Shows
The Diverse Minds Podcast278 It’s stressful to complete equal opps forms!Welcome to the 278th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds Podcast! In this episode, as part of Stress Awareness Month, I explore the stress associated with sharing personal data, particularly equal opportunity information in the workplace. I discuss why data collection is important, its challenges, and how organisations can approach it more effectively.In today’s show on It's stressful to complete equal opps forms!Why equal ops data collection matters in workplaces [02:05]The emotional burden and stress of completing equal opportunities forms [04:25]Privacy concerns and fears about data misuse [06:30]How unclear communication about data usage di...2025-04-2912 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#277 Your Workplace Shouldn't be a FamilyWelcome to the 277th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds Podcast! In this episode, as part of Stress Awareness Month, I dive into why your workplace shouldn't be like a family. I explore how family dynamics in the workplace can create unspoken challenges and how a more professional, accountable work community can enhance workplace wellbeing and productivity..stk-6672c06 {height:30px !important;}Listen to the episodeIf you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from..stk-d6d5d95 {height:30px !important;}2025-04-1510 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#276 The Stress of Patriarchy at WorkWelcome to the 276th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I explore how patriarchy in the workplace causes stress during Stress Awareness Month, examining systemic gender inequities and their impact on workplace wellbeing.In today’s show on The Stress of Patriarchy at WorkIntroduction to Stress Awareness Month and this year's theme: #LeadWithLove [01:05]Definition of patriarchy and its manifestations in the workplace [02:30]How patriarchal systems affect work-life balance and create additional burden for women [04:10]The impact on representation and leadership opportunities [05:18]Understanding what feminism actually means versus misconceptions [12:15].stk-91ebae5 {he...2025-04-0114 min
Confessions Of A Successful LeaderEp. 053: Redefining Success with Leyla Okhai: Balancing Culture, Wellness, and Authentic LeadershipAre you grappling with the hidden impacts of intergenerational trauma on your well-being and leadership style? This eye-opening conversation with Leyla Okhai, founder of Diverse Minds UK, offers a fresh perspective on navigating cultural complexities and embracing a more balanced approach to success.With extensive experience in race equity and workplace mental well-being, Leyla shares her transformative journey from a driven, perfectionist mindset to a more holistic view of leadership and personal growth.Here are 5 key insights you'll gain from this enlightening episode:➡️ Understand how being an "inside outsider" can shape your...2025-01-2833 min
The Lost & Found MillennialHow to stay mentally healthy in every area of your life with Leyla OkhaiSend us a textWelcome to the "Lost & Found Millennial Podcast"!I am so happy you are here :)In this podcast episode, I share with you a replay of one of the most downloaded episodes from season one. In this episode, I chat with Leyla Okhai about mental health and well-being and how to stay mentally healthy in the process of creating a life up to your dreams. Tune in now, sit back, relax, and enjoy it! :)We chat about:Mental Health Mental Wellbeing A little bit about Le...2023-12-2233 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#220 Raising Anti-Racist Children with Keon WestWelcome to the 220th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. November is all about parenting with equity and well-being in mind.Our first guest for the series is the brilliant Prof Keon West! Someone I have known since working at Oxford, and someone I am very proud to know.About my guestKeon West is a Professor of Social Psychology who specialises in bias and bias reduction. A fundamentally international thinker, Keon was born in Trinidad, raised in Jamaica and educated at Macalester (in Minnesota, USA), the Sorbonne (in Paris, France) and...2023-11-1435 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#219 Parenting with Equity and Wellbeing in MindWelcome to the 219th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month’s series is all about equity and well-being in parenting.In today’s showWhy I decided to make an episode on today’s topic [01:10]About my TEDx talk on the connection between culture, race and mental health. [00:41]Abiding by flexible and agile working. [03:43]The importance of creating safe spaces for parents to talk about equity and parenting. [07:36]Why it’s important to recognise that parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all. [11:57]QuotesParents' priorities are centred around protecting children's health and well-being.Family spaces can...2023-11-0715 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#218 Workplace Behaviour Change JourneysWelcome to the 220th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. To wrap up this year's Black History Month, I am talking about Workplace Behaviour Change Journeys, what this means and how to do this.In today’s showAbout today’s topic and why I decided to create it. [01:22]What is race-reciprocal mentoring. [03:32]How to create non-hierarchical relationships in an organisation. [05:35]Why there’s a need for race-reciprocal mentoring. [07:15]Some things you can do to create a behavioural change journey at your workplace. [09:00]QuotesWe have to be open to continuous learning.Think about t...2023-10-3113 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#215 Reconnect Retreats with Abi OshoWelcome to the 215th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. It’s Black History Month, a momentous occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black people to British society.This year, we will be celebrating the exceptional achievements of Black women, and joining me on this episode is Abi Osho.About my guestAbi Osho is the founder of Soul Melanin Ltd. She is a leadership