In this conversation packed with data-backed insights, Jennifer and Ursula build a picture of what working parents and carers really need in 2024. They discuss the findings of this year's Modern Families Index in detail, and explore the critical question of how employers can best support and retain working families - even when working with stretched budgets - when 42% are currently looking elsewhere for new career opportunities.

You can download the Modern Families Index by Bright Horizons here: https://solutions.brighthorizons.co.uk/resources/research/modern-families-index-2024

In this unmissable conversation we delve into why Polly and Emily believe leaders must consider equipping their teams with cultural intelligence capability in 2024 and how their amazing work paves the way for change and a more inclusive working world.

We talk about the typical struggles that teams have day-to-day that could be made infinitely easier by improving cultural intelligence, the capabilities teams need to develop, where on earth to start and the game-changing impact that devoting focus to building better cultural intelligence can have on business performance.

The link to the free assessment tool that Polly and Emily mention in this episode can be found here: https://cqcenter.com/enroll/32511f35-5814-476d-a1d8-642bc1523216

All you need to do is click to take a complimentary CQ and behavioural preferences assessment and receive a personalised action plan. Note you will need to create a CQ learning portal profile in order to access the assessment or log in if you already have one.

In this energising conversation with the inimitable Julie Dennis, Head of Inclusive Workplaces Policy at ACAS, we play with why so many of us find it so difficult to engage with others in meaningful conversations. We explore the role of language, how employers can help managers to get this right to avoid escalation and create a culture where it's possible for everyone to talk about hard things.

All the research, advice and best practice Julie mentions in this conversation can be found on the ACAS website: https://www.acas.org.uk/

Ritika Wadhwa, founder of Prabhaav Global joins us on the podcast for this very special conversation as we explore:

· How cultural intelligence differs from emotional intelligence

· The strategic link between cultural intelligence and DEI

· How cross-cultural teams can develop better cultural intelligence

· How CQ can help to mend divides in a polarised world.

To connect with Ritika and explore more on this topic, visit https://prabhaav-global.com/

In this warm and energising chat the incredible Ella Warren, Chair of Whizz Kids and Dagmar Albers, former DEI Lead at Pfizer UK tell their powerful story of working together to illustrate the benefits of removing barriers to work for people with different abilities, and share their practical advice for thinking beyond the obvious to create a great employee experience and make work more accessible.

In this episode Ursula is joined by Lyndon Roberts, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at the British Horseracing Authority for a candid conversation about what behaviours organisations in the UK need from their leaders in 2024 to meet the evolving needs of a workforce in a world that has changed for good.

We talked about what inclusive leadership really means, the impact an inclusive leader can have on employees (particularly in today's polarised world), whether the traits of an inclusive leader can really be taught and so much more.

We're thrilled that this is just the start of our exploration of this fascinating topic - as Lyndon will be joining us at the Inclusive Workplace Conference in November!

Ahead of the introduction of new legislation giving every employee the right to request flexible working from day one of employment, Ursula sat with long-time collaborator with The Inclusive Workplace - Alana Penkethman, Employment Lawyer for a conversation about the expected impact of the new rules and how companies can prepare.

Welcome to Inclusive Workplace podcast (formerly Flexpo)! We are so happy you're here with us as we tell the stories of how leaders are navigating the most pressing inclusion issues.

For our first episode, for us there could be no other topic than how organisations can support their people in the wake of the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. We just couldn’t stay silent.

Ursula Tavender, Co-Founder sat down with the extraordinary Rachel Vecht for a deep and raw conversation that transcended politics about her lived experience of being in Israel on 7th October as the atrocities unfolded, and since as the world has witnessed rising antisemitism.

We talked about her incredible work since that day to discover that leaders are lost and not sure what to say or how to help their Jewish and Muslim employees, and her thoughts around what leaders can and must do to ensure every colleague who is impacted by these events feels seen and valued.

You can connect with Rachel via LinkedIn by searching Rachel Vecht, or visit her website https://www.educatingmatters.co.uk/