In this thought-provoking episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, titled "Valuing Your Health in Business", host Joanne Lockwood welcomes Heather McLellan to discuss the often-neglected aspect of health in the world of entrepreneurship. Heather highlights the crucial nature of contingency planning and delegating, reflecting on her personal journey through a rare stroke and blood cancer diagnosis. Together, they explore the need for a power of attorney and the complexities faced by couples in business when health emergencies strike. They also broach the uncomfortable, yet essential conversations about business ownership and the impact of health issues on one's capacity to work, advocating for preventative discussions over reactive crisis management.

Heather comes with an extensive background in occupational health, built over three decades of supporting employees to manage work after injury. Her personal encounters with health challenges have compelled her to apply her professional insights to her business strategy, navigating her way through recovery and business management. With Joanne also sharing her experiences as part of the 'Sandwich Generation', the dialogue extends towards the need for small business owners to factor in personal health and care dependencies into their continuity planning—a stark deviation from traditional disaster recovery protocol.

The conversation moves through poignant stories and statistical evidence that underscore the reality of long-term health conditions affecting the workforce and the business landscape. Heather and Joanne also highlight the importance of a phased return to work, financial readiness for health-related business interruptions, and self-care practices. They drive home the message that personal well-being and business sustainability are deeply interconnected and call for serious attention from entrepreneurs.

This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of professional success and personal health, stirring listeners to reconsider their approach to managing their business and health side by side. Joanne Lockwood champions the notion that taking the time to safeguard the future through planning and open dialogue is more than a business strategy—it's an act of self-preservation and empowerment.

The key takeaway is that health can often be unpredictable, but the impact on business doesn't have to be. By embracing foresight, thoughtful planning, and open conversations about health in the business setting, entrepreneurs can turn vulnerability into strength. Listeners are left with the understanding that valuing health is not just essential for personal wellness, but also a strategic business move.

In this captivating episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood welcomes Dr Shelley Jones-Holt for a thought-provoking discussion on Leading with Authenticity. Dr Shelley illuminates the path to courageous leadership and the transformative power of authenticity, drawing on her rich life experiences. She argues against making assumptions about cultural differences, advocating instead for the bravery to ask questions. An enlightening exploration into the value of authentic conversations ensues, charting how starting from childhood can influence the development of authentic leaders. Authenticity, she points out, should come with ardent responsibility and respect, underscoring the necessity of speaking one's truth in a non-damaging way. Joanne and Dr Shelley engage in a compelling dialogue around the metaphorical 'leaving the plantation', articulating a journey from the restrictive norms of the education system to the liberation found in entrepreneurship.

Dr Shelley Jones-Holt stands out as a courageous leadership coach, author, and speaker dedicated to inspiring growth and nurturing authentic leadership. Through her stalwart advocacy for unlearning ingrained behaviours and embracing continual self-improvement, she challenges outdated authoritarian leadership models and encourages the building of genuine relationships based on Dom Miguel Ruiz's Four Agreements. With a background that spans from distilling wisdom from parenting eight children to spearheading her company Leadership Legacy Consulting and its associated nonprofit, Family Legacy 5, Dr Shelley's insights reflect the multifaceted nature of authentic leadership grounded in equity and understanding of individual needs.

Throughout the conversation, both Joanne and Dr Shelley unravel the importance of storytelling in leadership as well as the intricate dynamics of stereotypes, biases, and the pursuit of creating a safe, welcoming and productive work environment. They delve into the courage necessary to embrace one's identity and to lead with both passion and empathy. The discussion navigates the tightrope walk between being a cogent leader and an effectual follower, illuminating the collective aspect of driving change and championing inclusion.

This episode culminates with a powerful reflection on the non-negotiable essence of being authentic and the irrefutable impact it has on leadership. Dr Shelley encourages listeners to reach out for guidance on fostering an inclusive atmosphere for diverse identities within their organisations. With a heartfelt thanks, Joanne invites subscribers to engage further with the podcast, sharing thoughts and contributing to the ongoing conversation on inclusion and leadership.

A key takeaway from this episode is Dr Shelley's compelling exposition on leading with heart and honouring the unique journeys of each individual. It is an essential listen for anyone striving to cultivate a culture of compassionate leadership and foster a milieu where authenticity and respect act as keystones to unlocking the full potential of teams and organisations.