coach, author, speaker, and retreat creator. Abi came from humble beginnings, and she made a decision to change her life in order to heal he...2023-10-1031 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#214 Saluting our SistersWelcome to the 214th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. Welcome to October and it is of course Black History Month in the UK. This year’s theme is celebrating our sisters.This year, Black History Month will be dedicated to honouring the achievements of Black women who are often forgotten heroines. The aim is to amplify their voices and challenge the systems that oppress them.Listen to the episodeIf you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.In to...2023-10-0312 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#212 The Power of Journaling with Greta SolomonWelcome to the 212th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month, we are focusing on writing wellbeing and mental health. In this first episode of the series episode 210, I outlined the research evidence on writing and wellbeing, as well as all the types of writing that can support wellbeing. Today, we are focussing on journaling, and joining me in talking about this is Greta Solomon.About my guestGreta Solomon is a journalist and author specialising in mental health, emotional well-being, and the transformative power of journaling. She is also a h...2023-09-1922 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#211 Creative writing and Mental Health with Jim HallWelcome to the 211th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month, we are focusing on writing wellbeing and mental health.Last week in episode 210, I outlined the research evidence on writing and wellbeing as well as the types of writing that can support wellbeing.Today we are focussing on creative writing and to join me in talking about this more is Jim Hall.About my guestJim is a Derby-based writer, educator, and carer. His published work includes Upon Arrival, Drop Your Cool (2015), Boy (2016), and ELSEWHERE (forthcoming, 2024)....2023-09-1244 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#209 Data, Stories and Identity with Sathya BalaWelcome to the 209th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast, to finish off our series on Telling Your Story, I have a really special guest for you, Sathya Bala.About my guestSathya is an energetic leader, business owner and community builder fueled by building a more equitable world through her work. She brings her experience as a senior influencer and on-the-ground changemaker starting at Deloitte in Risk and Audit, and moving on to Data Governance at Sainsbury's, Barclays, HSBC and Deutsche Bank.Sathya then moved into diversity, equity and inclusion sponsoring...2023-08-2934 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#207 Ways to Tell Your StoryWelcome to the 207th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This episode is the final in our series on South Asian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the diverse stories that shape the South Asian community. This year's theme is "Tell Your Story", and it encourages individuals to share their personal journeys and the pivotal moments that have shaped their identities. Listen to the episodeIf you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. In today’s sho...2023-08-1510 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#203 Celebrating Queer South Asians with Saima RazzaqWelcome to the 203rd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. From this episode until 17 August 2023, it’s all about South Asian Heritage Month, and this year’s theme is "Tell Your Story".To join me on the show to talk more about this is Saima Razzaq.Listen to the episodeIf you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. About my guestSaima works as the Director of Change and Communications at Birmingham Pride and is th...2023-07-1830 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#200th Episode Celebration with Dr Jonathan Ashong-LampteyWelcome to the 200th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast.Yes, can you believe it? 200 episodes and nearly 4 years into the podcast. So this week’s episode is a celebration.To join me today in celebrating is the person who encouraged me to start a podcast and has shown me unwavering support, Dr Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey.About my guestDr Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey is the world authority on Evidence-Based Inclusion in the workplace. His consultancy provides research, training and consulting to make organisations inclusive.He has a PhD from the London Sc...2023-06-2736 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#197 Building your Personal BrandWelcome to the 197th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. To kick things off this month, we are talking about building your personal brand with a particular focus on leveraging your culture.In today’s showAbout my TEDx talk [00:39]Why I decided to talk about today's topic. [01.08]The definition of personal brand and personal branding. [04:49]The benefits of building a personal brand. [05:19]Why you should build a personal brand [06:21]Quotes onA personal brand is a widely recognized perception or impression of an individual based on their experience, expertise, competencies, actions, and or...2023-06-0620 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#195 Colonial legacies and Climate Change with Irene AsuwaWelcome to the 198th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month’s theme focuses on climate change, anxiety and mental well-being. Today, I am honoured to be speaking to Kenyan climate justice colleague Irene Asuwa.About my guestIrene co-convenes Ecological Justice League, a collective of diverse community groups reclaiming, rehabilitating and transforming public spaces.She sits on the National Advisory Committee of the Voices for Just Climate Action Alliance and in the Technical Working Group of an implementing consortium.She is a social scientist currently supporting qualitative research on m...2023-05-2327 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#191 The Conscious Workplace with