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In this special Why Care? Live, recorded at Unite Group in Bristol as part of the launch of its Diversity Declaration campaign, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by Dan Foster, Head of Talent Acquisition and Social Impact, Michaella Henry, Regional People Advisor, and Carmel McCormick, Learning Manager, for an uniquely open conversation about the experiences people carry into the workplace without others ever seeing them. Through personal stories spanning working-class identity, LGBTQ+ representation, neurodivergence, mental health, masking, family expectations and the pressure to fit in, they explore how identity shapes the way people navigate work and what organisations can do to reduce the burden of constantly having to explain, adapt or prove what they need. The conversation ultimately asks what genuine psychological safety looks like in practice: leaders who notice, colleagues who listen, workplaces that adapt and cultures where support does not depend on somebody articulating their needs perfectly. From candidate experience through to everyday leadership, this episode is a powerful reminder that belonging is built through repeated actions, not a single initiative. Key Takeaways ​Belonging is built through everyday experiences, not statements of intent. People look for evidence that an organisation genuinely cares throughout recruitment, onboarding, leadership and day-to-day work. ​The person you see at work may be carrying far more than is visible. Confidence, sociability or high performance can coexist with masking, anxiety, hyper-awareness and substantial cognitive effort.​Representation matters long before someone enters the workplace. Growing up without seeing people like yourself reflected around you can create isolation and influence how safe you later feel expressing your identity.​Fitting in can come at a significant personal cost. Carmel's experiences show how class, difference and social expectations can lead people to study the environment around them and continually adapt in order to belong.​Neurodivergence is not synonymous with capability. Different processing speeds or communication needs can easily be misinterpreted as a lack of intelligence or competence when the environment has not adapted. ​Small adjustments can make an enormous difference. Taking time to explain something differently, allowing processing space or remembering an individual's stated needs can fundamentally change their experience of work. ​Self-advocacy itself creates cognitive load. Repeatedly having to understand, explain and justify what support you need can become exhausting, particularly when systems assume a neurotypical experience. ​Psychological safety depends on what happens when work and wellbeing collide. A culture is tested when somebody cannot perform exactly as expected and needs flexibility, understanding or time.​Senior leaders can use their visibility to normalise conversations others may not yet feel safe starting. Dan describes this as part of the responsibility that comes with his position and influence.​Allyship does not always require having the answer. Sometimes one of the most meaningful things somebody can ask is simply, “What do you need from me?” Links ​Unite Group: Website | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn​Nadia Nagamootoo: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Buy Beyond Discomfort​Avenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservicesProduced by Mauro Kenji Serra, Kenji Productions

In the UK, LGBTQ+ equality is often spoken about as a settled achievement. Author, strategist and campaigner Ellen Jones joins Nadia Nagamootoo to explain why that assumption does not match the reality she sees. They discuss the UK’s position on ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map, the uncertainty facing trans people, and the lasting effects of policies and attitudes that shaped Ellen’s childhood. Ellen also shares her experiences of coming out at school, living with the shame left by bullying, and discovering she is autistic. Drawing on her book Outrage and her work through Pansy Studios, Ellen asks what organisations do when public support becomes less comfortable. She explains the impact of excluding LGBTQ+ people from jobs and commissions, and offers practical ways to help: hire and recommend talent, make introductions, share skills, fund community work and give your time. Key Takeaways: ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map places the UK 22nd among 49 countries in 2026 (down from 1st place in 2015). The ranking assesses laws and policies. The introduction of same-sex marriage did not settle every question of LGBTQ+ equality. Ellen describes how the belief that the work was finished left other needs overlooked. Ellen’s experiences of bullying and a lack of support at school show how shame can persist long after the incidents themselves. The conversation explores how access to everyday spaces, including toilets, affects whether people feel able to participate in work and public life. Ellen reflects on being both