Shows
Inclusive Growth ShowHow EDI Can Move Beyond Optics to Deliver Real ImpactWhat happens when inclusion efforts stall at awareness?In this compelling episode, Toby Mildon sits down with experienced EDI practitioner Emma Underwood to explore why equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is facing what Emma calls a “global earthquake.” Together, they unpack the current challenges in the sector, the ethical tensions at play, and the need for a more skilled, credible EDI profession.Emma draws from her varied background in public policy, students’ unions, and consultancy to outline the critical difference between performative allyship and meaningful change. She also tackles the need for professional standa...2025-07-2227 min
Inclusive Growth ShowWhy Hiring Older Workers Could Rescue the Hospitality SectorIs your organisation missing out on a powerful and overlooked talent pool? In this episode of the Inclusive Growth Show, Toby Mildon speaks with Dr Andrew Jenkins, an expert in employment and age discrimination, to explore why older workers could be the key to solving the UK’s persistent hospitality staffing crisis.With insights from Andrew's extensive research and real-world examples - including B&Q’s game-changing recruitment strategy the episode dismantles common myths about older employees and reveals the untapped potential of a multi-generational workforce.Key takeaways include:The...2025-07-0815 min
Inclusive Growth ShowSupporting Menopause and Mental Health for Inclusive WorkplacesMenopause and mental health: why silence in the workplace is no longer an option.In this compelling episode of the Inclusive Growth Show, Toby Mildon is joined by Haley from Menospace and Victoria from Minds That Work to explore the powerful intersection of menopause and mental health in the workplace.Haley shares her personal and professional journey into menopause advocacy, while Victoria reflects on her mental health work and how their collaboration emerged from a shared passion. Together, they highlight the often-overlooked impacts of perimenopause on psychological wellbeing and the urgent need for...2025-06-2425 min
Inclusive Growth ShowWhy Flexible Working Is the Future of Inclusive Business GrowthWhat if flexible working wasn’t just a perk, but a pathway to inclusive growth and business success?Toby Mildon is joined by Molly Johnson-Jones, co-founder and CEO of Flexa, to unpack the real story—and real research—behind flexible careers. From being unfairly dismissed due to a disability to launching a platform that empowers over 3 million professionals, Molly shares her inspiring journey and vision for the future of work.We dive into the benefits of flexible working for individuals and businesses alike, including improved productivity, better hiring outcomes, and economic gains beyond major...2025-06-1026 min
Inclusive Growth ShowWhy EDI Feels Risky – And How to Lead Through It AuthenticallyAre we doing EDI right – or just going through the motions?In this powerful follow-up episode, Toby Mildon is joined by Poornima Luthra, Associate Professor at Copenhagen Business School and thought leader on inclusive leadership. They explore the growing backlash against Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), especially in light of shifting US policies, and what it means for leaders navigating this complex terrain.Poornima shares insights from her upcoming book “Can I Say That?”, outlining the five key fears that stall EDI progress: fear of change, fear of saying the wrong thing...2025-05-2734 min
Inclusive Growth ShowWhy Inclusion Needs a ‘Why’: Grounding DEI in Organisational ValuesAre your inclusion efforts grounded in a meaningful 'why'?In this engaging episode, Toby Mildon speaks with Sarah Bettman—an executive coach and DEI strategist—about the importance of aligning equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) with organisational values, leadership integrity, and cultural dynamics.Sarah’s journey from paramedic to DEI expert brings a unique lens to privilege, systemic bias, and leadership responsibility. She shares stories and insights about how leaders can build inclusion into the DNA of their organisation by slowing down, listening deeply, and understanding power dynamics within systems.🎯 Key Takea...2025-05-1333 min
Inclusive Growth ShowDriving Gender Diversity Through Inclusive Leadership at Parcelforce“You can’t transform without diversity.”In this episode of the Inclusive Growth Show, Toby Mildon speaks with Aaron Barnes, former Managing Director of Parcelforce and now a consultant in operational excellence and leadership development.Aaron shares his powerful journey of confronting and transforming a lack of gender diversity at senior levels in Parcelforce. When faced with the challenge of doubling business revenue, he realised that a homogeneous leadership team posed a significant risk to change. His data-driven and deeply personal approach led to the creation of employee resource groups, allyship campai...2025-04-2944 min
Inclusive Growth ShowHow Active Bystander Training Helps Tackle Workplace DiscriminationHow can we empower employees to address discrimination in the workplace?In this episode of The Inclusive Growth Show, Toby Mildon sits down with Catherine Millan, founder of Be What You See Consultancy, to explore how active bystander training is helping organisations create inclusive and psychologically safe workplaces.Catherine shares her personal experiences with ADHD, dyslexia, and workplace discrimination, which fuelled her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She explains how her training programs equip employees with practical strategies to challenge microaggressions...2025-04-1526 min
Inclusive Growth ShowHow to Support Neurodivergent Employees and Foster InclusionIs your workplace truly inclusive for neurodivergent employees?In this episode of The Inclusive Growth Podcast, Toby Mildon sits down with Lekshmi Baburajan, a learning and development consultant and neurodiversity coach. Lekshmi shares her personal journey of being diagnosed as neurodivergent later in life and how that experience has shaped her professional path.Together, Toby and Lekshmi explore the challenges neurodivergent employees face in the workplace, the role of HR in fostering inclusion, and the impact of strengths-based coaching.Key takeaways:The importance of 2025-04-0129 min
