Diverse & Inclusive Leaders

Christos TsaprounisLeila is joined by Christos Tsaprounis - Head of People & Culture at Auto Trader UK, Trustee at Survivors Manchester and Leadership Fellow at the Society of Leadership Fellows.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Christos’ journey so far, from growing up in Greece to studying at an American university in Greece and then moving abroad to the UK to continue studying and begin his professional career· The adjustments being made to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging practices as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic· The ongoing importance of D,I&B despite being in the midst of the pandemic· How important it is for everyone to do what they can to support charities and the third sector in these troubled timesRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christostsaprounis/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Lynsey SymingtonLeila is joined by Lynsey Symington - Talent Acquisition Lead, SEA & Emerging Markets at Experian.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT·Lynsey’s career to date, having started in oil and gas recruitment and then set up her own team at a start-up before moving from Scotland to Singapore·Conducting diversity initiatives while also being culturally sensitive/aware to specific local/regional requirements·How to use meditation to stay focused and dedicated·Experian’s ‘Superheroes’ initiative, which is this year concentrating on inclusion and belonging, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+·How best to use champions/allies for diversity initiatives internally RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lynsey-symington-53154b59/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Steve KenzieLeila is joined by Executive Director at the UN Global Compact Network UK.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Steve’s career journey so far, from growing up in Canada to working for various NGOs and eventually moving over to the UK in 2003· How to balance the profitability of business with “doing good” for the wider world and the key role that this can play in talent attraction with millennials/zillennials· What can be done to avoid allowing “unconscious bias” to develop within a business· How the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can help governments to move towards “a new normal” after COVID-19RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevekenzie/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Nimal AmitirigalaLeila is joined by Nimal Amitirigala - President - Grace Foods Canada, Inc. at GraceKennedy Ltd.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Nimal’s unique intercultural background and his various international experiences living in countries such as the UK, US and Canada· How living/working abroad can help enhance not only your personal perspective but also the diversity journey· The Jamaican background and subsequent international expansion of GraceKennedy as a company· Nimal’s passion for educating others about the massive influence that Jamaica has had on international culture, cuisine, sport and music RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDBrene Brownhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nimalaContinue the conversation on LinkedIn

Dean CurtisLeila is joined by Dean Curtis - Group Managing Director, Risk & Business Analytics at RELX and President/CEO at ICIS.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· How Dean went from entering the financial services industry to working for several football clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Charlton Athletic as a youth team coach, before going back into the business world· The hope that companies are able to make the best of the opportunities provided by the Coronavirus situation, and the resulting increasing importance of company culture· How Dean has led RELX to achieving near parity on staff gender ratios (both overall and at senior leadership level)· Dean’s previous battles with mental health issues, and how he used the experience to make himself a stronger leader RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanacurtis/E-mail: Dean.curtis@reedbusiness.comWebsite : https://www.reedbusiness.com/about-us/#about-us-leadershipContinue the conversation on LinkedIn

Paul ParkerLeila is joined by Paul Parker – Ex-Professional footballer for England and Manchester United, Pundit, Blogger, Corporate Trainer, Coach & Cross Channel Racing Ambassador.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Paul’s story so far, from being brought up in London and subsequently Essex by his Jamaican immigrate parents to becoming an athlete, initially at school in athletics and then becoming a professional footballer· Paul’s experience in school during the era of Skinheads and the National Front, but also being someone who other pupils were able to relate to due to his participation in sport· The racist chants and taunting from football fans that Paul had to face up to on a regular basis during the 1980s· Paul’s experiences as a manager/coach compared to when he was playing, and the different nature of the challengesRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paulparker64/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Hugo de SousaLeila is joined by Hugo de Sousa - Associate Partner/Head of Innovation and Ecosystems at Capita Consulting.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Hugo’s role in futureproofing corporate strategy and innovation· Hugo’s career journey so far, from co-founding his own company in Portugal and becoming CIO for a large Portugese government agency to working for larger companies abroad in the UK and Ireland· The need to be able to combine tech skills with softer skills and emotional intelligence in order to enhance storytelling·  The importance of separating issues such as Covid-19 and Brexit from Diversity and Inclusion in order to ensure it is not de-prioritisedRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hugocsousa/Twitter @hugocsousaThe Godfather movie trilogy by Francis CoppolaContinue the conversation on LinkedIn

Thomas EnnisLeila is joined by Thomas Ennis – CEO at Thomas Ennis Group.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· How Thomas went from a background of extreme poverty and leaving school aged 15 to owning his own network of retail stores in Ireland· Thomas’ own experiences of social discrimination throughout his life· The impact of Covid-19 on the food retail sector RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-ennis-4b877841/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Niko KavakiotisLeila is joined by Niko Kavakiotis - Head of Building Performance & Sustainability at Siemens.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Niko’s highly multicultural background, from growing up in Greece and studying/working in electrical engineering all over the world in countries such as the UK, USA, Japan and Germany· The importance of avoiding a sense of entitlement· The work that Niko has been doing internally with the Employee Resource Group (ERG) that he is leading· The battles that Niko has fought with ‘Imposter Syndrome’RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/niko-kavakiotis/How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton ChristensenContinue the conversation on LinkedIn