queer and autistic. School offered her structure and routine, while social exclusion remained part of her experience. Workplace values become meaningful through decisions about who is hired, commissioned, recommended and supported throughout the year. Practical allyship can draw on professional skills, contacts, money, transport or time. Guest Bio ⁠Ellen Jones⁠ is an author, strategist and award-winning campaigner whose work advances inclusion for LGBTQ+, neurodivergent and disabled communities. She received the inaugural MTV EMA Generation Change Award and was named Stonewall’s Young Campaigner of the Year. Ellen is the founder of Pansy Studios, a queer-led marketing agency that runs a global directory of LGBTQ+ freelance talent. Her debut book, Outrage: Why the Fight for LGBTQ+ Equality Is Not Yet Won and What We Can Do About It, was published by Bluebird, Pan Macmillan in January 2025. The paperback edition, published in January 2026, carries the subtitle How to Fight for LGBTQ+ Lives. Outrage was selected as Indie Book of the Month in February 2026. It examines the barriers LGBTQ+ people face and the actions others can take in support of the community. Cover photo: Shannen Lythgoe. Links Ellen Jones: Website | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | Buy “Outrage”  Nadia Nagamootoo: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Buy Beyond Discomfort Avenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mauro Kenji Serra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kenji Productions⁠⁠⁠

What happens to trust and judgement when people are placed under intense pressure? Former Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector and The Traitors contestant, Amanda Collier, joins Nadia Nagamootoo to explore human behaviour, resilience and ethical leadership. Amanda reveals why people instinctively seek safety in uncertain environments, how confidence can make someone a target and what the experience taught her about trust. Drawing on decades in serious crime and counter-terrorism operations, she shares how effective leaders make difficult decisions and create psychologically safe teams. She also reflects on being a gay woman in the Metropolitan Police during the 1990s, the tough persona she developed to survive and the emotional cost of appearing strong. Amanda also shares how medical checks for The Traitors uncovered a serious heart condition and inspired a new chapter of LGBTQ+ visibility, heart-health awareness and public service. This is a powerful conversation about integrity, identity and leading with humanity when the stakes are high. Key Takeaways: Under pressure, people form connections quickly and instinctively gravitate towards those who make them feel safe.Calmness and confidence can build trust, but they can also be perceived as authority, distance or threat.A strong professional persona may support survival and career progression while concealing a significant emotional cost.Effective leadership combines empathy and emotional intelligence with the courage to make difficult decisions.Character, kindness and respect are essential hiring considerations because technical skills alone do not create a healthy culture.Psychological safety grows when leaders trust their teams, protect specialist expertise and give people the authority to do their jobs.Leaders shape culture through the behaviours they reward, challenge and consistently demonstrate.Concealing parts of your identity at work can affect wellbeing, belonging and the ability to lead authentically.Integrity becomes most visible when certainty, familiar structures and control disappear.Unexpected adversity can create new opportunities for advocacy, service and personal purpose.Guest Bio Amanda Collier is a former Detective Chief Inspector with the Metropolitan Police, with decades of experience working at the sharp end of policing, including serious and organised crime and counter‑terrorism operations. Throughout her career, Amanda led complex investigations, made high‑stakes decisions under pressure and developed a deep understanding of trust, influence and human behaviour. In 2026, Amanda became widely known as a contestant on BBC One’s The Traitors, where her calm authority, integrity and analytical thinking resonated strongly with audiences. Since leaving policing, Amanda has used this public platform to champion issues including leadership, resilience, public service and heart health awareness, following a life‑saving diagnosis uncovered during medical checks for the programme. Amanda brings a rare combination of frontline operational experience and public insight, offering powerful reflections on decision‑making, ethics, psychological safety and what it truly means to lead in environments where the stakes are high and uncertainty is constant. Links Spotify Amanda Collier: | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn  Nadia Nagamootoo: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Buy Beyond Discomfort Avenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mauro Kenji Serra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kenji Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Why