The Diverse Minds Podcast
By Leyla Okhai
Brought to you by Leyla Okhai, CEO of Diverse Minds UK and former Head of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre at Imperial College London. We provide insights from diverse thought leaders in race equality, wellbeing and mental health to increase your understanding and enable you to make positive changes in your life with ease.
The Diverse Minds PodcastSep 07, 2021
#106 Cross-Cultural Understanding at Work with Dr Nathalie Van Meurs
Welcome to the 106th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast.
September’s focus is all about enhancing your workplace through cross-cultural understanding. To kick off the month, we are starting with one of my favourite topics, culture!
To join me in doing this is Dr Nathalie van Meurs.
#102 Beware the Tone Police!
Welcome to the 102nd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In today's episode, I am going to be talking about tone policing at work, what it means, its impacts and how to call it out.
#101 Defining Global Feminism with Raakhi Shah CEO of The Circle
Welcome to the 101st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast.
We are in the midst of South Asian Heritage Month, so what better than to speak with a South Asian sister I admire and I'm proud to call my friend, on the topic of global women’s rights. Today I am joined by Raakhi Shah, CEO of The Circle NGO, a women’s rights organisation.
#100 7 Reasons you must watch We Are Lady Parts
On today’s episode I am going to be talking about the awesome C4 Series We are Lady Parts written by Nida Manzoor and 7 reasons you must watch it!
#99 Uplifting Impact with Deanna Singh
Welcome to the 99th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast, and I don't know about you, but often, I find in life that there are people who reach out to us in an unexpected way.
We've never heard of them previously, and they might be on the other side of the world. They've not been in our sphere of consciousness, but we build a true connection with them.
And I think this has been more common and is happening more often in a virtual world with social media to connect us.
This is what happened when Deanna Singh, founder of Flying Elephant enterprise, reached out to me and invited me to be a guest on her podcast. We spoke and as they say the rest was history.
#98 What have emojis got to do with equality and diversity?
Welcome to the 98th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In today’s episode, I am going to be talking about emojis and what they have to do with equality and diversity.
#97 The art of listening to support someone
Welcome to the 97th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! It's the beginning of the month of July, and the theme for the month is myth-busting. So we're going to be kicking off by talking about the art of listening and how it supports someone in distress.
#96 Empowerment through the Cowrie Scholarship Foundation with Richard Orrefo
Welcome to the 96th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. As you know, in June, the podcast is focused on Corporate Social Responsibility, and today, I am joined by an incredibly special guest, Professor Richard OC Oreffo.
#95 Shaking up your Recruitment Processes
Welcome to the 95th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! Continuing the theme of corporate social responsibility for the month of June, I talk about shaking up your recruitment practices in today's episode of the show.
#94 Making Change and not Jumping on the Bandwagon
Welcome to the 92nd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! As you know, during the month of June our theme is corporate social responsibility, so in today's episode, I talk about meaningful engagement with social campaigns and not simply jumping on the bandwagon.
#93 Empathy at Work with Shola Kaye
Welcome to the 91st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. Today we are going to be talking about Empathy at work. For many people in the UK as we once again start to transition back to a hybrid style of workplace connecting with colleagues again will be imperative.
Everyone will have been on a different journey had varying experiences and perhaps want this to be acknowledged in the workplace. It’s vital for workplaces and all staff to be aware and mindful of communication, conversation and support.
To join me in discussing this in further details is expert Shola Kaye.
#92 How volunteering supports Mental Wellbeing
Welcome to the 92nd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! For June the theme is corporate social responsibility and as it’s volunteers’ week, we are kicking off this month with the topic of volunteering.
#91 Elevating Teen Self-Esteem with Jenny Garrett
Welcome to the 91st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. May is National Teen Self Esteem Month 2020 and it's a great opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of ensuring our teens are self-aware and feel confident about themselves.
The effect that teenagers' self-esteem has on their physical and mental well-being is of paramount importance and is a crucial focus of the awareness month.
