Diverse & Inclusive Leaders

Michael HickmanLeila is joined by Michael Hickman, Positive Action Manager and Detective Constable at Surrey Police.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· The journey that led Mike to his current role in the police force, from his beginnings working in security for a theme park company to then progressing through the ranks at Surrey Police· Mike’s unique cultural and ethnic background as a half-Chinese and half-Japanese individual who was born in Hong Kong and has been living in the UK for a number of years· His experience with reverse mentoring, which he has been involved in trialing for the police with the Surrey Chief Constable· The recent theory of “Tempered radicals” in D&IRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hickman-b77951a6/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Clive MyrieLeila is joined by Clive Myrie, news journalist and presenter.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· What Clive openly acknowledges as a very happy and lucky childhood, during which he attended a grammar school in Bolton after his parents emigrated to the UK from Jamaica· How Clive moved from studying law at university to a career in journalism· The ongoing lack of black front-line TV presenters and correspondents in the UK, and how essential it is to improve this level of representation· Mental health concerns for modern day journalistsRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDTwitter @CliveMyrieBBChttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clive_MyrieContinue the conversation on LinkedIn

Geoff McDonaldLeila is joined by Geoff McDonald – Co-Founder at Minds@Work, professional keynote speaker and ex-Global VP HR at Unilever.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Geoff’s career journey to date, from starting as a teacher in South Africa to rising through the ranks at Unilever· How a panic attack episode led Geoff to become diagnosed with anxiety fueled depression· How the resulting outpouring of love he received kept him motivated through the darker moments of his recovery· The three aspects of recovery: to have hope, take control of your recovery and to feel like you· The difficulties that men are often believed to have discussing their mental health RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-mcdonald/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Clare Urmston Leila is joined by Clare Urmston - Chief Financial Officer at Mamas & Papas.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Clare’s career to date, from her beginnings as an accountant in audit at KPMG to then progressing her career in industry finance through various roles at companies such as Northern Foods, Wilko and Mamas & Papas· How an interest in numbers and problem-solving led her to considering a career in finance more seriously· Clare’s own experiences of the lack of diversity within finance, such as being the only female in a cohort of 12 on a senior talent development program and networking events where she was the only female in attendanceRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-urmston/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Joseph McGuireLeila is joined by Joseph McGuire – Owner at Clearsight Communications.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· What led to Joseph becoming a specialist in face reading (which is based on the ancient Chinese tradition of Mien Shiang)· How he bridged the gap between therapy techniques based on facial reading and behavioural/family influences· What led Joseph to move from doing mostly personal therapy work to applying his approach in more consultative work with businesses (interviews, negotiation and team training)RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://clearsightcommunications.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clearsightcommunications/Twitter @clearsightjFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/clearsightcommunications/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Lianna BrindedLeila is joined by Lianna Brinded - Head Of Yahoo Finance UK.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· The recent launch of Lianna’s ‘Global Change Agents’ programme, where she has been interviewing leaders of her choosing, from CEOs to Heads of D&I· Lianna’s mixed cultural background (she is half-Malaysian/Chinese on her mother’s side) and the time she spent abroad during her childhood· The importance of not following a set viewprint as a leader and instead taking great tips and using them to forge your own path· Lianna’s belief that more inclusive environments can in turn lead to a more joyful and productive environment· The intersectionality of diversity: age, ethnicity, gender, neurodiversityRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/liannabrinded/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Madeleine BlackLeila is joined by Madeleine Black - International speaker, TEDx Speaker, author and psychotherapist.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· How Madeleine has transitioned from being a career psychotherapist to focusing on public speaking· The challenges of Madeleine’s TEDx talk, where Madeleine publicly forgave the men who had gang raped her at the age of 13· How Madeleine used this TEDx talk to reclaim her power, shatter any lingering shame and the stigma behind sexual violence· “It’s important to realise it’s a journey, it’s not an overnight fix”: how Madeleine had to work to overcome her fears and traumaRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleineblackspeaker444/Madeleine’s TEDx Talk in Glasgow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ouhY155398Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Leann HearneLeila is joined by Leann Hearne – Group CEO at First Ark.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· How Leann worked her way up from first being a PA to eventually becoming an MD in the manufacturing sector· Leann’s sudden career change, when she was inspired to move over to non-profit housing sector after having held several NED roles in this space· How Leann became not only the youngest person on the board when she made it to MD level, but also the only female· The work Leann has done to advance gender equality as a result, particularly around parental leave and agile working: “It’s more about equality than actually giving women a step up”· Leann’s passion for supporting mental health through organization wide networks and a health and well-being package· How the combination of a positive upbringing by her father and a very negative, sexist experience with a senior colleague inspired her to progress her career beyond secretary/PA level· The importance of authentic leadership: “Being you is okay”RESOU

