Speaking of Inclusion...

Empowering the Next Generation of Girls - with Marsha Powell

In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion... I am joined by Marsha Powell, CEO of BelEve, a UK-based charity dedicated to empowering girls aged 8 to 22 as they navigate major life transitions, from education into the workplace. Marsha is an unapologetic champion for girls’ empowerment and organisational transformation, and in this conversation, she shares both her personal journey and her team’s evolving focus on bridging the readiness gap for young women. Ensuring they step into their futures not just with confidence, but with the tools, support, and opportunities they need tothrive. We explore the realities of workplace readiness, not just from the perspective of preparing ambitious girls for the challenges ahead, but also addressing the ways in which organisations themselves must evolve to receive, support, and nurture the next generation of diverse talent.   Three Key Takeaways: 1. Empowerment Alone Is Not Enough: While confidence-building and empowerment are essential, Marsha explains that girls must also be equipped with insight, access, practical experience, and networks to truly thrive as they transition into adulthood and the workforce. 2. The Readiness Gap Exists on Both Sides: It is not just young people who must be ready for work, organisations must also be ready for an ambitious, diverse cohort of young women and must address biases and structural barriers that persist within workplace systems. 3. Lasting Change Demands Partnership: Marsha calls for genuine partnership between organisations, schools, charities, and individuals to build an ecosystem of opportunity, which means more than paying lip service to equality, but actively becoming gate-openers, pipeline builders, and mentors. A Question to Reflect On: How ready is your workplace, not just to attract the next generation of young, ambitious women, but to provide the support, access, and opportunity needed for them to thrive and lead?   You can connect with Marsha in the following ways: Website: www.BelEveUK.org [http://www.BelEveUK.org] Email: Info@beleveuk.org [Info@beleveuk.org]Call: 0203 372 5779 Visit: 372 Brockley Rd, London SE4 2BY   Marsha and I also spoke about meeting through the MD2MDnetwork, managed by the incredible Emma Phipps, which you can find more details of on their website www.md2md.co.uk [http://www.md2md.co.uk]   If you value this conversation and want to help keep the Speaking of Inclusion podcast ad-free, consider treating Katie to a virtual coffee at coff.ee/speakingofinclusion. Your support helps keep these real, unfiltered conversations flowing.   Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen.Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations. www.KatieAllenConsulting.com [http://www.katieallenconsulting.com/] Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - "No Drama" by Alder

Lead from your heart - with Scott Martin

In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion… I am joined by Scott Martin. An award-winning soccer coach, author, quad amputee, and passionate disability advocate. We talk about his extraordinary journey, as captured in his recently released book, Play From Your Heart, which weaves together his experiences of resilience, dealing with disability, and his lifelong commitment to making football (soccer) and wider society more inclusive. Scott shared the pivotal moment when he survived necrotising fasciitis, leading to major life changes for him and his family, and also his abrupt realisation he was now part of the disability community. Scott shares candid stories ofdiscrimination and the reality of rebuilding confidence after trauma, all while attempting to continue his coaching career. We also touch on the wider themes of inclusion, disability advocacy, the beauty of football as a uniting force, especially during the World Cup, and the responsibilities of individuals and organisations to do more in creating genuinely accessible environments. Three Key Takeaways: * The lived experiences of disabled people are still often sidelined and progress is required from both organisational approaches to change as well as individual open-mindedness. * True inclusion means more than representation, and Scott is clear about the importance of seeing disabled colleagues or community members as fully human, not as simply defined by their difference. * Resilience, community, and openness (plus a bit of footballing spirit) can help us challenge both inner doubts and external barriers. A question to reflect on: How can you ensure you’re not just including people with visible differences, but also ensuring you give them equitable opportunities to thrive in your community, workplace, or team? Things we said we’d include in this episode’s show notes:Direct links to buy Scott’s book, Play From Your Heart Buy Play From Your Heart from World of Books [https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/play-from-your-heart-book-scott-martin-9798894410395]BuyPlay From Your Heart from Amazon UK [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Play-Your-Heart-Scott-Martin/dp/B0GKPWK261/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ETP4NWMD2G4V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YV4gHUCEgPXaExvftJlCxoT4w1wk7SkE78mwJ4MEj8Q.ETwowF-aZxaRSLNij7MiGZjgddu6vbRHsbPE_KobumE&dib_tag=se&keywords=scott+martin+play+from+your+heart&qid=1782127019&sprefix=scott+martin+play+from+your+heart%2Caps%2C505&sr=8-2]Buy Play From Your Heart from Amazon US [https://www.amazon.com/Play-Your-Heart-Resilience-Beautiful-ebook/dp/B0GMDVYJR6?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WXSnC8pp390BJ39IMjvS-g.M95Qrprgi12KXyYmgB6cpGK5Bi7FmeKbkr1nqrRwOmM&dib_tag=AUTHOR] Scott’s contact details: reader.playfromyourheart@gmail.com [reader.playfromyourheart@gmail.com] with a note to mention the Speaking of Inclusion… podcast when reaching out.   If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please consider buying me a virtual coffee and helping keep this podcast going. Visit: coff.ee/speakingofinclusion [https://coff.ee/speakingofinclusion] Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations. www.KatieAllenConsulting.com [http://www.katieallenconsulting.com/] Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - "No Drama" by Alder

