The Diverse Minds Podcast

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. 

Welcome to the 293rd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In this episode, I examine why slashing your DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) budget is a bad idea, particularly in light of the current political climate and corporate trends affecting both the US and UK.I explore the ripple effects of major corporations rolling back their diversity commitments, the unique challenges facing UK businesses, and most importantly, what leaders and managers can do to maintain meaningful inclusion work even in constrained times.In today’s show on Why slashing your DEI budget is a bad ideaThe importance of DEI budgets and why this topic matters now. [00:56]Changes in attitudes towards DEI and how it's perceived in recent years. [01:15]Current trends and challenges in DEI: from Trump's executive orders to UK corporate responses. [01:21]The impact on UK businesses and what employment experts are saying. [02:38]Practical tips for supporting DEI work with limited resources. [09:43].stk-91ebae5 {height:30px !important;}Quotes on Why slashing your DEI budget is a bad idea53% of UK employers continue to support DEI, with 22% actively strengthening initiatives despite US policy shifts.DEI cuts signal to underrepresented employees that their needs and experiences are not valid, eroding trust and psychological safety.Without clear DEI frameworks, managers struggle to show they've taken "all reasonable steps" to prevent discrimination under UK law.Gen Z and younger workers prioritise inclusive cultures, making DEI a deal-breaker for talent retention."Diversity by Stealth" is emerging as organisations continue the work but change their language..stk-ba39a0c {height:30px !important;}Resources for Why slashing your DEI budget is a bad ideaStartups Magazine article: Why DEI cuts aren’t just bad optics, they’re bad businessElectronic Specifier article: DEI in the US: will it impact the UK?Farrer & Co legal firm article: The future of DEI: are UK companies withdrawing their DEI policies?Episode #238: Shake Up Your Women's NetworkEpisode #119: Universal Design and Why It's So ImportantEpisode #109: 8 ways to Create Culturally Inclusive MeetingsDownload 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. 

Welcome to the 292nd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In this episode, I examine the crucial intersection of stress, finances, and mental health, particularly in the workplace.Following Stress Awareness Day, I explore how financial difficulties affect mental wellbeing and what organisations can do to support employees through strategic stress management and financial wellbeing initiatives.In today’s show on Stress, Money and Mental HealthWhy this year's Stress Awareness Day theme focuses on optimising employee wellbeing through strategic stress management. [00:36]The stark statistics linking financial stress and mental health. [01:39]How employers are responding to financial well-being. [03:38]Some short-term practical steps organisations can implement to support employees' financial well-being. [07:18]How employers can create a supportive organisational culture. [12:52].stk-91ebae5 {height:30px !important;}Quotes on Stress, Money and Mental HealthOver 1.5 million people in England are experiencing both debt and mental health problems.People with depression and problem debt are 4.2 times more likely to still have depression 18 months later than people without financial difficulties.People with problem debt are three times as likely to have thought about suicide in the past year.More than 100,000 people in England attempt suicide while in problem debt every year.People with diagnosed mental health conditions have a median gross annual income of £2,376, less than people without mental health problems..stk-ba39a0c {height:30px !important;}Resources for Stress, Money and Mental HealthMoney and Mental Health InstituteCIPD Financial Wellbeing Report - Thought Leadership on Employee Financial WellbeingDiverse Minds article: What Makes Stress So AlluringMoney and mental health problems: breaking the linkCitizens Advice Bureau for debt adviceNational Debt LineMoney HelperToo Good To GoOlioEpisode #112: Cultural Money Stories and MindsetsEpisode #179: Campaigning against Poverty to support Mental HealthDownload 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. 

Welcome to the 291st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In this episode, I reflect on why Black History Month holds such deep significance for me as a South Asian person.I explore the historical context of the term "Black" with a capital B, share my personal journey of organising Black History Month events, and much more.In today’s show on My Black History Month JourneyUnderstanding the historical significance of the term "Black" with a capital B. [01:43]My personal journey organising Black History Month events and learning from Black community leaders [03:13]Practical strategies for organisations to engage meaningfully when Black employees aren't available to lead [04:40]Confronting anti-Blackness within South Asian communities and the importance of coalition over allyship [07:18]Emma Dabiri's concept of coalition building and why it's more powerful than traditional allyship [11:17]Quotes on My Black History Month JourneyCapitalising the B signifies that black is more than a colour. It is an identifier of specific cultural and historical identity shaped by shared experiences of oppression and racism.There are still things that can always be done. It could be watching a recorded talk, sponsoring events, or providing space—these things are actually very simple but quite powerful.Coalition building is about identifying common ground that benefits all, rather than perpetuating power imbalances.Allyship appeals to your desire to help a victim and can perpetuate power imbalances.Anyone has the potential to organise Black History Month events alongside key partners from Black communities by giving space, money, time, and starting small..stk-ba39a0c {height:30px !important;}Resources for My Black History Month JourneyEpisode #110: Tackling Anti-Blackness in South Asian CommunitiesEpisode #113: Ensuring a Black History Month 365 ApproachEmma Dabiri's book: What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to Coalition (2021)Unison's article: Defining BlackDownload 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. 

Welcome to the 290th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In this episode, I explore why Black History Month remains crucial in 2025, with a focus on this year's theme of "Power and Pride."I discuss the current challenges facing Black communities, the pushback against important conversations about reparations and representation, and share practical guidance for organisations wanting to create meaningful change beyond performative gestures.In today’s show on Why Black History Month is so importantUnderstanding this year's theme of Power and Pride. [00:51]Why dedicated focus remains essential for education, awareness, and systemic change. [01:47]Britain's hidden colonial past and its lasting impact on contemporary society. [03:14]Addressing current rhetoric, challenges and misconceptions about Black History Month. [03:55]How to support Black employees without burdening them, [08:07].stk-91ebae5 {height:30px !important;}Quotes on Why Black History Month is so importantBlack resistance has always thrived in hostile conditions when solidarity was unfashionable, inconvenient or dangerous.Black history is British history, but the stories are hidden, often forgotten, and intentionally lost.True power lies not in titles, but in collective strength, courage, and unity.This year's Black History Month theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride, could not be more urgent.Black History Month is a jumping-off point that ensures achievements are recognised in the various areas and sectors..stk-ba39a0c {height:30px !important;}Resources for Why Black History Month is so importantEpisode #113: Ensuring a Black History Month 365 ApproachBlack History Month Magazine 2025: Standing Firm in Power and PrideBlack History Month: five resources for your organisationStanding Firm Against Populism’s War on Anti-RacismDownload 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.