Alice ChoiLeila is joined by Alice Choi – Chief Operating Officer/Executive Director – Scientific Council at McCann Health, member of Northern Power Women’s Top 50 Power List and one of the Top 25 Women Leaders in UK Healthcare 2019 Pharmaceutical Market Europe (PME).IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT·         Alice’s career story so far, from academic beginnings in pharmacology and public health before entering the world of medical communications·         Her extracurricular projects outside of work such as her current involvement with Cancer Research UK’s ‘Women in Influence’ programme as a mentor and her work as a governor for the NHS Christie Foundation Trust·         How Alice is fortunate to be part of a female-dominated workforce (over 70% of McCann Health’s employees are female)·         Alice’s thoughts on how best to maintain a healthy work-life balance as a woman operating at C-suite level·         Alice’s belief that the most important aspect of inclusion is to make sure that everyone has a seat

Ewan PearsonLeila is joined by Ewan Pearson – Managing Director at Grant Pearson Brown Consulting Ltd and Executive Chairman at Cambridge University Boat Club (CUBC).IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Ewan’s extremely diverse career story to date, having had numerous professions as a medical doctor, school teacher, investment banker, stockbroker and latterly a professional adviser in communications (both spoken and written)· How Ewan’s longest career path so far has been in communications despite English not being one of his strongest areas academically· The impact that nerves can have on anyone – as Ewan learned from a difficult experience during his wedding speech!· Ewan’s belief that the infamous comment “You’re not ready yet” is used much more regularly regarding women applying for promotions, and in a much more negative sense· “It’s absolutely important that you are yourself”: the importance of authenticity in communication coaching (particularly with females as they feel more pressure to pretend to b

Janice LaoLeila is joined by Janice Lao – Group Director Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, 2009 Sustainability Leader of the Year award winner.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· How Janice’s upbringing differed from the traditionally conservative and withdrawn nature of Chinese culture· How Janice’s upbringing prepared her for British culture when she was studying here· Janice’s efforts to educate her children on ‘unconscious bias’· “As long as you have a brain, you have a bias”: how unspoken agreements are often key to you and your colleagues, friends, etc. keeping each other in check· The importance of Inclusion in the hotel industry· How being bullied as a 13-year-old helped lead Janice to accept who she was· Thoughts on how best to overcome imposter syndrome: “Don’t ever give your life for anyone”RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDwww.janicelao.com Twitter/Instagram: @janiceillaoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceillao/Continue the conversation

Frauke BehrensLeila is joined by Frauke Behrens – Yoga Instructor.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· How Frauke left her former career behind in order to become a professional yoga teacher in order to do something for herself· Frauke’s recovery from severe illness, which led her to change her approach life completely· Frauke’s use of “servant leadership” to help both her yoga students and her former employees· The importance of chakras, which are the body’s equivalent to “power points”· Frauke being a particularly strong example of how it is never too late to try something newRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://fraukeyogafuerteventura.com/homeInstagram @fraukefuerteventurahttps://www.facebook.com/frauke.behrens.79Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Dianne GreysonLeila is joined by Dianne Greyson - Managing Partner at Synergised Solutions, Director at Equilibrium Mediation Consulting and author.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· A ‘transformation bias’ product that Dianne has recently co-created, which is designed to tackle inherent bias· The recent release of Dianne’s book, Business Culture Review, where she analyses how companies treat employees, etc.· The importance of engaging with employees as fellow human beings and not just “resources” in order to understand their issues properly RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDwww.equilibriummediation.com dgreyson@synergisedsolutions.comwww.linkedin.com/in/dgreyson Twitter: @EMClimited and @synergisedsolutionsContinue the conversation on LinkedIn