Shaara RomanIn this episode of the Diverse Minds podcast, I speak with Shaara Roman about how businesses should focus on creating a healthy workplace culture by aligning people, strategy, and culture to optimize organizational performance.About my guestShaara Roman is the founder and CEO of The Silverene Group, a culture consulting firm that aligns people, strategy, and culture to optimise organisational performance.As an award-winning entrepreneur, board member, speaker, author, and experienced chief human resources officer, Shaara and her team consult with leaders to create healthy workplaces by helping them build inclusive workplace...2023-04-2527 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#186 International Day of HappinessWelcome to the 186th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In this episode, I talk about celebrating the International Day of Happiness.In today’s showHow International Day of Happiness came to be [00:53]About my TEDx talk – The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health. [01:15]The definition of happiness. [02.20]Some questions the office of National Statistics asks when it looks at happiness [02.43]Several words that are connected to happiness [03.30]What makes people happy. [04:21]QuotesBhutan has long recognized the value of happiness as the foundation of an inclusive and equitable society.Happiness can h...2023-03-2113 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#176 Diversity & Inclusion in the Public Speaking World with Dan RamWelcome to the 176th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. We're going to be talking about diversity and inclusion in the public speaking world today, and to join me in doing this is Dan Ram.About my guestDan Ram is an IGNITER! A 5x TEDx speaker, 3x entrepreneur, prolific event MC / moderator, and public speaking coach, his clients range from individual founders to national governments. His eclectic background growing up in 11 countries on 4 continents, his multi-continent education including Yale University and Trinity College (and currently pursuing a PhD in Entrepreneurship at RWTH), as...2023-01-1033 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#168 How Nutrition Impacts our Health with Dr Amanda AdkinsWelcome to the 168th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month’s theme is all about nutrition and mental health. This week I am joined by Dr Amanda Adkins. About my guestDr. Amanda Adkins is a board-certified internal medicine physician, health coach/owner of Enlightenment Health and Wealth. She has a deep passion for ensuring that everyone has a chance at a healthy and happy life.Her most recent focus has been to help women who are overweight prevent and possibly reverse chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and hig...2022-11-1530 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#162 Taking Action for Equity in Children's Services with Laurelle BrownWelcome to the 162nd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast.It’s Black History Month and this year's theme is Time for Change: Action Not Words. This week we are focussing on social care and making it more inclusive. To do this, I am joined by Laurelle Brown, Founder and Director of Laurelle Brown Training and Consultancy.Listen to the episodeIf you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.About my guest Laurelle is a senior Equality, Div...2022-10-0428 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#160 The Power of Mentoring with Karen TsuiWelcome to the 160th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. September’s theme is all about personal development.This week, we are focussing on the power of mentoring, and to join me in speaking about this is Karen Tsui (Choy). Listen to the episodeIf you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.About my guestKaren is the Director of Two Trees Consultancy, specialising in enhancing inclusion in the workplace. Two Trees collaborate with organisations from the publi...2022-09-2027 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#158 Mynd Maps with Rosemary IkpemeWelcome to the 158th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month’s theme is all about professional development. To kick off the month I am going to be talking about MYnd Maps - not any mind maps - and to join me in doing this is Rosemary Ikpeme. About my guestRosemary is the creator and founder of MYnd Map, the ultimate mindfulness, gratitude, and goals-setting journals, planners, and agendas.She incorporates both productivity and mindfulness in all MYnd Map tools and designs them to help you build positive and healthy hab...2022-09-0631 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#152 Black Leadership with Busayo AbidakunWelcome to the 152nd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast.Today we're wrapping up the lived experience series, and I'm really delighted to be joined by Busayo Abidakun to talk about Impact Black and black leadership.About my guestBusayo is a certified coach, trainer and founder of Impact Black a social enterprise aimed at mobilising people’s skills and talent to help end racial injustice.He spent the early years of his professional career working in the non-profit sector supporting organisations in replicating and scaling services to prevent youth of...2022-07-2633 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#148 Work-Life Balance 4: The ChecklistWelcome to the 148th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. This month's theme is supporting your work-life balance or blend, and in this episode, I share with you an example of a work-life blend checklist.Listen to the episodeIf you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.On today’s showWhy this topic was chosen. [01:43]About the knowledge element of the work-life blend checklist. [02:26]The application element of work-life blend checklist. [03:47]More information about the adaptation element of the wo...2022-06-2808 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#147 Work-Life Balance 3: How to find the timeWelcome to the 147th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast. In this episode, we continue our series on this month's theme of supporting your work-life balance or blend.Specifically, I talk about how to find the time - a key issue and something that seems to evade most of us.Listen to the episodeIf you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.On today’s showWhat is the definition of work-life balance or blend. [01:41]The biggest challenge of...2022-06-2113 min
