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In this episode, Craig and Dawn explore recent controversies and trends in diversity, inclusion, workplace culture, and societal attitudes, including discussions on racism, ageism, homophobia, and organizational restructuring. They analyze high-profile cases and share insights on how organizations can navigate these complex issues with honesty and integrity.

In this episode, we explore recent news stories and societal issues, including police conduct, social media regulation, Pride Month controversies, and leadership challenges in organizations. Join us for honest insights and practical advice on navigating complex topics in today's world.

Coaching vs Mentoring: The Leadership Superpower We’re Still Underusing In this Mentoring May special edition of You Must Be Woking, Dawn and Craig dive into one of the most requested topics from our listeners: the real difference between coaching and mentoring - and why both are becoming essential tools for inclusive, high‑performing organisations. Drawing on lived experience, global research and years of running coaching and mentoring programmes, they explore: The actual difference between coaching and mentoring (and why the language matters)Why nearly half of organisations are now investing in coaching and mentoringThe myths that stop leaders from engaging with coachingHow empathy, listening and deeper connection unlock performanceWhy coaching accelerates leadership transitions and prevents derailmentThe power of structured mentoring programmes - and the retention impact they can createReal‑world examples of coaching and mentoring transforming culture, confidence and capabilityYou’ll also hear powerful reflections from leaders who’ve experienced coaching first‑hand - including how it helped them move from good instincts to strategic instincts, and from navigating complexity to mastering it. Whether you’re a leader, a mentor, a coach, or someone stepping into something new, this episode will reshape how you think about growth, performance and inclusive leadership.

Lesley Brodie, Vice President at DHL Supply Chain, shares her journey in logistics, leadership challenges, and insights on authenticity, giving back, and supporting women in leadership. This episode explores the trade-offs of career growth, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the impact of COVID on leadership dynamics. Lesley Brodie | LinkedIn   (2) DHL Supply Chain: Posts | LinkedIn   DHL Supply Chain – The world’s leading contract logistics provider - United Kingdom

In this insightful interview, Sam Brook, Group HR Director at Severfield Field PLC, shares her journey through leadership, gender equality, and the impact of mentorship. Discover how her experiences and initiatives are shaping a more inclusive workplace and empowering women in traditionally male-dominated industries.

In this episode, Jules McKittrick, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at Summer, shares her journey through diverse roles, the importance of voice and allyship in leadership, and insights on fostering inclusive cultures during acquisitions.

This episode launches our Podcast Mini Series to celebrate International Women's Day 2026. summary Hosts Craig Richards & Dawn Hurst interviews guest Amy Barnes who shares her journey through leadership, the challenges women face in the workplace, and the importance of authenticity and giving back. She discusses breaking barriers, the value of vulnerability, and how to support the next generation of women leaders.

In this episode, Dawn & Craig explore the critical role of workplace culture in organizational success, discussing how outdated cultural infrastructures can hinder performance and lead to toxic environments. They analyze real-world examples, including the Ministry of Defence and Manchester United, to illustrate the consequences of neglecting cultural transformation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, transparency, and proactive leadership in fostering a positive workplace culture. Practical steps for cultural change are provided, alongside insights from listener questions.

A look back at the year in review, which also celebrates a year of You Must Be Woking too! Craig & Dawn talk about their viral moments, guests and hand out awards too. Check it Out.