David Grevemberg CBELeila is joined by David Grevemberg - Chief Executive Officer at the Commonwealth Games Federation.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· How David went from growing up in New Orleans to working in wrestling, to his high-flying career in sports management· The inclusive agenda at the Commonwealth Games Federation· The racial tension that he dealt with as a young white person in New Orleans· Embracing both authenticity and sincerity as a leader· The human rights element that David likes to apply to both sports and business leadership· The Commonwealth Games Federation’s proud record as a driver for social change in the world RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://thecgf.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-grevemberg-cbe-0611634/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Mark AdamsLeila is joined by Mark Adams - Chief Executive of Community Integrated Care and Non-Executive Director at National Care Forum and Countess of Chester Hospital. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· What it has been like combating Covid-19 “on the front line” for Mark and his charity colleagues· The differences between working in social care and in physical healthcare· Mark’s personal background, having started working in healthcare at a very young age and experienced working for a combination of large corporate companies and smaller, more entrepreneurial businesses·          RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/markadams10/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Geoff McDonald Leila is joined by Geoff McDonald, Co-Founder of Minds@Work and former Global Vice President HR at Unilever. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT·The difficulties of dealing with social distancing and self-isolation, but also the benefits that these offer, such as the opportunity for reflection·“That ability to talk is what saved my life”: how the power of love helped Geoff overcome personal mental health challenges·How to deal with mental health symptoms when they are having a severe negative impact on your life, both during the Covid-19 pandemic and ‘normal times’·Geoff’s personal advice on steps that everyone can take to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-mcdonald/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Andi JarvisLeila is joined by Andi Jarvis – Owner/Founder/Strategy Director at Eximo Marketing.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Andi’s career journey to date, having gone from aiming to become a PE teacher to working in marketing· “Tapping into the fabric of what you’re doing”: Andi’s approach to marketing· The challenges behind integrating D&I into marketing, as can be seen in numerous examples of various marketing misfires and successes respectively· The meaning of diversity in different places: religious diversity in Northern Ireland, for instance RESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andijarvis/Twitter @andijarvisInstagram @jarvisandiContinue the conversation on LinkedIn

VE Day 75th Anniversary Special with the British Army Leila is joined by key individuals from the British Army: Major General Celia Harvey OBE QVRM TD, Deputy commander of the Field Army & Defence Sikh Champion Colonel Karl Harris – Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff Operations (DACOS) at Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ)  and also the Chair of the Army BAME Network.Naveed Muhamad – Muslim National Liaison Officer.Lt Col Tim Petransky, SO1 CE Communities, Engagement Branch, Headquarters Regional CommandIN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUTThe history of VE (Victory in Europe) day and the importance of the 75th Anniversary that we remember on this special day.  The contribution of the commonwealth as a whole to Victory in Europe including the economic and material support from other countries such as Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.The parallel between the time of crises today and the time of crises between 1939 and 1945 and the coming together of society and what we can learn from the wartime experience.Dive

VE Day 75th Anniversary Special with the Royal Air Force (RAF)"Find your right way to pick yourself up and carry on": the opportunities you're  Leila is joined by Sally Bridgeland – Honorary Group Captain Royal Air Force (RAF) & Trustee, RAF Central Fund IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUTThe history of VE (Victory in Europe) day and the importance of the 75th Anniversary that we remember on this special day.  The contribution of the commonwealth as a whole to Victory in Europe including the economic and material support from other countries such as Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.The parallel between the time of crises today and the time of crises between 1939 and 1945 and the coming together of society and what we can learn from the wartime experience.Sally's personal experience within the RAF and how she has managed this alongside her career in business in a portfolio capacity. Diversity, Inclusivity and Belonging in relation to the forces and the positive changes we have seen over

Leila is joined by Commador David Elford OBE Commador BE ADC BSc MSc MA CEng FRAeS MIET of The Royal Navy. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUTThe history of VE (Victory in Europe) day and the importance of the 75th Anniversary that we remember on this special day.  The contribution of the commonwealth as a whole to Victory in Europe including the economic and material support from other countries such as Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.The parallel between the time of crises today and the time of crises between 1939 and 1945 and the coming together of society and what we can learn from the wartime experience.Diversity, Inclusivity and Belonging in relation to the forces and the positive changes we have seen over the years. The Navy’s current role in supporting the nation today during the COVID 19 crises as we battle the invisible enemy together.  The important role of the reservists and others involved within the forces. How we can pull together and get involved as individuals, businesses and wider society. V

Christopher Kenna Leila is joined by Christopher Kenna - CEO & Founder at Brand Advance.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Why VE Day is so important to Chris· What led Chris to join the armed forces and, latterly, to found Brand Advance· The powerful yet privileged position that advertisers find themselves inRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskenna/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Don IroLeila is joined by Don Iro - Managing Director at Allteks Ltd.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· Don’s personal background, from his upbringing in Nigeria through to his time in various C-suite level roles· The importance of digital frameworks and technology to adapting to the current Coronavirus crisis· How technology can be used to enhance inclusivity in the workplace· How crucial it is to be not only authentic but consistent as a leader in businessRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldiro/Don@allteks.co.ukContinue the conversation on LinkedIn

LaFawn DavisLeila is joined by LaFawn Davis - Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Indeed.com and member of 2019 SFBT Most Influential Women in Business shortlist.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT·The importance of intersectionality, both to LaFawn personally and to building a community·How Indeed are making the most of their Inclusion Resource Groups (IRGs) to help adapt to the threat posed by Coronavirus·LaFawn’s advice for those who are suffering from Covid-19 due to furlough/redundancy·How to embrace being different in order to conquer imposter syndromeRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.indeed.com/career-advice/coronavirus-job-resources?from=here_to_helphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lafawn/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn

Simon FilleryLeila is joined bySimon Fillery - Modern Employer Consultant at GSK and Principal Consultant at SiFI Diversity.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT· The “two halves” of Simon’s career, investment banking and latterly D&I· The three pillars of GSK’s ‘Modern Employer’ strategy: ‘Being you’, ‘Feeling good’ and ‘Keep growing’· Simon’s own personal tricks for surviving social distancing and self-isolation· The need to prioritise inclusion now more than everRESOURCES & INFORMATION MENTIONEDhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/simonfillery/Continue the conversation on LinkedIn