The Diverse Minds Podcast

Welcome to the 302nd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I'm exploring toxic workplace culture after attending a darkly comedic show about HR dysfunction. From redundancies out of nowhere to poor management and increased bullying, traditional workplaces have become akin to the Wild West. Discover what truly defines toxic culture, why HR leaders often stay silent, and the radical preventative and investigative measures needed to create real change. Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. In today’s show on Why Do HR Leaders Stay Silent When Things Get Toxic? 00:37 - Comedy meets HR: reflections on "You Are All Resources A Work In Progress" by Emma Davies. 01:12 - What toxic workplace culture actually looks like. 03:08 - Current pressures faced by employees in the workplace. 08:04 - Alarming stress statistics and their impact in the workplace. 08:42 - Why HR leaders stay silent in toxic environments. 10:52 - How HR leaders can fix toxic cultures. Quotes on Why do HR Leaders Stay Silent When Things Get Toxic? Traditional workplaces have become very much akin to the Wild West. We can read something, but that doesn't mean we can absorb deep tacit knowledge from one piece of information. Senior leaders are not God. They are not a higher being. They are mere mortals like the rest of us. It's very easy to say we have a zero-tolerance policy. Again, like the word toxic, what does it actually mean? The problem is that if people bring in money, if they are good at collaborating, if they are big hitters in some way, they are exempt. And we see this all the time. .stk-4da79ac {margin-bottom:8px !important;} Resources for Why do HR Leaders Stay Silent When Things Get Toxic? Read Monaco Solicitors' definition of toxic workplace culture Read my blog post: Speaking Out About Workplace Bullying Check out Shavonne O'Reilly's blog: 10 Tips: How to Survive a Toxic Workplace Explore Rad HR - radical approaches to workplace culture and HR practices Episode 300: 5 Things I learned from Careless People by Sarah Wynn Williams Episode 245: What is Psychological Safety at Work? Episode 63: Anti-Bullying Initiatives That Work Episode 267: How to Handle Gatekeepers Episode 11: Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace: What You Can Do About It Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe .stk-ec55c3e {margin-bottom:0px !important;} Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC One-hour focused Sessions £250 1-2-1 Power Hour Sessions for Organisations Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489 Check out my coaching FAQs or learn more about how 1:1 coaching can support your wellbeing. Subscribe to the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review? You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 301st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! It's March and Women's History Month, and this year's UN theme is "Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls." In this episode, I'm reviewing a completely different kind of book: The Alphabet of Happiness by female author Klaudia Mitura. Discover why cultivating joy and happiness isn't toxic positivity—it's essential fortification for making positive change in the world. In today’s show on Why We Need the Alphabet of Happiness 01:31 - Why this happiness book matters now and how it differs from toxic positivity 02:08 - Klaudia's moving story behind the book and podcast, plus links to previous episodes together 03:41 - Current happiness data and context: why UK wellbeing is at a national mood slump 05:33 - The clever A-to-Z book structure and thematic approach, and how to use it your way 09:11 - My final takeaways on everyday joy as resistance and how to connect with Klaudia Quotes on Why We Need the Alphabet of Happiness We do really need a place and space for happiness and joy to fortify ourselves, to keep going, to make positive change. Finding our happiness and everyday joy is a form of resistance. The language isn't patronising. It doesn't make you feel bad. It is very much optional, and it gives you lots of ideas that work for your life and where you are. Over a quarter of adults in the UK report they are unhappier than they were 18 months prior. This stagnation in wellbeing is heavily influenced by financial pressures, chronic health issues, and a sense of post-pandemic stagnation. .stk-4da79ac {margin-bottom:8px !important;} Resources for Why We Need the Alphabet of Happiness Check out Klaudia's website: thehappinesschallenge.co.uk My appearances on The Happiness Challenge podcast: Episode #43: Identity and Happiness Episode #101, Hack 19: Give Yourself a Break with Gratitude Episode #161: Happiness and Personal Development with Klaudia Mitura Episode #186: Celebrating the International Day of Happiness Download my 10-Step Stress Resource Access the Podcast Episode Guide with clickable links Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe .stk-ec55c3e {margin-bottom:0px !important;} Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC One-hour focused Sessions £250 1-2-1 Power Hour Sessions for Organisations Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489 Check out my coaching FAQs or learn more about how 1:1 coaching can support your wellbeing. Subscribe to the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review? You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 300th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this milestone episode, I am discussing the eye-opening book Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn Williams. As we enter Women’s History Month, I explore how the internal culture of big tech often contradicts the glossy public images of inclusion, and what this teaches us about building truly just workplaces. In today’s show on Managing Your Emotions at Work 00:53 – Celebrating Women’s History Month and the UN theme: Rights, Justice, and Action for All Women. 