Generational Gaps - with Jess Jarrold

In today’s episode of Speaking of Inclusion... I am joined by Jess Jarrold, a leadership coach with a passion for unlocking the potential of cross-generational teams. Together, we explore the current landscape of the workplace, challenging the stereotypes surrounding different generations, and considering how confidence and communication underpin effective leadership… no matter your age or experience. Throughout our conversation, Jess shares her journey from the world of advertising and media to executive coaching, reveals the importance of authentic connection, and looks at how leaders can empower all team members to thrive. Along the way, we she also addresses some persistent myths, reflects on why onboarding and feedback really matter, and discusses why the "one job for life" mentality is fading fast. Here are three key takeaways to listen out for: Confidence vs. Authority: True leadership isn’t about projecting authority or ticking off experience milestones. It's about self-awareness, curiosity, and creating an environment where everyone, no matter their generation, feels valued. Consistent, Individualised Communication: Retention and team morale are rooted in clear, consistent communication, especially from middle managers. Knowing your people as individuals, and tailoring your approach, sets the stage forcommercial and cultural success. Reframing Stereotypes: Age-based assumptions, whether about digital skills or career ambition, harm inclusion. Every generation and every person brings unique insights, and it’s up to leaders to set the tone for learning, development, and respect in every direction. Reflection question for listeners: While you listen today, consider this: How does your own experience shape the way you relate to colleagues of different ages?What might you notice differently, starting tomorrow, to better harness the strengths of everyone on your team? Connect with Jess Jarrold on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-jarrold/]   If you found value in this episode, please consider buying me, Katie, a virtual coffee at coff.ee/speakingofinclusion. Your support helps to keep Speaking of Inclusion independent and available for everyone who wants to build a more inclusive world. Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations. www.KatieAllenConsulting.com [http://www.katieallenconsulting.com/] Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - "No Drama" by Alder

Become a Super Communicator - with Ettie Bailey-King

In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion..., Katie Allen talks with Ettie Bailey-King about what it really means to be a “Super Communicator”. Ettie is an inclusive and accessible communication educator who helps people and organisations communicate clearly,inclusively, and accessibly. Together, they explore why inclusive language and accessible communication matter, and how the words and formats we use can shape how people feel, engage, and make decisions. Katie and Ettie also explore the reality of information overload (how our brains and bodies respond to the constant streamof emails and notifications) and the toll it can take. Ettie offers practical advice for managing our own overwhelm, and tips to avoid overwhelming others in the way we communicate. The conversation tackles the complexity of difficult conversations, especially when bias or discrimination is involved. Ettie shares some grounded strategies for regulating emotions and looking after yourself before, during, and after challenging interactions. The episode finishes with straightforward, actionable tips for making your communication more inclusive and accessible, such as rethinking how you use hyperlinks. 3 key takeaways: * Everyday language shapes perceptions and experiences, especially when it comes to inclusion. Choosing words purposefully matters. * Overwhelm isn’t just personal, it’s baked into how we work, communicate, and use technology. Both individuals andorganisations can make small changes to help. * There are practical, evidence-based ways to prepare for and manage tough conversations, placing wellbeing and personalagency front and centre. Reflective Question: How does the way you communicate, both in what you say and the way you present information, affect others’ ability to understand, engage, and feel included? Things we said we'd include in this episode's show notes: * Ettie’s accessible communications checklist * Ettie’s website: www.fightingtalk.uk [www.fightingtalk.uk] * Ettie’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ettie-bailey-king/]: search for "Ettie Bailey-King" (only one result) * Sign-up link for Ettie’s newsletter (via fightingtalk.uk above) If you enjoy the podcast, you can help keep it funded by buying me a virtual coffee at Buy Me A Coffee [www.coff.ee/speakingofinclusion]. Every contribution helps the show keep going! Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen.Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.⁠www.KatieAllenConsulting.com Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds – "No Drama" by Alder

Mental Wellness meets Crime Thriller - with Mary Desch

In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion..., I am joined by Mary Desch, a former psychiatrist from Portland, Oregon, who has made the leap from addiction medicine to writing psychological crime thrillers. Mary and I discuss her first novel, Tangled Darkness, and how her background in psychiatry and addiction work informs her storytelling and character development. Throughout our conversation, Mary shares a grounded look at the realities of mental wellness, addiction, and recovery. The episode offers insight into how mental health struggles show up in everyday life, the critical role of community and support, and why understanding the complexities of addiction (forboth those directly affected and those around them) matters. We talk through the messy, very human sides of change, shame, coping, and what it actually takes to move from struggle toward real peace of mind. We also cover why education and open conversations about mental health are as important as teaching physical health or spirituality, and how those in the workplace (and beyond) can make a difference by listening and engaging with care. 3 key takeaways: * Lasting recovery from addiction is not just about stopping, it’s about staying stopped, with support, and learning to live with peace of mind. * Open, non-judgemental education about mental health and addiction is missing from most early life experiences, but it is vital for adults and young people alike. * Community, whether through mutual support groups, friends, family, or even creative circles, can make a profound difference for those facing tough times. A question for listeners to reflect on: How can you show up with empathy and openness for someone whose experience or struggles you might not fully understand? You can find about Mary and her amazing writing from her website www.MaryDesch.com [www.MaryDesch.com]. Things we said we'd include in this episode's show notes: * You can find additional interviews with Mary by searching for “Mary Desch author interviews” online * Tangled Darkness is available to buy in all good book outlets NOW, and the sequel, If I Go Quiet, plus the upcoming novella, Lethal Loyalty, and forthcoming novel, Play Me Once will be available very soon – keep an eye on Mary’s website! If you enjoy the podcast, you can help keep it funded by buying me a virtual coffee at www.coff.ee/speakingofinclusion. Every contribution helps the show keep going! Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.⁠ www.KatieAllenConsulting.com [www.KatieAllenConsulting.com] Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds – "No Drama" by Alder