As economic, societal and environmental conditions deteriorate, social tensions are escalating. Some politicians use fear to fuel their own extreme agendas and it’s increasingly popular to blame others for the ills of the world. Nationalism and discrimination are at their worst in decades. This has significant negative impact on workplace cohesion as many feel increasingly marginalised.

Yet in contrast, scientific research shows the extent to which successful innovation – much needed in most organisations today – comes from diversity of thought. And different perspectives come, of course, from a rich diversity of lived experience. In this episode, Amraze Khan shares his experience of working in EDI and examines the increasingly urgent need for inclusion at work.

Amraze Khan (He/Him)

Amraze is the Head of EDI at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he leads the vision, supporting the University to become intentionally inclusive for its 4,500 staff members and around 40,000 students.

He has worked in EDI for nearly a decade, with experience in senior leadership roles across various industries comprising of the NHS, within Charities and Local Government. Prior to this, Amraze worked in senior communication roles in the NHS and Civil Service.

Outside of work, Amraze is a proud Yorkshireman, a carer, father to two cats, a Trustee at Rochdale Mind, an avid blogger, and podcaster.

Find Amraze on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amraze-khan-mcipd-miepd-94a1a56b/

With a significant proportion of the UK already struggling to access basic online tools and services, digital accessibility is a key issue too few business or political leaders are addressing. Without urgent attention to educate and inform, already disadvantaged and vulnerable people and communities will continue to fall behind and miss out on the benefits AI has to offer, not least in addressing social and societal inequality.

In this episode, Jen, Dom and Cat chat with Zoe Colosimo, COO of award-winning giving platform Neighbourly. They discuss what socially-minded organisations can do to address AI inequality and the opportunity for internal communication to help make a difference.

About Zoe Colosimo

Zoe is a founding member and the Chief Operating Officer at Neighbourly, an organisation dedicated to helping companies bring their brand purpose to life. Since its launch in 2014, Neighbourly has enabled businesses to make meaningful contributions to local communities through volunteer time, grants, and surplus products and built a network of over 45,000 local causes and 9000+ company offices and branches, creating nearly £1 billion in social value across the UK and Ireland. Zoe’s motivation is rooted in the belief that sustainable communities are built through local relationships, and good corporate citizenship is essential to any company’s success.

Find Zoe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoecolosimo/

Neighbourly website: https://www.neighbourly.com/

Ai123 resource hub: https://hub.neighbourly.com/ai123-resource-hub

As multiple factors converge to create accelerating operating complexity and ambiguity for most organisations, leadership is under the microscope like never before. For his latest book, organisational psychologist and founder of APS Intelligence John Amaechi OBE explored a range of leadership techniques and found them to be eminently teachable skills, when thoughtfulness, integrity and effort are applied.

Amongst the most crucial skills identified for improved organisational culture and performance are listening and verbal communication.

Jen and Cat welcome John to this episode to examine the art of leadership communication and what it must now entail if organisations are to successfully navigate the ongoing disruption of the modern age.

Professor John Amaechi OBE: A Catalyst for Leadership Transformation

John Amaechi OBE is a world-renowned organisational psychologist, bestselling author, and Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School. As the founder of APS Intelligence Ltd., John leads a global team that transforms leaders and cultures by combining cutting-edge behavioural science with psychological insight. His bespoke programmes aren’t about quick fixes—they drive sustainable growth, ethical leadership, and organisational well-being.

From his roots in Stockport, near Manchester, to becoming the first Briton to play professional basketball in the NBA, John’s personal journey exemplifies resilience and ambition. Inspired by his mother’s words—“The most unlikely of people in the most improbable of circumstances can become extraordinary”—John has spent his career challenging expectations and helping others unlock their potential.

An adviser to FTSE 100 boards, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and the recipient of the Sport Industry Integrity and Impact Award, John is recognised as one of the most influential voices in leadership and organisational culture. His bestselling book, The Promises of Giants, inspires leaders worldwide to embrace authenticity, drive ethical change, and create lasting legacies.

Find John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaechi/

APS Intelligence website: https://www.apsintel.com/