This programme is called ‘Scott Parker goes live’ – which prompted my latest challenging conversation with Anel asking: So what is top of your mind- what is ‘live?’ - as you continue to tackle what you describe as the ‘global disability equality crisis’?

Her questions just kept coming:

- Why does the world still so strongly resist the message that disability is a human rights and equality imperative-as evidenced by your ongoing struggle to get disability into the global ethical and responsible AI debate?

- Why are disabled employees never described as ‘entitled’ to reasonable adjustments –as women are ‘entitled’ to maternity leave’?

- Why does the phrase: ‘inclusion is a choice’ trigger your instant reply: “Well I guess ‘not robbing a bank’ is also a choice.’’

- Does focusing on the ‘bright side’ of incremental progress really get better results- or does failure to dig deep into disability specific obstacles, such as the state of HR training worldwide, or the ideology of equity and inclusion - make progress less likely?

Do join us for what we hope you agree is a thought provoking conversation.

If you found this episode valuable please remember to share it with your network. We need to get this conversation out to a wider audience.

If you would like to suggest a future topic or guest for an upcoming podcast please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

What does good governance really look like- and do we care? Do join me for my fascinating conversation with Alice Maynard.

In a world where we are pushed to act quickly and act again and then jump to the next call, Alice Maynard’s level of thoughtful self- reflection is indeed rare and precious. She draws on years of direct experience on an amazingly diverse range of organisations – from the boards of HMRC and Transport for London to Chairing one of the UK’s largest Non-Profits…to her current roles as Chair of the University of York, member of the Financial Conduct Authority and more. Her optimistic wisdom will hearten anyone wanting the institutions that shape our lives to ensure their governing boards work to the level of integrity, trustworthiness and effectiveness that our complex world now so desperately requires.

Alice’s advice on what good governance really looks like – what high impact non-executive board members do …and not do…and what they really really should not do…is grounded in decades of learning from her direct and often challenging experiences

Do join us….

If you found this episode valuable please remember to share it with your network. We need to get this conversation out to a wider audience.

If you would like to suggest a future topic or guest for an upcoming podcast please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

Here comes my first episode of "Susan Scott-Parker Goes Live.”.

I so enjoyed my thought-provoking conversation with Phyllida Swift, CEO, Face Equality International - a unique, indeed historic, global alliance: members range from international non- profits to the ever-so-grass- roots group in Nepal –all coming together to promote ‘face equality’.

I kicked off with: ‘Why did the authors of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities completely forget – never even discuss -- disfigurement? Are you – should you be? - protected under disability equality or any other equality legislation?

And why, at your launch, was that young woman so cross when I said she should be protected from disability discrimination? Remember she pushed back instantly: “I'm not disabled! ..I live with facial difference”.

Phyllida delves into her personal experience as she moved on from her accident to leading the world’s first such global campaign- fighting for a world where everyone, I repeat everyone, can say with pride: “ My face is my masterpiece!”

And where the world’s humungous social media companies no longer erase your brother’s face in that birthday party photo, because his ’non-standard’ appearance triggers the algorithm’s disapproval. And there is nothing you can do about it.

And of course we also talk about the exciting upcoming ‘International Face Equality Week’ this year from 13-19 May- and how individuals and organisations are getting involved.

This year’s theme is indeed “My Face is a Masterpiece’: it’s a brilliant campaign – do join in – have some fun! – and help us celebrate the unique artistry found in every face https://faceequalityinternational.org/about-fei/international-face-equality-week/

Find out more about Face Equality International and Disability Ethical AI? here.

If you found this episode valuable please remember to share it with your network. We need to get this conversation out to a wider audience.

If you would like to suggest a future topic or guest for an upcoming podcast please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

If you found this episode valuable please remember to share it with your network. We need to get this conversation out to a wider audience.

If you would like to suggest a future topic or guest for an upcoming podcast please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

It was such a pleasure interviewing Caroline Casey- as she continues mobilising the collective power of business to tackle, in her words, “ the global Disability Equality Crisis”.

Our conversation, as such long standing friends and colleagues, provides fascinating insights into the world -and the lived reality - of this fascinating international change maker…who combines the power of her personal story, her passion for justice, and her lived experience of business – and her sense of humour! – to go where no disability campaigner has ever gone before…

Why do we do what we do? ‘The presumed chasm between the world of disability and the world of business remains unacceptable – it’s bad for business and bad for people’.

What are we up against? ‘Influential companies like McKinsey’s saying that ‘disability has no materiality for business’. Which is a complete denial of what it means to be human – and of the importance of human beings to any business and to any economy.

We open with the simple question: “Are we covert human rights campaigners?”

Her answer: “What am I? – well I’ve learned to separate ‘what I am’ from’ what I do’ … hugely important …let's just say I am a ‘positive troublemaker!’.

“Labels, after all, are for jam jars – I’ve been called a social entrepreneur, innovator, disruptor – and more lately, and I'm easy with this, a global activist and campaigner. Mind you I’ve also been accused of running a cynical PR campaign for the Evil Capitalist System!.”

Caroline has managed to secure commitments from more than 500 CEOs (for the first time in history) to put disability on their agenda – an amazing achievement – but inevitably the conversation also turned to: ‘but what about the 1500 who turned down this free opportunity? What does that feel like?’ How do you persuade disbelievers?’

What has she learned?

“Susan and I laugh the dark humour of the dark moments – you must find the humour….or this is just too hard.

It’s not enough to be right – find the common ground and read your audiences – different audiences have different ways of connecting.

Connect closely with people who both love you and challenge you.

Don’t take failure personally, as you do what hasn’t been done before

And remember… as I had to tell myself time and time again– that you’re not going to solve it all – Do take those moments to celebrate what you’ve achieved along the way- and find the laughter!”.

Great listening for anyone working in the ‘disability & business’ domain-or indeed the social justice space more generally - tons of inspiration and thoughtful lessons to help you along the way.

This episode is also available now on my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwX0u79G98I&t=4s

If you found this episode valuable please remember to share it with your network. We need to get this conversation out to a wider audience.

If you would like to suggest a future topic or guest for an upcoming podcast please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.