Care?, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by Lee Chambers, founder and CEO of Male Allies UK, for a powerful conversation about allyship, masculinity, gender equality and the urgent need to move from division to dialogue. Lee shares how serious illness, caregiving, fatherhood and his experience as a Black entrepreneur shaped his understanding of masculinity, purpose and impact. He explains why allyship is not an identity or ideology, but a set of practical skills that help people work across difference, build better relationships and create fairer systems. Together, Nadia and Lee explore why inclusion can feel threatening to some men, how fear and scarcity fuel polarisation, and why boys need broader, healthier scripts for what it means to be male. They also discuss autism, justice sensitivity, the manosphere, the Festival of the Boy, the Voice of Boys research and the Stronger Together Summit. This is a hopeful and practical episode about fairness, courage, curiosity and the role men can play in building workplaces and societies where everyone can thrive. Key Takeaways: Why allyship should be understood as a practical skill set, not a label or ideology. How fear, scarcity and polarisation make inclusion work harder, but more important. Why men often benefit personally from allyship through self-compassion, courage and stronger relationships. How Lee’s illness, caregiving role and time in women-dominated spaces reshaped his view of masculinity. Why boys are searching for a new script for masculinity, and how harmful online spaces exploit that need. How organisations can engage men who see inclusion as a threat, distraction or something being “done to them”. Why collaboration across difference can help workplaces move from gender division to gender dialogue. Guest Bio Lee Chambers is the founder and CEO of Male Allies UK, supporting organisations to engage men in inclusion and promote effective allyship. After a diverse career spanning corporate finance and tech entrepreneurship, Lee now focuses on gender equality, allyship, masculinity and workplace inclusion. He has been featured on the Startups 100 Index, received a Great British Entrepreneur Award, and sits on the board of CMI Women and Manchester Metropolitan University Business School. In 2024, he received the Freedom of the City of London for services to equality in business. He is also the 2023 UN Women Changemaker of the Year, an EDI Fellow at the University of East London, an ambassador for Working Families and 50:50 Parliament, and the author of Momentum: 13 Ways To Unlock Your Potential. Links Spotify Lee Chambers: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Buy Momentum: 13 Ways to Unlock Your Potential Nadia Nagamootoo: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Buy Beyond Discomfort Avenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mauro Kenji Serra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kenji Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Why Care?, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by writer, broadcaster and campaigner Jamie Klingler for a conversation about accidental activism, women’s safety, police reform and the institutional failures that still leave women carrying the burden of risk. Jamie reflects on the moment Sarah Everard’s murder pushed her from behind-the-scenes media work into national campaigning, how Reclaim These Streets was formed at breakneck speed, and why the vigil and High Court fight became a turning point in the public conversation on violence against women and girls. From there, the conversation widens into what has changed, what has not, and what leaders still fail to understand. Jamie speaks candidly about consent, male entitlement, the emotional toll of becoming a public voice on women’s safety, and why organisations cannot keep treating violence, harassment and misogyny as if they sit outside the workplace. The result is a powerful episode about courage, accountability and what it really takes to change culture rather than simply comment on it. Key Takeaways The public conversation on violence against women has moved, but institutions still lag behind. Consent education needs to go far beyond teaching girls how to say no. Men who want to help often need practical, behaviour-based guidance rather than abstract reassurance that they are “one of the good ones”. Organisations already know where the risks are. The issue is usually not awareness but whether leaders are willing to act early and decisively.  Guest Bio Jamie Klingler became an activist and campaigner for women's safety and police reform as one of the founders of Reclaim These Streets, an organisation that was created after Sarah Everard, was abducted, raped and murdered by a serving police officer. The organisation tried to hold a vigil for Sarah, but the Metropolitan Police said they weren’t allowed. In doing so and trying to silence them; Reclaim These Streets fought them in the High Court for violating their human right to assemble, and won. Jamie speaks on becoming an accidental activist and using her media and events expertise to create a real impact.  