Susan RobsonLeila is joined by Susan Robson - Principal Consultant at National Grid, Chair of Women in National Grid (WING), Financial Times & HERoes #1 Future Leader for Champions of Women in Business 2018.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Sue’s work as part of Women in National Grid (WING), ranging from face to face training and mentoring for women in the business to supporting the development of an intersectional and more inclusive culture· How “saying yes to things” and being open to opportunities has led to her progressing to new roles in her career· How Susan is finding herself more drawn to innovation in purpose-driven activities such as carbon neutrality and wider goals in sustainabilityRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-robson-09/Twitter @SusanRobson9Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Caroline Pugh – CEO/Founder at Oya Partners and Advisor to Chairman of Africa Rising Leila is joined by Caroline Pugh – CEO/Founder at Oya Partners and Advisor to Chairman of Africa Rising.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Caroline’s career journey so far, from working with Barack Obama to working with the Mandela family to combat the HIV virus in Africa· Growing up as an only child in rural Virginia, and how this shaped her curiosity and desire to set out on her own unique journey/path through life· The challenges behind starting your own business and living as an entrepreneur· Caroline’s belief in the importance of networking to the cause of D&I: “women need to support more women” RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDcaroline@mandela.cohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepughv/Instagram @caroline_pughContinue the conversation on LinkedIn

Kris Macchiarola - President at KMACC Solutions Leila is joined by Kris Macchiarola: President at KMACC Solutions, Author of No Approval Needed, Consultant at Versea Holdings Inc. and Tribe Leader at S.H.E. Tampa.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT·         Kris’ exciting recent book project, for which she interviewed nearly 60 women in their 40s on a confidential basis from all over the world·         Kris’ book covers humanist topics, relevant to both men and women, with a number of powerful stories such as marriage, affairs, libido, etc.·         The importance of using your failures to drive future successes RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-macchiarola/Facebook #NoApprovalNeededBook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1072450256268730www.krismacc-author.comwww.kmaccsolutions.comContinue the conversation on LinkedIn

Paul Sesay - Founder of Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers (Inclusive Companies), the National Diversity Awards and National MentorsLeila is joined by Paul Sesay: Founder of Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers (Inclusive Companies), the National Diversity Awards and National Mentors.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· How being taken under his role model’s wing led him to relocate to Liverpool when he was younger, and the resulting impact on his career· How Paul’s frustration at a lack of conviction in the diversity and inclusion practices space led him to start his own business· The important role that community organisations used to play in supporting those from diverse backgrounds· How role models can influence our development, often without their realisation of how inspirational they have been RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-sesay-93260013/https://nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/https://inclusivetop50.co.uk/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Jennifer Brown - Founder, President & CEO at Jennifer Brown Consulting, award-winning entrepreneur, Diversity & Inclusion Speaker, Consultant & Author.Leila is joined by Jennifer Brown: Founder, President & CEO at Jennifer Brown Consulting, award-winning entrepreneur, Diversity & Inclusion Speaker, Consultant & Author.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· How Jennifer helps people move from understanding the ‘why’ (reason for taking action in D&I within an organisation) to taking action with the ‘what’ (what exactly should an organisation do along these lines?)· Jennifer’s own personal journey, from damaging her voice as an opera singer in training to reinventing herself as a corporate trainer· Jennifer’s passion for using her voice and putting aside any “momentary discomfort” she might feel in order to lead/inspire others· The need for all executive business leaders (including white males) to embrace their backgrounds and personal stories in order to further the diversity causeRES

Chris Gray – Managing Director at AccentureLeila is joined by Chris Gray: Managing Director at Accenture, Director of the North West Business Leadership Team, HRH Prince of Wales Ambassador for Responsible Business and Chair of Business in the Community in the North West.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· How Chris focuses on spending time with his own team, both abroad in India and at home in Manchester· Chris’ belief that everyone is diverse in their own way· How much Chris values the internal LGBTQ+ network at Accenture and views it as his way of giving back after benefitting from the same support as a gay individual earlier in his career· Chris’ work on leveraging the “network effect” of his position in the North West Business Leadership team to support female leaders in the north west· The workforce changes that are happening as a result of the ‘post-digital’ world RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cjgray1/Twitter @cjgrayukContinue the conversation on LinkedIn

Sara Neff - Senior Vice President, Sustainability at Kilroy Realty CorporationLeila is joined by Sara Neff: Senior Vice President, Sustainability at Kilroy Realty Corporation.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· The environmental focus of Sara’s current role – Kilroy have committed to becoming carbon neutral by the end of 2020· How a strong sustainability strategy can help attract strong, diverse talent: 90% of the job applicants who reach interview stage at Kilroy mention sustainability in their interviews· Sara’s argument that it is perfectly acceptable to use a less formal and more direct form of speech and still be an authentic leaderRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDwww.saraneff.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-neff-4490b214/Twitter @NeffSaraContinue the conversation on LinkedIn