Shows
You Must Be WokingYMBW Wrapped!A look back at the year in review, which also celebrates a year of You Must Be Woking too! Craig & Dawn talk about their viral moments, guests and hand out awards too. Check it Out.
2025-12-3043 min
You Must Be WokingWOKE NEWS - Riot Women, Met Police & PronounsThe impact of cultural narratives on workplace dynamics.Systemic issues in organizations often stem from leadership challenges.The importance of addressing sexism and misogyny in politics.Military institutions face significant challenges with bullying and harassment.The Met Police's policy changes reflect broader societal debates on hate speech.Portugal's right to disconnect raises questions about state intervention in workplace culture.Cultural acknowledgements can be performative without genuine understanding.Disney's backlash highlights the complexities of representation in media.Personal stories can humanize contentious topics like pronouns.Effective leadership requires ongoing education...
2025-12-161h 10
You Must Be WokingMen, Masculinity, Mental Health & WorkA fascinating discussion with Tim Barber founder of Feel Good Folk and the host of the Feel Good Podcast - Deep diving into masculinity, men's mental health and what that looks like in the workplace
2025-11-191h 10
You Must Be WokingIs Woke Broke? The Live Episode with Guest Host James BarrIn this next episode of our "In The Spotlight" series regular hosts Craig Richards and Dawn Hurst are put in the hotseat to discuss their new book, Woke Is Broke...But we can fix it by Guest Host James Barr.The conversation focuses on the importance of inclusion in organizations, particularly within FTSE 100 companies and the public sector. The speakers emphasize their commitment to changing the conversation around inclusion, rather than merely selling books. They challenge leaders to consider the effectiveness and impact of their inclusion efforts, asking critical questions about skills, training, and return on investment.
2025-11-1153 min
You Must Be WokingDEI or Die? Building Sites & Boardrooms l In The Spotlight with John WilkinsonIn this episode of You Must Be Woking – In the Spotlight, Dawn and Craig sit down with John Wilkinson, Chief Operating Officer of BAM UK & Ireland, to explore the future of the construction industry through the lens of diversity, inclusion, culture, and sustainability.With the sector facing a shortfall of a quarter of a million workers in the next five years, John shares why embracing diversity isn’t optional - it’s essential. From his personal journey starting out as a trainee engineer to leading one of the biggest players in construction, John reflects on how the indust...
2025-09-3056 min
You Must Be WokingWoke News 4 - Uber, NDA's and Just Like That...SummaryIn this episode of 'You Must Be Woking', hosts Craig Richards and Dawn Hurst engage in a thought-provoking discussion on various topics related to diversity and inclusion. They explore the implications of language in political discourse, the cultural issues within local government, and the ongoing immigration debate. The conversation shifts to Uber's controversial women-only ride option, raising questions about safety and discrimination. They also discuss the significance of representation in sports, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals, and the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals in the workplace. The episode concludes with a critique of the NHS's language sensitivity...
2025-08-251h 00
You Must Be WokingWorker Protection: The Fine Line Between Banter & Harassment | with Tina ChanderIn this episode of the You Must Be Woking podcast, Dawn Hurst, Craig Richards and law expert Tina Chander, delve into the Worker Protection Act 2023. They break down the core provisions of the Act, explaining how it introduces new duties for employers to actively prevent harassment and discrimination in the workplace. The three discuss the broader context of the law, including its origins, the types of behavior it targets, and the legal rationale behind these sweeping changes.How are employer responsibilities evolving under the new Act, and what practical steps must organisations take to comply? The conversation...
2025-08-181h 00
You Must Be WokingWorkplace Disability Inclusion: From Compliance to Empowerment | In The Spotlight with Kate Nash OBEIn this episode of "You Must be Woking", hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards sit down with renowned disability inclusion advocate Kate Nash OBE. The conversation opens by examining the multifaceted nature of disability inclusion — highlighting the need for accessible environments and, importantly, organisational cultures that foster belonging and respect. Kate shares how businesses can move beyond token gestures by listening to disabled voices and embedding inclusion at every level.How do real-world incidents reveal the ongoing challenges faced by disabled people? The conversation addresses ongoing challenges faced by disabled people, sparked by a re...
2025-07-2854 min
You Must Be WokingWoke News 3In this episode of 'You Must Be Woking', hosts Craig Richards and Dawn Hurst delve into pressing issues surrounding diversity and inclusion. They discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling on biological women, the Louise Casey report on grooming gangs, and the implications of cyberbullying through platforms like Tattle. The conversation also touches on the legacy of Pope Francis, the relevance of trigger warnings in theatre, and a review of the film 'Straw', which highlights societal challenges. Additionally, they address accusations against Tyler Perry and the racism highlighted in the Air India crash reporting, concluding with a reflection on Pride...