Her TEDx talk on How to Reclaim Your Life is here: https://www.ted.com/talks/jamie_klingler_reclaim_yourself_the_most_valuable_investment_you_ll_make Links Jamie: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ Nadia Nagamootoo:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | Buy ⁠⁠⁠Beyond Discomfort⁠⁠⁠Avenir Consulting: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices⁠⁠⁠Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mauro Kenji Serra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kenji Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Why Care?, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by pop artist, Starling, for a conversation about self-worth, invisible adversity, ageism, loneliness and the courage to become who you really are. Starling shares how childhood trauma, industry gatekeeping and years of being told she was not enough shaped her early story, and how inner work, nervous system awareness and radical self-belief helped her rebuild it. Together, they explore the pressures of image, success and social media, why so many people still feel lonely and not good enough, and what it means to create work that heals rather than simply performs. It is a conversation about confidence, human connection and choosing yourself, again and again. Key Takeaways: Invisible adversity shapes confidence just as deeply as more visible forms of discrimination or exclusion. You can build an identity that is both fully authentic and consciously created. Success, followers and public recognition do not automatically heal not-enoughness. Feeling safe in your body and nervous system changes the quality of your choices. Self-improvement becomes healthier when it comes from self-respect rather than self-rejection. Human connection remains one of the most powerful forms of healing.  Guest Bio Starling is a pop artist and speaker whose work sits at the intersection of music and personal transformation, a space her growing audience describes as “pop therapy”. Once told she could not sing, she has built her career by dismantling limitations and turning lived experience into songs about empowerment, resilience and possibility. Her music centres on one core idea: you are not what has happened to you, you are what you choose to become. Alongside millions of streams, major radio and press support, and sync placements including Love Island, Starling has also built a powerful platform around self-worth, creative empowerment and human connection, helping people rethink what they are capable of becoming. Links Starling: ⁠Website ⁠| ⁠Facebook⁠|⁠ Instagram ⁠| ⁠Spotify ⁠| ⁠Apple Music⁠ Nadia Nagamootoo:⁠ ⁠⁠Website⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠ | Buy ⁠Beyond Discomfort⁠Avenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices⁠Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Mauro Kenji Serra⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kenji Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠

In the first episode of Why Care? Season 7, Nadia Nagamootoo sits down with Nova Reid, founder, storyteller, and bestselling author of The Good Ally, for a conversation about worthiness, healing, history, and leadership. Nova explains why worthiness is not something we earn through achievement, but something many of us must practice intentionally after learning unworthiness early in life. Together, they explore how social programming shapes identity, belonging, and self-esteem, how assimilation and silence can become survival strategies, and why people-pleasing often leaves us exhausted, overextended, and disconnected from ourselves. They also unpack the deeper inner work behind leadership, the cost of telling only the stories systems find convenient, and why care must sit at the centre of culture, storytelling, and change. Key Takeaways: Worthiness is a lifelong practice, not a reward for productivity or performance. Bias and social programming begin early, long before children can fully understand the messages they absorb. Assimilation, silence, and overadaptation are often learned as safety strategies, especially across generations. People pleasing and overgiving can feel generous, but they can also drain us and prevent others from developing their own agency. Real culture change requires more than representation. It requires reckoning, care, and inner work. Guest Bio Nova Reid is a founder and visionary who cares deeply about healing and repair and uses the power of storytelling to help solve social justice issues. Often described as a force to be reckoned with, Nova’s work sits at the intersection of storytelling, mental health, and social justice. She is a renowned agent of change, winning multiple accolades for her work in racial justice spanning over a decade. She has performed on world class stages and written for major publications including The Guardian, Vogue and Elle Magazine - her cannon of work from her bestselling book The Good Ally - to Hidden Histories with Nova Reid is consistently described as life changing. Links Nova Reid: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Hidden