awareness, change the narrative and help women feel empowered to find solutions, aswell as educating the men around us.

Lavina’s bestselling book, The Feel Good Fix: Boost Energy, Improve Sleep and Move More through Menopause and Beyond, published by Penguin Life is designed to improve your health in perimenopause, menopause and beyond, offering quick, fun, science-backed, bite-size exercise snacks. 

Links

• Lavina Mehta : Website | Instagram | FB | Youtube
• Lavina’s book: The Feel Good Fix  https://amzn.eu/d/8bBeDWk
• Nadia Nagamootoo: LinkedIn | Instagram
• Avenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices
• Purchase Beyond Discomfort using the discount code shared in the episode: ⁠https://practicalinspiration.com/book/beyond-discomfort

In this compelling episode, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with renowned photographer, Robert Taylor. Robert discusses his impactful journey from the RAF to becoming an acclaimed artist whose work champions black queer visibility and diversity. Robert shares insights about his pioneering, powerful project, "Permissible Beauty," exhibited at Hampton Court Palace, which creatively explored Black queer representation and challenged traditional beauty standards. Delving deeply into topics such as British identity, the transformative potential of art, and his contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy and women’s visibility in STEM and academe, Robert's story highlights the power of authenticity, courage, and creative expression in challenging societal norms and fostering inclusion.

Key Takeaways

• Art can challenge traditional standards of beauty and identity, making space for diverse representation.
• Visibility and representation of marginalised groups in heritage spaces can profoundly impact audience perceptions and foster deeper understanding.
• Creating dialogue and opening spaces for previously unheard voices requires courage, intentionality, and a willingness to embrace vulnerability.
• Personal experiences deeply inform artistic expression, leading to transformative social impact.
• Intersectionality and personal identity are crucial in navigating and reshaping societal narratives.
• Active allyship and institutional support are essential in successfully advancing diversity and inclusion projects.

Highlights

• Robert's journey from RAF serviceman to prominent photographer, illustrating diverse pathways to creative expression.
• The Permissible Beauty project at Hampton Court Palace and its groundbreaking portrayal of black queer narratives.
• Exploring Britishness and navigating personal identity within predominantly white and traditional spaces.
• The significant role of chosen families in the queer community, illustrated through the "Four-Sided Triangle" project.
• Capturing portraits of pioneering women for major institutions like the National Portrait Gallery and Oxbridge colleges, showcasing women’s achievements in STEM and academe.
• Robert’s reflections on challenging conventional perceptions of beauty, success, and representation in contemporary art and culture.

Guest Bio

Robert came to photography via the RAF, The Bar, and publishing. His work is held in collections including the NPG, the V&A, and numerous Oxbridge colleges. His work ranges from commercial portraiture to art projects. His many contributions to HIV prevention include a major safer sex education book with Peter Tatchell. Robert has dedicated time to commissioned collections of portraits of women of outstanding achievement in STEM and academe. A 2023 project at Hampton Court Palace explored notions of beauty, from eight black queer perspectives: https://permissiblebeauty.le.ac.uk/.Other interests include offender rehabilitation through the arts, clothing, and jewellery for men.

Links

• Robert Taylor: Website | Instag⁠ram

• Nadia Nagamootoo:⁠ LinkedIn⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠
• Avenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices⁠

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo sits down with the extraordinary Montell Douglas, a groundbreaking athlete known for her historic achievements as the UK's first woman to compete in both Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Montell shares her inspiring story of overcoming barriers, redefining success, and advocating passionately for equitable access to physical activity. She dives deep into issues of representation, resilience, and why she continuously pushes herself out of her comfort-zone, including her recent role as ‘Fire’ in BBC's Gladiators and as a 2024 contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. Montell’s honest reflections highlight the power of sport to drive meaningful societal change.

Key Takeaways

• Montell’s story emphasizes the importance of representation, breaking barriers, and perseverance through adversity.

• Advocating for equitable access to sport can help address broader societal inequalities.