The impact of cultural narratives on workplace dynamics.Systemic issues in organizations often stem from leadership challenges.The importance of addressing sexism and misogyny in politics.Military institutions face significant challenges with bullying and harassment.The Met Police's policy changes reflect broader societal debates on hate speech.Portugal's right to disconnect raises questions about state intervention in workplace culture.Cultural acknowledgements can be performative without genuine understanding.Disney's backlash highlights the complexities of representation in media.Personal stories can humanize contentious topics like pronouns.Effective leadership requires ongoing education and adaptation to modern challenges. Summary In this episode of 'You Must Be Woking,' hosts Craig Richards and Dawn Hurst delve into various current events and cultural issues, exploring their implications on workplace dynamics and societal norms. They discuss the BBC series 'Riot Women,' the ejection of Nuala McAllister from the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the Ministry of Defence's bullying claims. The conversation also touches on the Met Police's policy changes regarding hate crimes, Portugal's right to disconnect law, and the cultural acknowledgements made by Canadian airlines. Additionally, they analyze the backlash against Disney's new short film 'Versa' and the importance of pronouns in personal identity, emphasizing the need for education and understanding in addressing these complex topics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Woke News and Current Events02:41 Exploring the BBC Series 'Riot Women'15:30 Discussion on Sexism and Misogyny in Politics23:50 Military Culture and Bullying in the MOD31:13 Assurance Over Accreditation33:48 Policy Shifts in Law Enforcement37:12 Values and Workplace Culture42:19 The Pendulum of Free Speech43:39 The Right to Disconnect49:02 Cultural Acknowledgements in Canada54:03 Performative Actions vs. Genuine Change56:46 The Power of Storytelling in Identity

A fascinating discussion with Tim Barber founder of Feel Good Folk and the host of the Feel Good Podcast - Deep diving into masculinity, men's mental health and what that looks like in the workplace

In this next episode of our "In The Spotlight" series regular hosts Craig Richards and Dawn Hurst are put in the hotseat to discuss their new book, Woke Is Broke...But we can fix it by Guest Host James Barr. The conversation focuses on the importance of inclusion in organizations, particularly within FTSE 100 companies and the public sector. The speakers emphasize their commitment to changing the conversation around inclusion, rather than merely selling books. They challenge leaders to consider the effectiveness and impact of their inclusion efforts, asking critical questions about skills, training, and return on investment. We haven't just written a book to make a few quid.This is about changing the conversation.We've also challenged them with three important questions.Who does your inclusion work?Do they have the right skills and training?Do you understand the impact of the work they're doing?There's sometimes negative impact of this stuff too.Do you know your return?If you're investing, do you know what return you're getting?If you can't answer those questions, then the book is for you.

In this episode of You Must Be Woking – In the Spotlight, Dawn and Craig sit down with John Wilkinson, Chief Operating Officer of BAM UK & Ireland, to explore the future of the construction industry through the lens of diversity, inclusion, culture, and sustainability. With the sector facing a shortfall of a quarter of a million workers in the next five years, John shares why embracing diversity isn’t optional - it’s essential. From his personal journey starting out as a trainee engineer to leading one of the biggest players in construction, John reflects on how the industry has transformed from an “alpha male” environment to one that’s gradually opening its doors to people of all genders, backgrounds, and experiences. Key themes from the conversation: John’s career journey and leadership lessons.How diversity and inclusion are vital to addressing the skills shortage.The role of culture in driving change at BAM and across the sector.Attracting the next generation of talent—starting as early as primary schools.Technology, AI, and innovation reshaping construction work.Why sustainability - environmental, economic, and human - is central to the industry’s future.John’s personal legacy and his vision to “leave the jersey in a better place.”Whether you’re in construction or simply curious about how industries can evolve to be more inclusive and sustainable, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring perspectives on building a future-ready workforce.