2025-07-011h 09
You Must Be WokingYoung Female Entrepreneurs vs. Imposter Syndrome | In The Spotlight with Zoe TrigwellIn this episode of the "In the Spotlight" series, part of the You Must Be Woking podcast, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards discuss the journey of young female entrepreneurs with their guest, Zoe Trigwell, a dynamic entrepreneur and the innovative founder of Trigwell Cosmetics. Zoe's journey is nothing short of inspiring, as she shares her experiences navigating the often tumultuous world of entrepreneurship. Her story is marked by resilience and determination, as she candidly discusses the challenges she has faced, including battling imposter syndrome and managing mental health struggles. Zoe's transition from a student at a makeup academy...
2025-06-0952 min
You Must Be WokingNavigating the Workplace: Emotional Intelligence in Leadership and Team DynamicsIn this episode of You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards delve into the critical role that emotional intelligence (EI) plays in enhancing both company culture and overall performance. They begin by defining emotional intelligence and explaining its components, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. The hosts emphasise that EI is not just a buzzword but a vital skill set that can lead to more harmonious and productive work environments. By sharing personal anecdotes, they illustrate how EI has impacted their own professional journeys, providing listeners with relatable examples of its importance.
2025-05-2649 min
You Must Be WokingUncovering the Silence: Menopause & Its Hidden Impact | In The Spotlight with Victoria HardyIn this episode of the "In the Spotlight" series, part of the You Must Be Woking podcast, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards delve into a candid conversation about menopause with their guest, Victoria Hardy, who is also known by her moniker, Ginge Unhinged. A powerful voice for female empowerment in the UK, Victoria speaks openly about the often-sidelined topics of womanhood, from menstrual health to menopause. This episode dives deep into her personal experience with surgical menopause and living with chronic illness, highlighting the importance of honest conversations and greater awareness. She also makes a strong case for...
2025-05-121h 01
You Must Be WokingWorkplace Wellbeing: Trend or Transformation? | Creating Lasting Change for EmployeesIn this episode of You Must Be Woking, co-hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards embark on an insightful exploration of the multifaceted nature of workplace wellbeing. They begin by dissecting its definition, emphasising that workplace wellbeing extends beyond mere physical health to encompass mental, emotional, and social dimensions. The hosts highlight the significance of wellbeing in shaping organisational culture, arguing that a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing can lead to increased productivity, reduced turnover, and a more harmonious work environment. They question whether current initiatives, such as desk massages and yoga sessions, are merely superficial gestures or if they...
2025-04-2942 min
You Must Be WokingAccountability on the Line: The High Cost of Leadership’s FailureIn this episode of You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards explore the role accountability plays in modern leadership. They discuss how it is becoming more vital as organisations work towards creating inclusive and diverse environments. The conversation focuses on the definition of accountability and its importance in ensuring that leaders are responsible for their actions and decisions.How does accountability impact teams and organisational culture? Hurst and Richards discuss how accountability can affect team dynamics and the overall culture of an organisation. They suggest that when leaders hold themselves accountable, it sets a...
2025-04-1455 min
You Must Be WokingFrom Netflix to Newsrooms: How Media Influence and Societal Issues Shape Our WorkplacesIn this episode of You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards delve into a variety of recent news stories, examining them through the critical lens of media influence, diversity, and inclusion. The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the controversial Netflix show "Adolescence," a series that has sparked significant debate due to its raw portrayal of crime, social media, and the myriad societal issues that impact today's youth. Dawn and Craig dissect the show's narrative, discussing how it reflects the complex realities faced by young people and the role media plays in shaping public...
2025-03-311h 07
You Must Be WokingIs Your Workplace Built on Silence or Speaking Up? Overcoming Challenges and Creating ChangeIn this episode of You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards take a deep dive into the crucial topic of speaking up in professional environments. They explore key issues such as bullying, harassment, and ethical concerns that often undermine workplace culture.What stops employees from speaking up? The discussion begins by examining the barriers that prevent employees from voicing their concerns. A major obstacle is fear of retaliation - many employees worry about facing negative consequences, such as job loss or hostility from colleagues, if they speak out. Unclear reporting procedures also contribute to...
2025-03-2447 min
You Must Be WokingDiversity Quotas: Are We Creating More Problems Than We Solve?In this episode of You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards explore the complexities surrounding diversity quotas, along with positive or affirmative action, and positive discrimination in the workplace. Their discussion is sparked by a recent news article about NHS hospitals in the UK implementing race quotas to achieve diversity awards. This serves as a springboard for a broader conversation about the ethical and legal implications of such practices. The hosts debate whether these measures genuinely promote equality, or if they inadvertently lead to other forms of discrimination. They examine the fine line between fostering diversity...
2025-03-1049 min
You Must Be WokingNetflix and… Psychological SafetyIn this episode of You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards delve into the concept of psychological safety, a key factor in creating a thriving work environment. They discuss how psychological safety is vital for fostering collaboration, innovation, and overall employee wellbeing. Dawn underscores the importance of building trust and cultivating a supportive environment where employees feel safe to express their ideas and concerns without fear of retribution. She shares personal anecdotes that highlight the positive impact of psychological safety, along with feedback from listeners who have experienced its benefits firsthand.The...