• Physical activity isn't just about elite performance; it's essential for community wellbeing and inclusion.

• Overcoming stereotypes requires continuous courage and the willingness to challenge the status quo.

• Personal resilience comes from embracing challenges, learning from failure, and never settling for comfort-zones.

• Recognising that disparities persist in sports, reflecting deeper societal biases related to race, gender, and physicality.

• Montell Douglas’s Journey: From record-breaking sprinter to Winter Olympian and an advocate for physical health and inclusion.

• Challenging Inequities in Sport: Montell discusses her role as London's first Sport Ambassador and the systemic issues she's addressing.

• Early Lessons in Resilience: How Montell’s upbringing instilled in her a deep-rooted determination and fearlessness.

• Strictly Come Dancing: Montell opens up about the behind-the-scenes dynamics, representation issues, and the realities of competition.

• The Realities of Representation: Montell candidly addresses the challenges of navigating the public eye as a Black female athlete.

• Empowering Through Advocacy: Montell shares how her diverse roles and campaigns aim to inspire positive change and increased access to sport.

Guest Bio

Montell Douglas is a pioneering athlete who made history as the first British woman to compete in both Summer and Winter Olympic Games. She is a Commonwealth Gold Medalist, former British 100-metre record holder, and is known for her role as ‘Fire’ in BBC One’s Gladiators and as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. Beyond athletics, Montell passionately advocates for diversity, inclusion, and health awareness, working closely with organizations like Bupa Health Clinic and London Sport. She is London's first-ever Sport Ambassador, dedicated to ensuring equitable access to physical activity and inspiring communities to embrace active, healthy lifestyles.

Links

• Montell Douglas: Instagram | LinkedIn | X
• Nadia Nagamootoo: LinkedIn | Instagram
• Avenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices
• Purchase Beyond Discomfort using the discount code shared in the episode: ⁠https://practicalinspiration.com/book/beyond-discomfort

In this new episode of Why Care?, starting Season 6, Nadia Nagamootoo talks with Christopher Kenna, CEO and founder of Diversity Media Inc. and Media Stream AI. Christopher shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood and life in the British Army to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur focused on diversity and inclusion. Learn how Chris uses AI to create personalised and inclusive media, why authentic representation matters deeply to him, and his vision for a more equitable media landscape. He also shares his challenging upbringing, navigating personal threats, and the relentless pursuit of positive impact through innovation.

Key Takeaways

• Diversity and inclusion must be foundational values, not superficial initiatives.

• True leadership involves actively dismantling systemic barriers.

• Entrepreneurial success requires balancing passion, resilience, and the courage to face adversity.

• Real activism goes beyond performative gestures—it's everyday actions that create change.

• Leveraging privilege to uplift underrepresented voices is essential for lasting societal impact.

Highlights:

• Christopher's Journey – From Adversity to Activism: Christopher shares his remarkable story, overcoming a difficult childhood and then entering military life to become a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion in the media and tech industry.

• Leveraging AI for Real Inclusion: Discover how Christopher uses innovative AI technology to create personalised media that authentically represents diverse communities, revolutionising viewer engagement.

• True Leadership in DEI: Christopher highlights the importance of genuine leadership commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and why superficial approaches to diversity are insufficient.

• Representation Beyond the Surface: Explore Christopher’s perspective on why true diversity involves more than token gestures, emphasising authentic storytelling and representation at every level.

• Balancing Entrepreneurship and Advocacy: Gain insights into how Christopher navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship, including facing personal threats, to pursue meaningful change through his ventures.

• Practical Activism through Daily Actions: Christopher explains how real activism isn't just about grand gestures but is demonstrated through consistent, everyday actions that leverage privilege for positive societal impact.

Guest Bio

Christopher Kenna is the award-winning CEO and founder of Diversity Media Inc. and Media Stream AI, leading innovative platforms that amplify diverse voices and deliver personalized media experiences. He is an award-winning entrepreneur, having received the Innovator of the Year Award at the second annual Ex-Forces in Business Awards, been in the British LGBT Awards top 10 3x times, named on EMPower’s 100 Ethnic Minority Executives 2020 and OUTstanding top 100 LGBT Executives and in the top 20 of the Top 100 Marketing Influencers in the Technology for Marketing Index 2023.

