All Inclusive with Natasha Rainey

How to Retain Diverse Talent Amid Workplace Obstacles

In this episode of the All Inclusive podcast, Natasha is joined by Jamal White, Global HR Director and Equality & Inclusion Leader at P&G Gillette, to discuss strategies for retaining diverse talent amid workplace obstacles. Together, they explore the critical challenges faced by underrepresented employees, the systemic biases that hinder their success, and the role of allies and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in fostering a truly inclusive workplace.
 
Connect with Jamal White : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamal-white-7b7864aa/
 
Apply to become an IDEAS member to access more content like this: https://www.ideas-global.com/
 
👉 Subscribe to All Inclusive : https://tinyurl.com/allinclusivepodcast
👩🏾 Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-rainey-/
 
Episode Highlights
00:00 - Jamal’s Journey into DEI Leadership
06:05 - Navigating Corporate Spaces as a Minority
08:18 - Finding Allies in the Workplace
15:35 - Retaining Diverse Talent
17:47 - Addressing Systemic Bias
20:59 - Equity Versus Equality in DEI
24:05 - The Future of DEI in the Workplace
28:30 - Jamal’s Advice for Minorities in the Workplace
31:20 - Advice for Allies and Champions

How to get Inclusion Right from Day One: What New Leaders Need to Know

In this episode of the All Inclusive podcast, Natasha is joined by Ciara Lilly, the Senior Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at Diversified Maintenance, a top facility maintenance service provider working across multiple industries. Ciara shares her invaluable insights on building an inclusive workplace culture, especially for leaders just starting their journey in diversity and inclusion.
 
Episode Highlights
00:00 - Introduction
01:44 - Ciara’s Journey into Inclusion
04:20 - Key Traits of Successful Inclusion Leaders
08:12 - Building a Culture of Accountability12:45 - Navigating Resistance to Inclusion Efforts16:30 - The Future of Inclusion Metrics20:15 - Closing Reflections

Stop Undervaluing Yourself: How Gratitude Can Hold You Back

In this episode of the All Inclusive podcast, Natasha is joined by Tolu Oke, Global Head of Inclusion & Diversity at Diageo, to discuss a powerful concept she calls the Gratitude Complex. Together, they explore how feelings of gratitude—while often seen as positive—can actually hold you back from asking for what you truly deserve, especially if you're from an underrepresented or socio-economic background.
They dive into how this mindset plays out in the workplace and, most importantly, share practical ways to break free from the cycle of undervaluing yourself and reclaim your worth.
 
Connect with Tolu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tolulopeoke/
 
Apply to become an IDEAS member to access more content like this: https://www.ideas-global.com/
 
👉 Subscribe to All Inclusive : https://tinyurl.com/allinclusivepodcast
👩🏾 Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-rainey-/
Episode Highlights
00:00 - Introduction
01:15 - Tolu’s DEI journey
06:00 - Leading race initiatives at Sainsbury’s
10:50 - The impact of George Floyd and personal connection to DEI work
15:45 - Staying in DEI despite challenges
19:10 - Understanding imposter syndrome vs. trespasser syndrome
22:15 - The Gratitude Complex: How gratitude holds back leaders
28:10 - Knowing your worth and negotiating for fair pay
42:20 - Final advice: Say yes and figure it out

Is Burnout Inevitable for DEI Leaders?

In this episode of the All Inclusive Podcast, Natasha is joined by Sunaina Kohli, a Global Inclusion Strategist and founder of The Human Difference. With over 15 years of experience leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives for global brands, Sunaina shares her personal experience with burnout, recovery, and how DEI leaders can protect their wellbeing while continuing to make an impact.
 
Connect with Sunaina Kohli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunaina-kohli/
Learn more about The Human Difference: https://thehumandifference.org/
 
Apply to become an IDEAS member to access more content like this: https://www.ideas-global.com/
 
👉 Subscribe to All Inclusive : https://tinyurl.com/allinclusivepodcast
👩🏾 Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-rainey-/
 
Episode Highlights
00:00 - Introduction
01:30 - Sunaina’s DEI Journey
03:45 - Burnout: Personal Story & Recovery
08:30 - Why DEI Leaders Burn Out
10:00 - Setting Boundaries & Self-Care
16:50 - Leading with Vulnerability
21:30 - Tackling Judgment & Building Support
36:20 - When to Stay or Leave
 

Can We Trust AI to Drive Fairness and Inclusion?