The teenage years are a notoriously difficult time for the majority of young people and therefore this is a fantastic way of checking in and ensuring we are doing everything that we can to support and nurture the teens in our lives- be it family or friends.
On top of the physical, hormonal and emotional changes going on, teens also have to contend with the added pressures of social changes, new relationships, increased educational expectations, peer pressure and impossible societal standards perpetuated by the media, society and often parents.
To join me to talk about this and more is the wonderful Jenny Garrett OBE.
#90 What's next for wellbeing as we transition back?
Welcome to the 90th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In today’s episode, I talk about what's next for wellbeing as we transition or try to transition from life in a pandemic.
#89 Connecting Nature and Mental Health
Welcome to the 89th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In today’s episode, I talk about how connecting with nature supports our mental health.
This is all because it's a mental health awareness week, which runs from Monday, the 10th to Sunday, the 16th of May, and this year's theme is connecting with nature for your mental health and well being.
#88 Talking Sense for Deaf Awareness Week
Welcome to the 88th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. It’s Deaf Awareness Week from 3rd to 9th of May, and the theme is ‘Coming Though it Together’.
The UK Council on Deafness, founded in 1993 and the national umbrella organisation for charities and professional bodies working in the field of deafness, coordinates deaf awareness week, which involves UK wide series of national and local events to raise awareness of the needs of the 1 in 6 deaf or hard of hearing people in the UK.
Deaf Awareness Week aims to promote the positive aspects of deafness, promote social inclusion and raise awareness of the huge range of local organisations that support deaf people and their family and friends.
But what about sensory impairments as a whole in the wider sense and people who may have a number of disabilities. To talk about this in greater detail, I am joined by Richard Kramer, the CEO of SENSE.
#87 Ella Mesma and Ama Rouge International Day of Dance
Welcome to the 87th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast, and today we're going to be linking mental health with dance for the International Day of dance on the 29th of April.
To join me in doing this, I'm really excited to welcome two phenomenal dance professionals, Ella Mesma and Ama Rouge.
#86 5 Ways Reading Benefits your Mental Health
Welcome to the 86th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In today’s episode, I talk about reading and mental health and the five ways in which reading supports mental health for World Book Night.
World Book Night is the annual celebration of books and reading that takes place on the 23rd of April. The idea is to bring people from all backgrounds together for one reason – to inspire others to read more.
Presented by The Reading Agency, and in partnership with Specsavers, 2021 is a celebration of the 10th anniversary of World Book Night, with a special theme of “Books to Make You Smile”.
#85 Black Beauty and Wholeness with Dr Rochelle Rowe-Wiseman
Welcome to the 85th episode of the Diverse Minds podcast, and this month, we are looking at personal development.
In today's episode, we're going to be talking about black beauty. And that's not to say that black communities need to focus on this as personal development, but more for people who don't understand the stereotypes pushbacks and the struggles around black beauty and the pressure that there are on black women.
And I'm delighted to be joined by Dr. Rochelle Roe Wiseman.
#84 Asking Yourself Big Questions with Bhavik Patel
Welcome to the 84th episode of the Diverse Minds podcast. And as you know, April is focused on personal development, and part of personal development is to ask yourself big questions.
In this episode, I'm joined by a wonderful person who knows absolutely how to do that, Bhavik Patel.
#83 Turning a hobby into a passion with Rosie Khandwala
Welcome to the 83rd episode of the award-winning DiverseMinds Podcast. As we head into April, I will be focussing on personal development, with this bridging episode with another fabulous female entrepreneur.
The personal development theme will be centred on self-awareness, looking at how you want to shape your life, personal challenges and long-standing aspirations.
To kick off and joining me on the show is Rosie Khandwala the Co-founder of Aqua Natural Ltd.
#82 Agency as Female Solopreneur
Welcome to the 82nd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In today’s episode, I'm going to be wrapping up our March month of showcasing female entrepreneurs by talking about agency and the positive experience I have had running my own business.
#81 Y.O.U can make a difference with Sarah Jordan
Welcome to the 81st episode of the diverse minds podcast. For March, we are celebrating amazing entrepreneurial women, and I've got a real treat in store for you today. In this episode, I'm joined by Sarah Jordan, a recognized industry leader with over 20 years, digital and business experience across not-for-profit commercial and publishing sectors.