In the thought-provoking episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast titled 'Thriving Through Adversity', host Joanne Lockwood is joined by Oscar Hoyle, who sheds light on the vital role of inclusivity in empowering individuals, particularly those from the LGBTQIA+ community. They explore the significance of personal acknowledgment through simple acts such as the use of correct pronouns and respect for name changes to foster a welcoming environment. The duo discusses how creating a workplace that feels like a second home can contribute to a profound sense of belonging. Oscar brings attention to the incredible work being done by Blossom LGBT, a social enterprise dedicated to uplifting Gen Z LGBTQIA+ individuals. They tackle the often misunderstood generational gap in technology, culture, and work ethic, elucidating the need for mutual understanding and collaboration across age demographics to enrich workplace culture.

Oscar is the CEO of Blossom LGBT, a non-profit social enterprise that champions support for Gen Z LGBTQIA+ individuals through consultancy and upskilling programmes. His role in advocating for a more inclusive society is complemented by his engagement with queer art, using it as a medium to examine heritage and the repercussions of criminalisation and societal prejudice. Drawing from his extensive experience in creating inclusive spaces, Oscar shares his passion for arts, demonstrating its power in storytelling and as a vehicle for passion and activism. Through his work, he emphasises the importance of fostering authentic safe spaces, despite the challenges non-profit organisations face in sustaining them.

During the episode, Joanne and Oscar tackle the transformation in work trends among young adults embracing multiple income streams and the shift from long-term employment to a business portfolio approach. They highlight the misconceptions surrounding being 'woke', the essential support for youth exploring their identity, and the implicit challenges within the NHS system. A profound moment occurs as Oscar articulates the fine balance between respecting beliefs and avoiding discrimination, which is echoed by Joanne's reflections on the crucial role that inclusive spaces have played in her journey of self-discovery.

The podcast concludes with a powerful message advocating for a psychologically safe and non-discriminatory work environment. Joanne and Oscar call on listeners to rally behind the mission of Blossom LGBT, sharing the episode to contribute to building a more inclusive world. They strike a chord with anyone seeking inspiration to thrive amidst adversity, especially in championing Gen Z LGBTQIA+ individuals within an often hostile society and workplace culture.

A key takeaway from this episode is the undeniable importance of advocacy, understanding, and action towards fostering inclusive spaces that not only acknowledge, but celebrate, individuality. Listeners are poised to be deeply moved by the candid discussions and will be left with a renewed sense of purpose in driving inclusivity forward within their own spheres of influence.

In this heartfelt episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood regales us with an enlightening conversation about "Infusing Empathy" with guests Rita Hallgató and Fiona Dawson. They tackle the often-overlooked topic of involving straight, white, cisgender men in diversity initiatives, the power of storytelling within corporate spheres, and the essential nature of empathetic leadership. Rita shares her vision for a future enriched by inclusive and diverse leadership, while Fiona converses with Joanne about the optimism she holds for systemic changes, and her commitment to leveraging privilege for the greater good.

Fiona, after leaving her corporate role to chase her passion, became deeply involved in projects spotlighting the stories of transgender military members through filmmaking. Renowned for creating safe spaces for vulnerable storytelling, her work has been met with heartfelt thanks, particularly resonating within the trans community. Rita supports Fiona's narrative-focused approach, advocating for its profound impact on corporate culture. Together, they confront the cutbacks on diversity and inclusion budgets and the consequent challenges, reinforcing the imperative for a revolution in leadership mindset towards these initiatives.

The episode navigates the complexities of creating inclusive environments, with Joanne emphasising the significance of building such spaces together. Joanne and her guests share personal experiences and insights into how consumers can influence change through conscious support of aligned businesses. Discussions also revolve around the nuanced experiences of transgender individuals in the military and the outdated policies that hinder them, as well as the broader societal impacts of corporate policy on inclusion.

Listeners are left contemplating the episode's resonant message: Change begins with empathy. The conversations orbit around the potential of promoting inclusivity and allyship, not just within corporate companies but across the societal fabric. Joanne and her guests then express the need to shift our collective narrative to view diversity and inclusion not as a fiscal burden but as a valuable investment for organizational and societal progress.

A key takeaway from this episode would be the understanding that empathy isn't just a personal virtue but a cornerstone of systemic transformation. Audiences are implored to embrace inclusive practices and storytelling as tools for change, with the ultimate lesson that every individual can contribute to a more empathetic and unified future. This episode emphasises that regardless of one's position, we all hold the power to foster an accepting world, both in our workplaces and beyond.