Links

• Chris Kenna Socials: Instagram | LinkedIn 

• Generation Black TV: Website | Instagram

• Nadia Nagamootoo: LinkedIn | Instagram

• Avenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices

In this special episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo sits down with Blair Imani, historian, educator, and author of Read This to Get Smarter. Known for her viral Smarter in Seconds series, Blair breaks down complex topics in an accessible and engaging way. In this conversation, Blair shares her journey as an advocate, the role of education in driving change, and the importance of challenging misinformation. She also discusses her experiences in activism, the impact of storytelling on social justice, and how we can all contribute to making the world more inclusive.

Key Takeaways

Education is a powerful tool for dismantling bias and promoting social justice.

• Smarter in Seconds demonstrates how breaking down complex topics can make learning accessible to all.

• Understanding history and systemic injustices is essential to creating meaningful change.

Allyship requires more than just words—it demands action and accountability.

• True allyship involves continuous learning, amplifying marginalized voices, and taking action to support communities.

• Challenging misinformation and recognizing privilege are crucial steps toward fostering an inclusive society.

Highlights:

• Blair’s Journey to Activism –From being arrested during a protest to becoming a globally recognized educator, Blair shares the pivotal moments that shaped her career.

• Making Complex Topics Accessible – Blair explains the philosophy behindSmarter in Seconds and why bite-sized education is essential in today’s digital world.

• Challenging Myths and Misinformation –Blair discusses how she debunks historical and cultural misconceptions, such as the real origins of Thanksgiving.

• The Power of Identity and Intersectionality –Blair reflects on how race, gender, and faith have shaped her advocacy and storytelling.

• What It Means to be an Ally –Blair shares practical ways to support marginalized communities beyond performative allyship.

• Education as a Tool for Change –Blair highlights how knowledge can be a powerful driver for equity and justice in both social and political spaces.

Guest Bio

Blair Imani is a historian, educator, and social justice advocate known for making education accessible through her viral Smarter in Seconds series. She is the author of Read This to Get Smarter, Modern HER story, and Making Our Way Home, books that explore history, identity, and activism. A sought-after speaker, Blair has collaborated with institutions like Sephora, Meta, and Adobe and has interviewed icons like Jane Fonda and Gloria Steinem. Through her work, Blair continues to inspire critical thinking, inclusion, and positive change.

Links

• Blair’s Website: https://www.blairimani.com/

• Blair’s Book:⁠ Read This to Get Smarter

• Blair’s Socials:
  LinkedIn | Instagram |You Tube |TikTok
• Nadia Nagamootoo: LinkedIn | Instagram

• Avenir Consulting:⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices

In this season finale of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by bestselling children’s author Robin Stevens, best known for the internationally renowned Murder Most Unladylike series, to explore how literature can shape young minds and create lasting change. Robin shares her journey as an author, the personal experiences that influence her writing, and how her neurodivergence, identity, and lived experiences have shaped the stories she tells. They discuss the importance of representation in children’s books, the impact of subtle acts of exclusion, and how stories can help young readers navigate diversity, identity, and belonging. This episode is an inspiring look at how books can spark meaningful conversations and challenge the status quo.

Key Takeaways

Children’s books have the power to shape young minds, foster empathy, and challenge stereotypes.

Neurodivergence and lived experiences shape creative expression in profound ways.

Highlights:

Robin Stevens is an award-winning author best known for her Murder Most Unladylike series, which blends classic murder mystery with a modern approach to diversity and representation. As someone who identifies with multiple underrepresented communities, Robin skilfully weaves themes of identity, belonging, and social justice into her books. With a deep passion for making literature more inclusive, Robin’s work has had a lasting impact on young readers and the publishing industry.

Links