#80 Entrepreneurship with an AfroTouch with Georgina Fihosy
Welcome to the 80th episode of the award-winning diverse minds podcast and a continuation of our female entrepreneur showcase month, and today we're going to be talking about entrepreneurship with an afro touch, and to join me is Georgina Fihosy.
#79 Dyslexia Champions and Neurodivergent Support
Welcome to the 79th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds Podcast. I'm so excited as we've hit March because this month, we're focusing on female entrepreneurs for International Women's Month, showcasing the talents and the businesses of a diverse range of women I know.
To kick off the month, we are talking about dyslexia support in the workplace, and joining me on the show to do so is a dear friend and former colleague, Janette Beetham.
#78 No such thing as being shelved
Welcome to the 78th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast, and today is the last in our series all about self-love. So I've got a real treat for you because we're gonna be delving into this more.
And as we've just had Valentine's Day and the pressure for heteronormative romantic relationships, I'm going to be joined by the amazing Jasveer Atwal to talk about her project Shelved.
#77: Book Review: Love in Colour by Bolu Babalola
Welcome to 77th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! On today’s episode, I am going to be talking about the book Love in Colour by Bolu Babalola for Valentine’s Week.
#76 Self-love and Self-Esteem what does it all mean?
Welcome to 76th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! Yes, that’s right, on Tuesday, 26th of January, I won the PFB Awards for the Best Diversity and Inclusion podcast! Thank you for listening and supporting.
#75 How love promotes positive mental health
Welcome to the 75th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! Yes, that’s right, on Tuesday the 26th of January, I won the PFB Awards for best Diversity and Inclusion podcast! Thank you for listening and supporting.
On today’s episode, I’m going to be talking about how love promotes positive mental health. Essentially how we all need connection as humans.
#74 Preventing a Mental-ill Health Factory
Welcome to the 73rd episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast, and on today’s episode, I talk about mental health in universities and the impact it has on both staff and students alike.
#73 Book Review of Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
Welcome to the 73rd episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast, and on today’s episode, I review Everything is Figureoutable, a book written by American entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author, Marie Forleo.
#72 Recovery through Art with Olivia Mendoza
Welcome to the 71st episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast, and on today’s episode, I talk about substance recovery, addiction, and the journey to finding hope and healing. Joining me on this show today is Olivia Mendoza.
#71 Workplace Wellbeing Trends for 2021
Welcome to the 71st episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast, and on today’s episode, I talk about what I think 2021 will hold in terms of workplace well being.
#70: Lessons from 2020
Welcome to the 70th episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast, and on today’s episode, I talk the business lessons I have learned in 2020 and things to take forward, as a result of the year we've had in 2021.
#69 How Real Allyship Makes a Difference
Welcome to the 69th episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast, and on today’s episode, I talk about how real authentic and genuine race allyship can really make a difference in the workplace and why it's needed.
#68 Still too scared to talk about race?
Welcome to the 68th episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast, and on today’s episode, I talk about how race conversations at work are still stalling and whether you are scared of talking about race.
#67 Diversifying Boards and why you need to
Welcome to the 67th episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast. On today's I talk about diversifying boards and why, if you are an employer, you need to diversify them. I also talk about why individuals need to join boards as a way of broadening the thought pool.
#66 Gender-based violence, culture and mental health with Mani Hayre
Welcome to the 66th episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast. This week we are talking about the 16 Days of Action against gender-based violence. Talking about sexual violence at work can feel like a big taboo subject. However, we do need to have conversations in the workplace. This is to ensure everyone can recognise and support employees who are experience domestic and sexual violence.
#65 Why Training isn't a Panacea
Welcome to the 65th episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast, and on today’s episode, I talk about why training isn’t a panacea, but part of your strategy to create a positive and productive workplace.
In this episode, I focus on mental health and well-being training, specifically aimed at workplaces.