01:56 – Why Careless People is a vital, yet suppressed, whistleblower account of big tech. 02:49 – Peeling back the curtain: The stark reality of Facebook’s internal culture and decision-making. 06:23 – Five key lessons on leadership arrogance, the failure of HR, and the myth of "Leaning In." 16:30 – Why this is a must-read for inclusive leaders and where to find more resources. Quotes on Managing Your Emotions at Work We live in an intense period. Talking about politics at work can feel psychologically dangerous, particularly for the global majority, disabled, LGBTQIA+ and women employees. I wish we didn't have to manage our emotions. I wish we could be open. I wish we could get support. I wish it didn't have to be like this. The penalty for anyone from an underrepresented group speaking openly about political inequality can be labelled as troublemaking. It's not wrong to have the reactions; it's just that we don't necessarily want to react. .stk-4da79ac {margin-bottom:8px !important;} Resources for Managing Your Emotions at Work Check out my resources on Stress and Mental Health Listen to my episode series on Politics in the Workplace Download my 10-Step Stress Resource Access the Podcast Episode Guide with clickable links Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe .stk-ec55c3e {margin-bottom:0px !important;} Work with me Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC One-hour focused Sessions £250 1-2-1 Power Hour Sessions for Organisations Complete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489 Check out my coaching FAQs or learn more about how 1:1 coaching can support your wellbeing. Subscribe to the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review? You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 299th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I'm exploring how to manage your emotions at work amid relentless, painful news cycles.In today’s show on Managing Your Emotions at Work00:57 - Why the news feels relentless and why work isn't a vacuum02:05 - How overwhelm shows up: recognising stress signs and accessing helpful resources03:56 - Why politics at work can feel psychologically unsafe, especially for underrepresented groups05:16 - Practical steps for managing emotions when political discussions arise09:56 - The importance of documentation, allies, and finding supportive spacesQuotes on Managing Your Emotions at WorkWe live in an intense period.Talking about politics at work can feel psychologically dangerous, particularly for the global majority, disabled, LGBTQI+ and women employees.I wish we didn't have to manage our emotions. I wish we could be open. I wish we could get support. I wish it didn't have to be like this.The penalty for anyone from an underrepresented group speaking openly about political inequality can be labelled as troublemaking.It's not wrong to have the reactions; it's just that we don't necessarily want to react..stk-4da79ac {margin-bottom:8px !important;}Resources for Managing Your Emotions at WorkCheck out episodes on Stress, Money and Mental HealthListen to my episode series on Politics in the WorkplaceDownload my 10-Step Stress ResourceAccess the Podcast Episode Guide with clickable linksJoin my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion hereCheck out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental HealthLeave me a message on my SpeakPipe.stk-ec55c3e {margin-bottom:0px !important;} Work with meHave a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONCOne-hour focused Sessions £250 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for OrganisationsComplete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489Check out my coaching FAQs or learn more about how 1:1 coaching can support your wellbeing. Subscribe to the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review?You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 298th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I'm thrilled to take you on a tour of my brand-new website—a meaningful redesign that goes beyond aesthetics to reflect the colourful, inclusive heart of Diverse Minds. Discover the powerful accessibility features, curated resources, and exciting new offerings that will support you in creating mentally healthy and inclusive workplaces.In today’s show on Round-Up of the Year 2025About the new website and what it means for the Diverseminds business. [00:33]The evolution of the Diverseminds website and why it was time for a bold, colourful transformation. [00:57]Discover the game-changing accessibility tools powered by One Tap, including ADHD-friendly modes and visual impairment support. [03:00]A guided tour through the homepage, training pages, speaking page, and the juicy resources section you won't want to miss. [03:50]All my resources and downloads are now accessible in one place. [08:53]Quotes on Round-Up of the Year 2025This isn't just a rebrand or a visual refresh, but a meaningful moment for business and me personally.The accessibility adjustments powered by One Tap include ADHD-friendly mode with a ribbon across the screen, and I found this really useful whether you have ADHD or not.If you feel you can't work with me yet or don't have the budget, the resources tab is the place for you.I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. It feels simpler, more fun, and much clearer and easier to use.The website wasn't supporting people in the way it could have. The materials, resources, and pieces of knowledge weren't curated in the best way possible for people to access them easily.Resources for Round-Up of the Year 2025Check out the new website.Visite the new downloads pageDownload the free 200-episode guide with clickable links HERE.Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion hereCheck out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental HealthLeave me a message on my SpeakPipe Work with meHave a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONCOne-hour focused Sessions £250 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for OrganisationsComplete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489Check out my coaching FAQs or learn more about how 1:1 coaching can support your wellbeing. Subscribe to the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review?You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 297th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I reflect on my workplace wellbeing predictions for 2025—what happened and what didn't—before sharing my five predictions for 2026.In today's show on Workplace Wellbeing Trends for 2026Reflecting on 2025 workplace wellbeing predictions and why many didn't come to fruition. [00:33]Redundancy support, AI job displacement, and the disappointing removal of the right to switch off from UK employment legislation. [01:09]The lack of progress on workplace adjustments and disability inclusion, despite government initiatives like Work Well. [03:05]Managing political differences in the workplace and the ongoing crisis in financial well-being support for employees. [05:05]Five predictions for 2026 workplace wellbeing trends and what organisations should be preparing for. [07:47].stk-91ebae5 {height:30px !important;}Quotes on Workplace Wellbeing Trends for 2026Disabled people in the UK continue to experience lower employment rates and a notable pay gap compared to their non-disabled peers.Psychological safety is the belief that you won't be punished or humiliated for speaking up in the workplace.AI therapy and counselling terrifies me quite a lot. It cannot diagnose mental illness and shouldn't replace human therapy.Human-to-human contact is still essential. Not everyone can or should work remotely and be tech-based.Middle managers reported feeling overwhelmed and underprepared, with a knock-on effect felt across teams..stk-ba39a0c {height:30px !important;}Resources for Workplace Wellbeing Trends for 2026Episode #120: Having Conversations About Workplace AdjustmentsEpisode #192: Getting Workplace Adjustments Right with Daniel WilliamsEpisode #253: Election Special: The Possibilities for EDI?Episode #254: Is it ok to Talk about Politics at Work?Episode #255: Shifting Workplace PoliticsEpisode #245: What is Psychological Safety at Work?Episode #58: Neurodiversity, Race and Culture with Jannett MorganEpisode #79: Neurodivergent Support with Janette BeethamEpisode #173: Neurodivergent Support in Education with Aquayemi Claude Garnett AkinsanyaEpisode #187: Autism, Race and Culture with Reena AnandDownload the free 200-episode guide with clickable links HERE.Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion hereCheck out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental HealthLeave me a message on my SpeakPipe.stk-0a30c05 {height:29px !important;}Work with meHave a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC.stk-d762e95 {height:30px !important;}One-hour focused Sessions £250 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for OrganisationsComplete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489Check out my FAQs here: http://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. .stk-1ca2f54 {height:30px !important;}Subscribe to the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review? You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 296th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast, and welcome to 2026! In this reflective episode, I look back at 2025—a year guided by the word "nurture"—and share the personal and professional milestones that shaped my journey.In today’s show on Round-Up of the YearReflecting on the past year and setting the tone for 2026. [00:58]Personal and global challenges of 2025 and the importance of acknowledging suffering worldwide. [02:01]Podcast and professional highlights of 2025, including impressive stats and key achievements. [03:08]Monthly recap: A detailed walk-through of January to December 2025, covering training programs, coaching sessions, and significant projects. [03:56]Looking ahead to 2026, including the year of the fire horse and my chosen word for the year ahead. [10:02].stk-91ebae5 {height:30px !important;}Quotes on Round-Up of the YearI don't believe that suffering builds character.The challenges I've experienced over the last four years have helped me to be more pragmatic and take things day by day.In the Chinese Zodiac framework, we will move into the year of the Fire Horse. This represents energy and movement forward.2025 was much better and lighter than 2024 in many ways, however it is vital to acknowledge the severe problems around the globe.My word for 2026 is 'luck.' I also create a vision board to support my word, and it's displayed on the back of my office door, so I can look at it every day..stk-ba39a0c {height:30px !important;}Resources for Round-Up of the YearEpisode #269: 2024 in ReviewEpisode #226: 2023: The Year in ReviewEpisode #174: 2022: The Year in ReviewEpisode #122: Round-up of 2021: My Year of GratitudeEpisode #70: What 2020 Taught MeEpisode #17: 12 Business Lessons I Learned in 2019Download the free 200-episode guide with clickable links HERE.Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion hereCheck out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental HealthLeave me a message on my SpeakPipe.stk-0a30c05 {height:29px !important;}Work with meHave a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC.stk-d762e95 {height:30px !important;}One-hour focused Sessions £250 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for OrganisationsComplete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489Check out my FAQs here: http://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. .stk-1ca2f54 {height:30px !important;}Subscribe to the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review? You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 295th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In this episode, I explore the often-overlooked topic of carers in the workplace—specifically those caring for family members, friends, or neighbours with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or complex needs. While Disability History Month has officially ended, the conversation about supporting carers must continue year-round.In today’s show on Supporting Carers at WorkUnderstanding the role of carers and defining what caring means in the workplace context. [01:29]The significant challenges faced by carers in the workplace, including health impacts and employment barriers. [02:42]The compelling business case for supporting carers, from improved productivity to reduced turnover costs. [03:55]Key statistics and research on carers, including recent findings from Carers UK's 2025 poll. [07:39]Practical recommendations for supporting carers, including flexible working, carers passports, and creating awareness. [13:12].stk-91ebae5 {height:30px !important;}Quotes on Supporting Carers at WorkThere are currently 5.8 million carers in the UK, and every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers.Carers hold families together.600 people a day give up work to care for loved ones.Balancing care with work and then having a social life is incredibly difficult,The workplace plays a vital role in supporting carers.40% of working carers said they needed more flexibility at work..stk-ba39a0c {height:30px !important;}Resources for Supporting Carers at WorkCarers UKCarers Week ReportCarers TrustBITC ToolkitACAS Guidance on Carers’ LeaveEpisode #294: Overview of The Lilac Review and Why it MattersEpisode #134: Recognising the Needs of Carers with Anita PowellDownload the free 200-episode guide with clickable links HERE.Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion hereCheck out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental HealthLeave me a message on my SpeakPipe.stk-0a30c05 {height:29px !important;}Work with meHave a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC.stk-d762e95 {height:30px !important;}One-hour focused Sessions £250 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for OrganisationsComplete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489Check out my FAQs here: http://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. .stk-1ca2f54 {height:30px !important;}Subscribe to the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review? You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.

Welcome to the 294th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In celebration of UK Disability History Month, I explore the groundbreaking Lilac Review—an independent report examining the barriers faced by disabled entrepreneurs in the UK and the concrete actions being taken to level the playing field.I discuss why disability entrepreneurship matters for everyone, the shocking statistics about funding gaps and access barriers, and most importantly, the systemic changes now underway including the UK's first Disability Finance Code and flagship business incubator for disabled founders.Listen to the episodeIf you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from..stk-d6d5d95 {height:30px !important;}In today’s show on Overview of The Lilac Review and Why it MattersCelebrating UK Disability History Month and this year's theme: Disability, Life, and Death. [01:05]Introduction to the Lilac Review. [02:18]The current landscape: 25% of UK small business owners are disabled, yet face significant barriers to success. [03:08]Key barriers disabled entrepreneurs face include higher costs, limited funding, inaccessible support, and the constant burden of proof. [06:35]Some groundbreaking actions resulting from the Lilac Review. [11:12].stk-91ebae5 {height:30px !important;}Quotes on Overview of The Lilac Review and Why it Matters25% of the UK's 5.5 million small to medium enterprise business owners are disabled or have a health condition.Disabled entrepreneurs account for 8.6% of the turnover of all UK businesses—yet could add another £230 billion to UK revenue with proper support.Disabled founders experience 30% lower employment rates and face £570 more in monthly costs than non-disabled entrepreneurs.33% of disabled entrepreneurs start their business out of necessity, not choice.Disabled entrepreneurs have only a 0.1% share of voice in the public sphere despite being over 20% of the UK population..stk-ba39a0c {height:30px !important;}Resources for Overview of The Lilac Review and Why it MattersUK Disability History Month websiteThe Lilac Review report and Disability Finance CodeEpisode #224: Barriers for Disabled EntrepreneursDownload the free 200-episode guide with clickable links HERE.Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion hereCheck out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental HealthLeave me a message on my SpeakPipe.stk-0a30c05 {height:30px !important;}Work with meHave a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC.stk-d762e95 {height:30px !important;}One-hour focused Sessions £250 1-2-1Power Hour Sessions for OrganisationsComplete the form to discuss your training needs: https://forms.gle/hgnYtmTu33Zeem489Check out my FAQs here: http://diverseminds.co.uk/solutions/coaching/You can learn more about the coaching I do to support your wellbeing here. .stk-1ca2f54 {height:30px !important;}Subscribe to the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.If you enjoyed it, why not leave a review? You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Remember to tune in next week, where I’ll bring you more insights on mental health and inclusion.