In this episode of the You Must Be Woking podcast, Dawn Hurst, Craig Richards and law expert Tina Chander, delve into the Worker Protection Act 2023. They break down the core provisions of the Act, explaining how it introduces new duties for employers to actively prevent harassment and discrimination in the workplace. The three discuss the broader context of the law, including its origins, the types of behavior it targets, and the legal rationale behind these sweeping changes. How are employer responsibilities evolving under the new Act, and what practical steps must organisations take to comply? The conversation explores the heightened expectations placed on employers, emphasising the need for robust anti-harassment policies, regular staff training, and clear communication of standards. Tina Chander offers specific guidance on how businesses can audit their current practices, identify gaps, and implement effective reporting mechanisms. What challenges do organisations face in preventing harassment, and how can they overcome them? The episode addresses the real-world difficulties employers encounter, such as managing workplace culture, addressing subtle forms of discrimination, and handling incidents involving third parties like customers or clients. Through recent case studies and legal precedents, the discussion illustrates the complexities of third-party liability and the need for proactive leadership. Tina stresses that fostering a culture of respect and accountability is essential for compliance and for building a genuinely inclusive environment. Why are clear reporting mechanisms and a positive workplace culture so critical in the fight against harassment and discrimination? Dawn, Craig and Tina examine how transparent processes for raising concerns, coupled with visible support from management, can make a tangible difference in employee wellbeing and organisational reputation. They share practical advice on creating accessible reporting channels, protecting whistleblowers, and responding promptly to complaints. How can organisations stay ahead of legal changes and foster safer, more inclusive workplaces? Wrapping up, the hosts and Tina Chander reflect on the importance of continuous education, regular policy reviews, and leadership commitment to upholding the highest standards of workplace conduct. They encourage listeners to view the Worker Protection Act 2023 not just as a compliance obligation, but as an opportunity to lead by example and set new benchmarks for fairness and safety in the modern workplace. So, are your current workplace policies truly protecting your employees, or just ticking the boxes? We want to hear from you, get in touch and share your questions and comments with us:By email: [email protected] On WhatsApp: +44 (0)7482 974 726 Follow the You Must Be Woking podcast on socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youmustbewokingpodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/you-must-be-woking-podcast/ For more information on how evidence-led inclusion can transform your organisation, visit the Metimur Global website, and stay connected on social media for updates, insights, and more: https://linktr.ee/MetimurGlobal Also, be sure to follow our partners at EA Inclusion for additional resources on inclusive practices: https://linktr.ee/EAInclusion

In this episode of "You Must be Woking", hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards sit down with renowned disability inclusion advocate Kate Nash OBE. The conversation opens by examining the multifaceted nature of disability inclusion — highlighting the need for accessible environments and, importantly, organisational cultures that foster belonging and respect. Kate shares how businesses can move beyond token gestures by listening to disabled voices and embedding inclusion at every level. How do real-world incidents reveal the ongoing challenges faced by disabled people? The conversation addresses ongoing challenges faced by disabled people, sparked by a recent BBC story about Paralympian Piers Gilbert, who was refused a hotel room because he uses a wheelchair. This incident reveals persistent legal, practical, and cultural barriers, underscoring the emotional impact of exclusion and the urgent need for proactive accessibility and bias challenge. What legal protections exist, and how effective are they in practice? The episode delves into the Equality Act 2010, which enshrines the rights of disabled people in the UK and mandates reasonable adjustments in both employment and service provision. Kate explains what constitutes a “reasonable adjustment” and why it is essential for organisations to go beyond mere compliance. The discussion covers the practicalities of implementing adjustments, the importance of consulting with disabled individuals, and the role of adjustment passports in streamlining support for employees as they move between roles or organisations. Why is disclosure such a complex issue for disabled employees, and how can workplaces better support them? Kate explores the challenges surrounding disability disclosure in the workplace, noting that many employees hesitate to share their needs due to fear of stigma or negative consequences. The three discuss strategies for creating safe, supportive environments where employees feel empowered to disclose and request adjustments. How can ongoing education, empathy, and storytelling drive genuine inclusion and challenge persistent misconceptions? The episode emphasises ongoing education, empathy, and storytelling as key drivers of genuine inclusion. Kate advocates for regular training and sharing lived experiences to break down stereotypes. The hosts call on listeners to become active allies, championing accessibility and inclusion in every area of life. So, what practical steps can you take to ensure that reasonable adjustments aren’t just about compliance but about genuine support? We want to hear from you, get in touch and share your questions and comments with us: By email: [email protected] On WhatsApp: +44 (0)7482 974 726 Follow the You Must Be Woking podcast on socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youmustbewokingpodcast/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/you-must-be-woking-podcast/ For more information on how evidence-led inclusion can transform your organisation, visit the Metimur Global website, and stay connected on social media for updates, insights, and more: https://linktr.ee/MetimurGlobal  Also, be sure to follow our partners at EA Inclusion for additional resources on inclusive practices: https://linktr.ee/EAInclusion