5 Things In 15 Minutes: Good Vibes in DEILead with Humanity with Toby MildonToby Mildon (he/him), Workplace Inclusion Architect and I recap the latest 5 Things (good vibes in DEI) in just 15 minutes. This week, we talked about a history-making MSNBC lineup, a Sri Lankan resort run entirely by women, a Muslim athlete changing the game, and more!Here are this week's good vibes:Hijab, Hoops, and HustleMSNBC’s Weekend Gets a Historic MakeoverSri Lanka’s All-Women Resort Redefines HospitalityChina Cracks Down on Hiring DiscriminationPittsburgh Airport’s On-Site Child Care Takes OffGood Vibes to Go: Bernadette’s GVTG: In the spirit of intersectionality, learn about LGBTQ+ w...2025-03-1821 min
Inclusive Growth ShowBravery in the Boardroom: Building Inclusive Leadership with Monique CarayolAre organisations truly moving the needle on boardroom diversity, or are they just ticking boxes?In this episode of The Inclusive Growth Podcast, host Toby Mildon sits down with leadership coach and consultant Monique Carayol, founder of Bravery in the Boardroom. With over 20 years of experience in the NHS and a proven track record in diverse leadership development, Monique shares practical strategies for creating more inclusive, representative senior leadership teams.Tune in to discover:Why diversity at board level2025-03-1830 min
Inclusive Growth ShowThe Power of Inclusive Leadership: Courage, Communication & ChangeWhy do so many leaders struggle with inclusive leadership?In this episode of The Inclusive Growth Show, Toby Mildon speaks with Sharon Amesu, a former barrister turned leadership consultant and founder of She Leads for Legacy. Sharon shares her journey from the legal profession into the world of leadership development and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).Together, they discuss the key traits of modern leaders, why courageous conversations matter, and how organisations can foster psychological safety.Key takeaways from this episode:2025-03-0432 min
Inclusive Growth ShowHow to Create Lasting Change in Workplace Culture and Inclusive LeadershipHow can organisations create meaningful change that lasts?In this episode of The Inclusive Growth Show, host Toby Mildon is joined by Pritesh Patel, a Learning and Development professional at Colt Technologies. Together, they explore the challenges of workplace culture, inclusive leadership, and how to embed sustainable change in organisations.Pritesh shares his personal and professional experiences, highlighting the importance of community, active listening, and psychological safety. He also delves into the resistance to change and how leaders can foster...2025-02-1832 min
Relationships at Work - the leadership podcast helping you build workplace connection, improve culture, and avoid blind spots.Breaking the Fear of DEI: Why Inclusion is a Business Imperative w/ Toby MildonFear, hesitation, and resistance—why do so many leaders struggle with DEI? In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Toby Mildon, diversity and inclusion architect and author of Inclusive Growth, to break down the misconceptions, challenges, and real business benefits of embedding DEI into workplace culture.Toby shares insights on:✔️ The biggest fears leaders have around DEI—and how to overcome them✔️ Why diversity isn’t just good ethics, but a competitive advantage✔️ The importance of embedding DEI into the DNA of an organization, no...2025-02-1153 min
Brilliantly ResilientEpisode 213: How to Expand Diversity and Inclusion to Include Everyone, with Toby Mildon"There is diversity within diversity itself. Even people with shared disabilities have different experiences. We are all diverse. Diversity includes everyone." ~ Toby Mildon, Author of Inclusive Growth: Future-proof Your Business by Creating a Diverse Workspace, and Building Inclusivity: Making Your Workplace Equitable, Diverse and Inclusive How many people in the world are exactly like you? EXACTLY like you, no differences. The answer is no one. Every single person, because of countless factors including genetics, personal experiences, education, inherent skills--the list is endless--is unique. Toby Mildon, author and DEI expert, notes that whe...2025-02-1142 min
Inclusive Growth ShowHow Accessible E-learning Drives Inclusion and Organisational SuccessWhy is accessible E-learning crucial for inclusive organisations?In this episode of the Inclusive Growth Show, Toby Mildon is joined by Susi Miller, E-learning accessibility expert and author of Designing Accessible Learning Content. Together, they dive into the essential steps for creating accessible E-learning materials and the transformational impact it has on individuals and organisations alike.Key takeaways include:Why accessible E-learning improves learning outcomes for everyone.The most common accessibility issues in digital learning content.How to align accessible E-learning with your diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI...2025-02-0431 min
Inclusive Growth ShowCreating Safer Workplaces: Insights from Dr. Enya DoyleWhat does it take to build a harassment-free workplace?In this episode of The Inclusive Growth Show, Toby Mildon is joined by Dr. Enya Doyle, also known as The Harassment Doctor. With her expertise in harassment prevention, Dr. Doyle shares actionable strategies to address workplace harassment and cultivate accountability.Discover key insights, including:How the new Worker Protection Act impacts workplace harassment policies.Why increased harassment reports might signify a positive cultural shift.The role of intersectionality in creating inclusive policies.Practical steps to foster accountability and safety...2025-01-2113 min
The Real Life BuyerRevolutionising Workplace Culture: Toby Mildon’s Guide to Diversity & InclusionWelcome to today's episode of the podcast, where we delve into the transformative power of Diversity and Inclusion with Toby Mildon, a leading D&I Architect based in Manchester. Toby, the author of "Inclusive Growth," combines his expertise in technology and HR to help organisations build truly inclusive workplaces. In this episode, we'll explore compelling data and case studies, practical steps for SMEs to implement D&I, innovative approaches for resource-constrained environments, and strategies to overcome cultural resistance. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that will provide you with actionable insights to drive inclusive growth in your business.2025-01-2136 min