Histories with Nova Reid | The Good AllyBook tickets to Nova’s one-woman show, Worthy on 23rd June 2026: https://www.novareid.com/worthyNadia Nagamootoo: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Buy Beyond DiscomfortAvenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservicesProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mauro Kenji Serra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kenji Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this special live episode of Why Care? Live, recorded at Dame Kelly Holmes’ Annual Women’s Celebration Event - Athena Effect, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by Linda Riley, Raga D’silva, and Vikki Feltham for a powerful conversation on identity, shame, visibility, and what it takes to live truthfully in a world shaped by expectations. Together, they explore the pressure to stay hidden, the cost of being judged by systems and society, and the courage it takes to reject shame and define yourself on your own terms. From activism and allyship to illness, recovery, and self-acceptance, each guest shares deeply personal reflections on being seen, being underestimated, and choosing authenticity anyway. This is a conversation about what happens when women stop shrinking, stop apologising, and start living fully as themselves. Key Takeaways Authenticity often comes with risk, but hiding can carry its own long-term cost. Raga speaks about years of living multiple identities before deciding she could no longer stay hidden. Shame begins to loosen when people reconnect with their own worth rather than external expectations. Vikki reflects on surviving cancer, rebuilding trust in her body, and no longer seeing herself as someone to hide. Allyship matters most when allies speak up, not just listen quietly. Linda makes a direct call for stronger ally support, especially when LGBTQIA+ communities are forced to defend themselves alone. Inclusion conversations become more powerful when they are open, human, and psychologically safe, which is exactly how Why Care? Live is positioned in the concept brochure. The closing message of the panel is simple and strong: listen without judgment, question your assumptions, and help shape change through everyday actions. Links - Nadia Nagamootoo:⁠ Official website⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ - Avenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices - Athena Effect: Official website| Instagram - Dame Kelly Holmes: Official site | LinkedIn | Instagram - Linda Riley: Official website | LinkedIn | Instagram - Raga D'silva: Official website | LinkedIn - Vikki Feltham: LinkedIn | Instagram

In the Season 6 finale of Why Care?, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by John Amaechi OBE, organisational psychologist and Founder of APS Intelligence, for a wide-ranging and deeply grounded conversation on leadership, power, and personal accountability. Drawing on behavioural science, coaching practice, and lived experience, John challenges the myth that great leadership is rooted in charisma or innate talent. Instead, he argues that leadership excellence is built from ordinary, learnable skills that require sustained effort, self-regulation, and ethical clarity. Together, they explore why some leaders seek titles without accepting responsibility, how personalised power corrupts leadership intent, and why culture often gives permission to harmful behaviour. John reflects on vulnerability, feedback, presence, and the energy required to lead well, as well as the danger of outsourcing accountability to systems, algorithms, or circumstance. This episode is a candid examination of leadership without shortcuts, grounded in evidence, human dignity, and the daily choices that shape organisational culture. Cover Photo: Courtesy of APS Intelligence Key Takeaways: ​Leadership skill is learnable, not magical​Wanting power is necessary, but how power is used defines leadership quality​Avoiding discomfort undermines organisational performance​Accountability cannot be outsourced to systems or context​Ethical leadership requires sustained personal effort​Individual choices shape collective outcomesGuest Bio John Amaechi OBE is a world-renowned organisational psychologist, bestselling author, and Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School. As the founder of APS Intelligence Ltd., John leads a global team that transforms leaders and cultures by combining cutting-edge behavioural science with psychological insight. His bespoke programmes aren’t about quick fixes, they drive sustainable growth, ethical leadership, and organisational well-being. From his roots in Stockport, near Manchester, to becoming the first Briton to play professional basketball in the NBA, John’s personal journey exemplifies resilience and ambition. Inspired by his mother’s words, “The most unlikely of people in the most improbable of circumstances can become extraordinary”, John has spent his career challenging expectations and helping others unlock their potential. An adviser to FTSE 100 boards, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and the recipient of the Sport Industry Integrity and Impact Award, John is recognised as one of the most influential voices in leadership and organisational culture. His bestselling book, The Promises of Giants, inspires leaders worldwide to embrace authenticity, drive ethical change, and create lasting legacies. Links ​John Amaechi: LinkedIn | Instagram | Substack | TikTok​Buy his books:- “It's Not Magic: The Ordinary Skills of Exceptional Leaders” - “The Promises of Giants” ​APS: Website | LinkedIn​Nadia Nagamootoo:⁠ Website ⁠| ⁠LinkedIn ⁠|⁠ Instagram⁠​Avenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices

In this episode of Why Care?, Nadia Nagamootoo sits down with Elliott Rae, founder of Music Football Fatherhood, creator of the Parenting Out Loud movement and one of the UK’s leading voices on fatherhood, modern masculinity and men’s mental health. Elliott reflects on his decade of work shifting workplace culture for dads, from challenging stigma around flexible working to building systems that support equal parenting. Grounded in personal experience, including the trauma and transformation of early parenthood, Elliott explains why encouraging dads to speak up about their caregiving responsibilities is essential for gender equality, societal wellbeing and children’s development. His story blends purpose, vulnerability and activism, revealing how changing the way men parent can change the foundations of work and family life everywhere.  Key Takeaways: Equal parenting is a system shift that reduces the motherhood penalty. Stigma, silence and old ideas of masculinity still block dads at work. Culture change requires leaders to understand the ‘why’ behind caring. Father involvement improves wellbeing for men, women and children. Proactive organisational messaging dramatically increases leave uptake. Guest Bio Elliott Rae is the founder of the parenting platform MusicFootballFatherhood, called the ‘Mumsnet for Dads’ by the BBC. He is the curator of the bestselling book, DAD, presenter of BBC One documentary ‘Becoming Dad’ and co-founder of the Working Dads Employer Awards.  Elliott created the Parenting Out Loud campaign which supports employers to build workplace cultures where dads can be loud and proud about their caring responsibilities at work.  Elliott is the ex-Head of DEI Delivery at HM Treasury and one of the UK’s most prominent speakers on fatherhood, men’s mental health and masculinity.  He co-hosts the popular podcast, To Be A Boy, which is one of the top parenting podcasts in the UK and he has written for publications such as The Independent, The Telegraph and Grazia and frequently appears across the media, including a feature on Loose Women and regular contributions to Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio London.  Elliott was recently awarded an MBE and his work on gender equality has been recognised by the United Nations and he was awarded the #HeForShe award by UN Women UK. In 2025, Elliott created and hosted the world’s first Working Dad’s Summit. Links Elliott Rae: Instagram| LinkedIn | WebsiteParenting Out Loud: https://elliottrae.com/parentingoutloud/Music Football Fatherhood: https://www.musicfootballfatherhood.comNadia Nagamootoo: Website | LinkedIn | InstagramAvenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices

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. Guest Bio Samantha Baines is a multi award-winning comedian, actress, broadcaster and best selling author. She presents for The One Show, BBC Morning Live, Rip Off Britain, BBC Radio London and hosts the smash hit podcast The Divorce Social (half a million downloads). You may recognise her from acting roles in Netflix’s The Crown, Romesh Ranganathan's Avoidance, Call the Midwife, Silent Witness and Magic Mike Live (directed by Channing Tatum). As a hearing aid wearer herself, she is ambassador for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People and the author of critically acclaimed children's books with deaf main characters, as well as the best-selling non-fiction book Living With Hearing Loss and Deafness. She is a BAFTA member, NSPCC Campaigner and a regular on national radio stations. Links Samantha Baines : Instagram | FB | X | TikTok | Baines London: Instagram | Etsy ShopNadia Nagamootoo:⁠ LinkedIn⁠ |⁠ InstagramAvenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservicesPurchase 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 Nadia Nagamootoo: Website | LinkedIn | InstagramAvenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices

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 | TikTokNadia Nagamootoo:⁠ LinkedIn⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠Avenir Consulting: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices⁠Purchase 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 | YoutubeLavina’s book: The Feel Good Fix  https://amzn.eu/d/8bBeDWkNadia Nagamootoo: LinkedIn | InstagramAvenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservicesPurchase Beyond Discomfort using the discount code shared in the episode: ⁠https://practicalinspiration.com/book/beyond-discomfort