2025-02-241h 18
You Must Be WokingDiversity is Dead! The DEI PushbackIn this episode of You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards delve into the question "Is DEI Dead?", examining how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts have evolved, particularly in the aftermath of the start of Donald Trump's second presidency. They explore the landscape of DEI in a world where political and social climates have shifted, leading to significant changes in how organisations approach these initiatives. The two discuss the noticeable pushback against DEI efforts, highlighting how major corporations have started to roll back their programmes, reflecting a broader societal trend of skepticism and resistance.
2025-02-101h 10
You Must Be WokingCultural Competency and Appreciation vs AppropriationWhat is the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation? In this episode of You Must Be Woking, Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards explore this nuanced topic, particularly in the context of increasingly diverse workplaces. They begin by defining cultural appropriation as the act of taking or using elements from a culture, often without permission or understanding, in a way that can be disrespectful or harmful. In contrast, cultural appreciation involves recognising, respecting, and valuing the richness of different cultures, often through informed and respectful engagement. The hosts stress that understanding this distinction is crucial for business leaders who...
2025-01-201h 12
You Must Be WokingSometimes A Sheep Is Just A Bloody SheepWhat challenges do organisations face when attempting to integrate inclusive language into their communication practices? In this episode of You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards explore these intricate dynamics, focusing on the difficulties and apprehensions organisations encounter. A key part of their discussion is the British Red Cross's controversial Inclusive Language Guide, which serves as a case study illustrating the complexities and potential pitfalls of such initiatives.How do historical and generational contexts influence our understanding of language? Dawn and Craig dive into this question, e...
2025-01-061h 04
You Must Be WokingBonus Episode - Woke World NewsWhat are the implications of Donald Trump's return for workplace dynamics? In this bonus episode of You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards delve into recent news stories, examining them through the lens of equity, inclusion and diversity. They focus particularly on Donald Trump's return to the political stage and discuss how this development might influence workplace dynamics across various sectors. The two explore how Trump's polarising presence could shape conversations around gender, race and socioeconomic status in professional settings. They highlight the importance of fostering inclusive cultures capable of withstanding political divisions while encouraging open...
2024-12-201h 19
You Must Be WokingHow Dare You Call Me Biased!What is the impact of unconscious bias in the workplace? In this episode of You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards delve deeply into the intricate and multifaceted issue of unconscious bias in the workplace. Over the course of the discussion, they unravel the layers of how unconscious bias subtly yet significantly influences various aspects of professional environments. They also touch on conscious bias, exploring how it can manifest and its equally profound effects on workplace dynamics.The conversation begins with an exploration of unconscious bias training programs, examining their strengths and limitations. Dawn...
2024-12-161h 22
You Must Be WokingThey're All Just A Bunch Of Snowflakes!In this episode of You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards take a comprehensive look at the intricate issue of workplace banter, a subject that has generated significant discussion and controversy in recent years. They start by exploring the dual nature of banter in professional environments: on the one hand, it can be a powerful tool for fostering camaraderie and enhancing team dynamics, creating a workplace where employees feel connected, engaged, and motivated. On the flip side, banter can quickly cross the line into harassment or bullying, resulting in a toxic atmosphere that can have severe...
2024-12-0542 min
You Must Be WokingSometimes A Sheep Is Just A Bloody SheepWhat challenges do organisations face when attempting to integrate inclusive language into their communication practices? In this episode of You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards explore these intricate dynamics, focusing on the difficulties and apprehensions organisations encounter. A key part of their discussion is the British Red Cross's controversial Inclusive Language Guide, which serves as a case study illustrating the complexities and potential pitfalls of such initiatives.How do historical and generational contexts influence our understanding of language? Dawn and Craig dive into this question, e...
2024-12-0252 min
You Must Be WokingIs It Time To Cancel ‘Cancel Culture’?In the inaugural episode of You Must Be Woking, Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards take the opportunity to introduce themselves to their audience, providing a glimpse into their backgrounds and the experiences that have shaped their perspectives on diversity and inclusion (EDI). Dawn, with her extensive experience as an inclusion and culture professional, along with Craig, a seasoned culture, organisational design, and leadership expert, share their motivations for launching the podcast. They express a shared passion for fostering genuine and meaningful conversations around EDI, emphasising the critical need to move beyond surface-level initiatives that often fail to create real...
2024-11-1858 min
You Must Be WokingToo Old For This Sh*t!In this thought-provoking episode of the widely acclaimed podcast You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards embark on an in-depth exploration of the pressing issue of age discrimination in the workplace. This topic is becoming increasingly relevant and significant in today's diverse and ever-evolving professional environments. The hosts begin their insightful discussion by examining a high-profile legal case that has captured widespread public attention. In this case, a senior executive won a big compensation claim for age discrimination, showing how common this problem is. This important case is a clear warning to companies about t...
2024-11-1856 min