In this podcast episode, Natasha speaks with Dr Nika White, an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Nika White Consulting. She’s a recognized top voice on strategic diversity, intentional inclusion, and applying an equity lens to business frameworks. We discussed the fascinating and timely topic of "Can We Trust AI to Drive Fairness and Inclusion?" Dr. White shares her insights on the risks and opportunities of AI, how it can unintentionally reinforce bias, and what leaders need to know to ensure AI is being used ethically and inclusively in the workplace.
🔗 Learn more about Dr Nika White’s work and Connect with her: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikawhite/
 
📚 Explore her LinkedIn Learning course: Navigating AI Through An Intersectional DEI Lens - https://www.linkedin.com/learning/navigating-ai-through-an-intersectional-dei-lens/ai-and-its-impact-on-dei
 
📖 Order her latest book, published by Forbes Books: Inclusion Uncomplicated: A Transformative Guide to Simplify DEI:  
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inclusion-Uncomplicated-Transformative-Guide-Simplify/dp/1955884153
 
Apply to become an IDEAS member to access more content like this: https://www.ideas-global.com/
 
👉 Subscribe to All Inclusive : https://tinyurl.com/allinclusivepodcast
👩🏾 Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-rainey-/
 
Episode Highlights
00:00 - Introduction
01:15 - Dr. White's journey into DEI leadership
03:30 - The importance of addressing bias
06:00 - Bias in AI and technology
08:45 - The role of DEI in AI development
11:00 - Transparency and ethical guidelines in AI
13:00 - How organizations can create inclusive AI content
16:15 - The global landscape of AI governance
18:40 - User feedback and continuous improvement in AI
21:00 - Challenges in selecting ethical AI tools
24:00 - Examples of bias in AI applications.
27:30 - The future of AI: Bias detection and customization
30:00 - Global collaboration for AI ethics.

What Does It Take to Shift DEI Skepticism into Strong Support?

In this episode of the All-Inclusive Podcast, Natasha is joined by Noel France, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Avantor. Noel shares her inspiring journey from marketing to leading DEI initiatives, discussing the unique challenges of gaining buy-in from both senior leadership and frontline employees. She also addresses the skepticism surrounding DEI as just a passing trend and offers valuable insights on how to build trust, drive real change, and ensure that everyone feels included in the organization's DEI strategy.
 
🔗  Connect with Noël France: https://www.linkedin.com/in/no%C3%ABl-france-00679b45/
 
Join the IDEAS community to connect with senior DEI leaders, engage in meaningful conversations, and collaborate on driving inclusion, diversity, equity, and social impact. Apply Now: https://www.ideas-global.com/
 
👉 Subscribe to All Inclusive : https://tinyurl.com/allinclusivepodcast
👩🏾 Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-rainey-/
 
Episode Highlights
00:00 - Introduction00:48 - Learning from Noel France’s DEI Journey02:55 - Transitioning Skills: From Marketing to DEI04:00 - How Personal Experiences Can Shape DEI Initiatives05:30 - The Importance of Engaging Frontline Employees07:05 - Strategies to Overcome DEI Challenges and Skepticism10:00 - Tailoring DEI Strategies for Senior Leadership13:00 - Leveraging Data to Enhance DEI Outcomes16:00 - Essential Advice for DEI Leaders 

Is Your Workplace Culture Lacking Empathy?

In this podcast episode, Natasha speaks with Dr Nicole Price author of the book "Spark the Heart: Engineering Empathy in the Workplace which made Forbes' book hit list. Dr. Price is also a renowned keynote speaker and the CEO of Lively Paradox. She shares her invaluable insights on why empathy is often overlooked in leadership and how this oversight can drastically affect organizational culture and effectiveness. Natasha and Dr Price also discussed the transformative power of empathetic leadership, practical steps leaders can take to foster an empathetic workplace, and the significant impact empathy has on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
 
🔗  Connect with Dr Nicole Price: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoledeniseprice/
 
📖 Grab a copy of Dr Nicole's new book: Spark the Heart: Engineering Empathy in Your Organization
 