The Happiness Challenge#43 Identity & Happiness: How to expand our internal stories to be happier with Leyla OkhaiOur internalized story that we create about ourselves, of who we are, is called by psychologist, narrative identity. And that narrative identity impacts our behaviors and the level of our happiness. In this episode, Identity &Happiness, I am speaking with Leyla Okhai, coach, mediator, inclusion and wellbeing practitioner, who is the founder of an organization called Diverse Minds.We are discussing with Leyla, how we shape our own identity, how who we believe we are impacts our happiness and how to expand our internal stories to be happier.Ways to learn more:2022-05-0325 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#138 Play for adults with music therapist Crystal Luk-WorrallWelcome to the 138th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast.This month’s focus is all about music and mental health. Today we are going to be talking about adult play, music and connection. To join me in doing this is music therapist Crystal Luk-Worrall.Listen to the episodeIf you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.About my guest Crystal Luk-WorrallCrystal is an HCPC registered music therapist and EMDR therapist based in Lon...2022-04-1931 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#136 How music boosts our mental healthWelcome to the 136th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast.This month’s theme is all about music and mental health. So, in today’s episode, I am going to be talking about how music boosts our mental health. Listen to the episodeIf you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.In today’s showWhat today's topic is about. [00:39]Why I decided to talk about today's topic. [00:55]An interesting research about how music affects the human brain. [01:07]Some wa...2022-04-0516 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#135 Recognising the different ways to have a family with Jenny SaftWelcome to the 135th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast.This month, the focus is recognition, and today, we are talking about the right to have a family and the different ways to do this with Jenny Saft, Founder of OVIAVO.About my guest Jenny SaftJenny has a business background and completed her MBA at Hult International Business School in San Francisco. Attracted to the startup world, she stayed there for three years before moving back to Germany. Before starting Oviavo, she worked as VP Business Development for the Dutch fintech...2022-03-2928 min
Mentally YoursMental Health In The WorkplaceWorking on yourself 9 til 5…Ellen and Yvette chat with Leyla Okhai, the Founder of Diverse Minds UK, which supports organisations to invest in their staff to create an open, healthy, happy, and productive workplaces. She is also the Host of the excellent Diverse Minds Podcast. They talk about equality and wellbeing at work.Follow Mentally Yours on social media... www.twitter.com/mentallyyrs Join our private Facebook group... www.facebook.com/groups/135088803805742 And find out more about Leyla's work online... www.diverseminds.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...2022-03-2121 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#131 How true crime podcasts can get us to recognise biasWelcome to the 131st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast.This month’s theme is all about recognition. In particular, recognising things we may take for granted and things outside our sphere of reference. So, in today’s episode, I’m going to be talking about how true crime podcasts can help us to see bias.In today’s showWhy I decided to connect bias and true crime podcasts. [01:15]What unconscious bias is [02:35]Some of the podcasts that I listened to that brought this to the forefront for me. [05:03]Different types of...2022-03-0124 minThe Diverse Minds Podcast#130 Trauma Recovery through Yoga with Ava Riby-WilliamsWelcome to the 130th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast.This month’s focus is all about giving and sharing, and today we are going to be talking about trauma recovery through somatic movement for ourselves and others.And to join me to do this is the wonderful, Ava Riby-Williams.About my guest Ava Riby-WilliamsAva is a queer artist, community facilitator, activist, yoga teacher and student, of Ghanaian and Indian descent, living in London. Her work focuses on using creativity to connect, and guiding groups into deeper contemplation about is...2022-02-2242 min
1 in 5 - Leading a life without childrenNo regrets & workplace inequality with Diverse Minds CEO, Leyla OkhaiLeyla Okhai is the founder of Diverse Minds, a company that works to help create a positively productive workplace, with an emphasis on mental health. Leyla is childfree by choice and through her work she has seen how a flawed system can pit mothers against those who are childfree. Alongside calling out inequalities Leyla talks about her choice not to have children, which she instinctively knew from a young age. From the environment and mental health to the trauma of racism – there are many factors at play for her. Leyla also shares the lessons she’s learnt about appr...2022-02-2232 minThe Lost & Found MillennialTT: Mental health and well-being with Leyla OkhaiSend us a textHappy Thursday!Welcome to another episode of my podcast. Today, I have another episode of the TT or Tea Time series and I welcome the first guest on this series to talk about an important topic that is fundamental when you want to create a life up to your dreams which is mental health and mental wellbeing and how to stay mentally healthy. In this episode, I will welcome Leyla Okhai to talk about mental health and well-being and how to stay mentally healthy in the process of creating a...2021-12-1630 min