Join Joanne Lockwood in "Igniting Change from the Top" on The Inclusion Bites Podcast, where she engages with consummate change leader, Mark Bateman, in unraveling the pathways to drive transformation within the workplace. The conversation illuminates the pivotal role of leaders in fostering gender diversity, and the significance of sponsorship and mentorship for women's career progression. They explore the pressing need for individuals to align their professional life with personal purpose and delve into the challenges that accompany the ascent to senior leadership. Mark's insights into the value of a diverse team and his call to rethink leadership paradigms probe the necessity of balancing work and life commitments for organisational success.

Mark is the CEO of WeQual, a firm dedicated to promoting gender equality in the corporate sector. As an experienced leader and passionate advocate for workplace inclusivity, he has personally mentored approximately 300 women at top levels within global companies. With the publication of "Disruptive Leadership: Using Fire to Drive Purposeful Change", Mark distils his wealth of experience to enhance leadership practices. His acumen is further leveraged through his influential presence on LinkedIn, where he shares resources and champions initiatives crafted to elevate women in business.

The discourse unfurls to cover the societal pressures women grapple with in their dual roles at home and work, and the barriers they face in male-dominated boardrooms. Mark and Joanne dissect the foundations of implicit bias in recruitment, and weigh the complexities of positive discrimination, offering solutions such as anonymised hiring. They share stories accentuating the undeniable impact of gender equality on a company's performance and culture, reinforcing the moral and business cases for inclusive leadership.

Ending on a note of empowerment, Joanne invites listeners to turn their own reflections and aspirations into actions. Acknowledging each individual's potential as a leader, the episode spotlights the importance of personal agency, challenging societal norms, and fostering emerging leaders. This episode is essential listening for those yearning not only to keep pace with the evolving leadership landscape but wanting to be at the vanguard of change.

A key takeaway from this enlightening discussion is the undeniable influence leaders wield in sculpting a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. For those who are leaders in their own right or aspire to be, this episode offers practical strategies for leveraging personal strengths and challenging engrained biases to cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive. Prepare to be inspired to advance diversity, elevate women leaders, and forge progressive leadership styles that reshape business and society.

In an enlightening episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood is joined by Alexandra Parritt to traverse the journey from stigma to strength within the neurodiversity and mental health sectors. Alexandra sheds light on how the surrounding environment, rather than the job role itself, shapes individual experiences of ADHD, autism, and mental health conditions. The dialogue centres around the concept of bringing one's whole self to work, where both personal stories of support within the workplace and the negative aspects of stereotyping are discussed. Joanne's personal narrative as a transgender woman and her transition from a career in engineering to D&I consultancy offers a poignant backdrop to the conversation on authenticity in the professional sphere.

Alexandra is a sales professional in the HR tech space, and an ardent advocate for the neurodiversity movement. Her career saw a transformative shift from a focus on conventional benefits to a prioritisation of team dynamics and company ethos, allowing her to advocate more powerfully for inclusivity. With her poignant insights into mental health inclusion and neuro-inclusive assessments, Alexandra serves as a beacon for change in the workplace, challenging outdated stereotypes and championing individual strengths.

Throughout the conversation, Joanne and Alexandra stress the imperative to see beyond neurodivergent conditions, instead of celebrating the unique productivity and outputs individuals can achieve, regardless of dress codes or physical workspace. By innovatively comparing social dynamics to an airport baggage claim, Joanne articulates the necessity for turn-taking and fairness in our approach to work and society. The episode resonates with Joanne's call for a community to drive real change, inviting listeners to subscribe and participate in the amplification of important voices.

The episode draws to a close by underscoring the need for an inclusive workplace that values diversity and functionality over rigid professional standards, likened to the ever-shifting TARDIS from Doctor Who. Joanne and Alexandra extend an invitation for listeners to connect, share their stories, and contribute to the collective push towards a more equitable and inclusive society.

A captivating takeaway from this episode is the powerful reminder of the richness that an inclusive society offers when we move beyond stigmas and acknowledge individual strengths. Listeners are encouraged to reconsider workplace cultures, reflect on the importance of genuine representation and diversity, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on transforming the narrative from exclusion to empowerment.

This episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast invites listeners into a candid discussion between Joanne Lockwood and Sarah Naylor, where they tackle the sensitive topics of body autonomy, environmental concerns, and the bravery needed to live authentically in a world full of expectations. Sarah narrates how her personal ethos towards health and our connection to food has evolved, touching on the insights gained from "The Plant Paradox" and the often-overlooked importance of cooking from scratch. Meanwhile, Joanne reflects on her own journey of self-discovery and the courage it takes to stand strong in the wake of negativity, especially from online trolling. The conversation takes a personal turn as both share their struggles with financial challenges and the liberating experience of living true to oneself.

Sarah is not only an enthusiastic coach but also a purveyor of positive change, with her own podcast and a presence on Insight Timer. Her mission to reframe thoughts and trick the subconscious into positivity is a testament to her dedication to personal growth and empowerment. Sarah shares stories of overcoming setbacks — such as her business going into administration and difficult family dynamics — all while maintaining her signature mix of pragmatism and optimism. With Joanne as the experienced host, they explore the intertwined paths of personal authenticity and the external pressures of conformity, whether it's in the waters we swim in or the vaccines we debate over.

From accidental bulk purchases to the comedic mishaps of over-sanitization, this episode offers a hearty mix of laughter and depth. Sarah stresses the importance of understanding one's own behaviour in the face of societal fears while emphasising the significance of environmental sustainability through personal anecdotes. Joanne, joining in from her wealth of inclusion expertise, resonates with Sarah's views on the world being an interconnected energy system and the pivotal role of authenticity for a richer life experience.

This rich dialogue concludes with an affirming reminder of the value found in authentic self-representation and the art of not just surviving but thriving amidst adversity. Joanne wraps up with an invitation for the listeners to subscribe and become an active part of the Inclusion Bites community.

A poignant takeaway from this episode is the resonating belief in one's ability to effect positive change by embracing authenticity and self-acceptance, regardless of societal pressures. Listeners are sure to find inspiration in Sarah and Joanne's stories of perseverance, learning along the way the balance between personal fulfillment and the conscious choice to interact with the world in a meaningful and sustainable manner.

In this engaging episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, host Joanne Lockwood is joined by Celynn Morin, who shares her effervescent approach to well-being through the lens of her French heritage and passion for the Champagne region. They pop the cork on a variety of topics, from the symbolism of champagne-making to the broader aspects of embracing vitality in life. Their conversation bubbles with insights on conscious consumption, the physiological merits of regulated breathing, and finding balance in our approach to food and drink without succumbing to stress or busyness. Joanne relates to these insights by reflecting on her own mindfulness practices, discussing the transformative power of being centred in effective communication.

Celynn is a registered dietitian turned well-being strategist who combines her rich cultural background with expertise in nutrition, workplace health, and stress management. From her early experience within the Jehovah's Witnesses to her professional speaking career, Celynn's journey is one of authenticity and self-discovery. Her family ties to the Champagne region in France infuse her narrative with a unique perspective on tradition, resilience, and the art of savouring life. Beyond her dietetic practice, Celynn also promotes holistic approaches to workplace well-being, underpinned by scientific research and accessible tools like her Wellbeing Calculator, which helps individuals assess and improve their daily habits.

Throughout the discussion, Joanne and Celynn touch on topics that resonate universally: the quest for joy and freedom, the pitfalls of the scarcity mindset, and the vital role of empathy in our interactions. They explore the psychological aspects of eating, the challenge of changing one's relationship with food, and strategies for conscious living that transcend dietary choices.

As they wrap up, Joanne invites listeners to contemplate the idea of having "sufficient" in life and the importance of taking time for self-care, while Celynn offers practical insights on attracting opportunities through relaxation and positive mindset. They underscore the power of small, personal declarations that contribute to a broader sense of well-being and abundance.

The podcast ends on an empowering note, urging listeners to embrace curiosity, joy, and freedom in their quest for personal growth. Joanne's heartfelt encouragement to subscribe and share echoes their mutual desire to foster a community that thrives on thoughtful, inclusive conversation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to infuse their life with a dose of vitality and well-being, with Celynn's infectious enthusiasm and practical advice serving as a spirited guide to living a life sparkling with possibility. The insightful exchange between Joanne and Celynn strikes a chord with all who seek a balanced approach to health, happiness, and personal fulfilment.