👉 Subscribe to All Inclusive : https://tinyurl.com/allinclusivepodcast
🎙️ Listen on your favourite podcast platform: https://natasharms.podbean.com/
👩🏾 Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-rainey-/
 
Episode Highlights
00:00 - Introduction
00:55 - Nicole's Journey to Embracing Empathy
03:10 - Transforming Workplaces Through Empathy
05:36 - Empathy's Role in DEI Efforts
08:30 - Overcoming Challenges in Fostering Empathy
12:10 - Gender Bias and Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
16:02 - Practical Steps to Build Empathy
19:18 - Misconceptions and the True Role of Empathy
24:39 - Final Thoughts and Advice for DEI Advocates

The Valuable 500: Pioneering Disability Inclusion Worldwide

In this podcast episode, Natasha sits down with Katy Talikowska, Chief executive officer of The Valuable 500. They discussed how The Valuable 500 has rallied over 500 companies to commit to disability inclusion, the inspiration and vision behind the movement created by Caroline Casey, and the key strategies these companies are using to effectively include people with disabilities. 
 
🔗  Connect with Katy Talikowska: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-talikowska-4258b223/
📌 Learn more and join The Valuable 500
 
👉 Subscribe to All Inclusive : https://tinyurl.com/allinclusivepodcast
🎙️ Listen on your favourite podcast platform: https://natasharms.podbean.com/
👩🏾 Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-rainey-/
 
Episode Highlights
00:00 - Introduction 
01:30 - Understanding the Impact of The Valuable 500 
03:00 - Inspiration and Origins of The Valuable 500 
06:20 - Caroline Casey's Vision for Disability Inclusion 
08:45 - Overcoming Early Challenges 
11:15 - Strategies for Effective Disability Inclusion 
17:50 - Success Stories: Real-world Impact of Disability Inclusion Efforts
21:10 - Importance of Global Collaboration in DEI 
24:00 - Future Goals of The Valuable 500 
27:30 - How to Get Involved and Make a Difference 
30:00 - Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

KPMG's Top 5 Priorities for a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce

In this podcast episode, Natasha sits down with Elena Richards, Chief Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer. They delve into KPMG's top 5 priorities for building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Elena shares her expertise on implementing effective DEI strategies, creating inclusive environments, and engaging diverse talent. This conversation is packed with practical advice and insights for DEI leaders and anyone committed to fostering inclusivity in their organization.
 
🔗  Connect with Elena Richards: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenarichards/
👉 Subscribe to All Inclusive : https://tinyurl.com/allinclusivepodcast🎙️ Listen on your favourite podcast platform: https://natasharms.podbean.com/👩🏾 Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-rainey-/
Episode Highlights00:00 - Introduction 00:21 - How Elena Began Her DEI Journey 03:04 - Understanding Intersectionality in Education 05:08 - Leading DEI Initiatives at KPMG 07:03 - Building Inclusive Work Environments 09:03 - Strategies for Engaging Diverse Talent 14:06 - Key DEI Priorities and Strategies at KPMG 24:02 - Future Trends and Challenges in DEI

Disability Inclusion: Are You Making These Assumptions?

In this podcast episode, Natasha sits down with Isaac Harvey MBE, an inspiring advocate for the disability community whose personal journey resonates with a global audience. Isaac's achievements include receiving an MBE from King Charles for his dedicated service to the disability community and leading Wheels and Wheelchairs, an organization that pairs roller skaters with wheelchair users. Last month, Isaac joined Natasha in the studio to discuss how assumptions about disability affect workplace inclusion and the vital importance of mental health support for employees.
 
🔗  Connect with Isaac Harvey MBE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacharvey-videoeditor/
👉 Subscribe to All Inclusive : https://tinyurl.com/allinclusivepodcast
🎙️ Listen on your favourite podcast platform: https://natasharms.podbean.com/
👩🏾 Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-rainey-/
 
Episode Highlights
00:00 - Introduction
01:03 - Isaac's Background and Living with Disabilities
03:17 - How Isaac Became a Disability Advocate
06:13 - Inclusive Sports: The Story of Wheels and Wheelchairs
10:28 - The Importance of Accessibility Beyond the Workplace
14:14 - Creating Truly Inclusive Work Environments
17:12 - How to Support Mental Health in the Workplace
23:26 - Isaac’s Tips for Maintaining Mental Well-being
27:04 - Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Isaac