#64 Workplace Wellbeing Initiatives that Truly Work
Welcome to the 64th episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast. With the second lockdown in the UK, and mental health and wellbeing of paramount importance, what are the ways in which workplaces can truly create and sustain workplace wellbeing initiatives that work? Where’s the research, especially with pressure placed on healthcare and social services?
To join me to talk about these issues and more is Dr Jermaine M. Ravalier.
#63 Anti-bullying initiatives that work
Welcome to the 63rd episode of the Diverse Minds podcast. It’s anti-bullying week from the 11th to the 15th of November. As many of you know, workplace bullying and combating it is something I feel very deeply about. Why, as it impacts so negatively on so many people's mental health.
#62 Mindfulness And Managing Stress With Mita Mistry
Welcome to the 62nd episode of the Diverse Minds podcast. We are kicking November off talking about International Stress Awareness Week, and to join me in doing this Mita Mistry.
#61 The Challenge of Women’s Wellbeing at Work during Covid-19
On today’s episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast, I talk about women’s wellbeing and CV-19. I decided to make an episode on this because last week, I was invited to be part of the women in work all-party parliamentary group.
This year's theme for the group is women's well being in the workplace, and this particular meeting focused on women's well being at work during COVID -19.
I was really honoured to be part of this and felt it was a great platform to raise a number of issues that friends, colleagues and women I know have encountered during the lockdown and during this period of COVID - 19.
#60 To BAME or not to BAME?
On today’s episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast, I talk about the term BAME and the ways in which people may self-identify, and how language needs to change.
I decided to talk about this as this has become a topic many people want to engage with and talk about in my online training sessions about race and race equality.
#59 How Hate Crime Negatively Impacts Mental Health
On today’s episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast, I am going to be talking about hate crime and the impact it has on mental health.
I decided to talk about this topic as the 10th to the 17th of October 2020 is Hate Crime Awareness Week, which also overlaps with the World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October.
I really feel it’s important to talk about both of these topics, and especially as it's Black History Month, the topic of race hate crime needs to be addressed as well.
#58 Neurodiversity, Race and Culture with Jannett Morgan
Welcome to the 58th episode of the Diverse Minds podcast. This is the first episode for Black History Month 2020, and it also happens to be Dyslexia Awareness Week, which runs from the 5th to the 11th of October 2020.
I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to talk about race, culture and dyslexia, and to join me in doing this is an expert, colleague and friend Jannett Morgan.
#57 Assertiveness and Self-Care
On today’s episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast, as part of my trilogy for Self-Care September, I talk about assertiveness and setting boundaries. I outline how assertiveness can help you on your self-care journey, in terms of your mental, physical and social well-being,
I decided to make an episode on this topic as setting boundaries often stops us from looking after ourselves.
#56 Creating Safe Cultural Spaces with Rupinder Kaur
Welcome to the 56th episode of the DM podcast, and as part of Self-Care September, I'm going to be talking about creating safe spaces for specific cultural groups.
I am delighted to be joined by Rupinder Kaur, Founder and CEO of AWMB and the Inspire Monthly Club.
#55 Shaping Your Routine and Self Care
On today’s episode, as part of Self-Care September, I talk about creating, adapting and having a routine to support your self-care.
The term self-care often has a bad reputation or a response that invokes a big sigh!
What I mean by self-care is taking practical action to look after your physical, mental and social wellbeing, and doing this regularly helps us during times of stress and builds resilience.
#54 Social Media and Mental Health: Help or Hindrance?
This episode of the Diverse Minds Podcast, I talk about social media and the impact it has on our mental health and wellbeing.
I decided to talk about this topic because Sunday 5th of September was the first Digital Detox Day, a collaboration between #IAMWHOLE, an organisation co-founded by Jordan Stephens of Rizzle Kicks, beauty blogger, Zoella and the cosmetics brand Lush.
The aim of Digital Detox Day is about raising awareness around the negative impacts that social media can have on our mental health, and to enable people and help them to form healthier relationships with their devices.