The Powered By Diversity Podcast

Navigating Workplace Transitions: A Journey of Inclusion and Understanding

Join Kat Wildman and Cynthia Fortlage as they dive deep into the complexities of gender transition in the workplace.
Drawing from Cynthia's personal experience as a C-suite executive who transitioned, this powerful podcast explores the critical importance of creating inclusive policies, understanding workplace culture, and supporting employees through all types of life transitions.
Learn how organizations can develop authentic, supportive approaches that go beyond checkbox diversity and create genuine psychological safety for all employees.
You can connect with Cat Wildman here
You can connect with Cynthia Fortlage here

Episode 7 - Sustainability for All: Practical and Affordable Ways to Make a Difference with Parisa Wright

In this episode, we're joined by Parisa Wright, a sustainability advocate and the founder of the charity Greener and Cleaner.
Parisa shares her insights on why organizations should prioritize sustainability, and more importantly, how they can do so in a way that's accessible and affordable for everyone. Parisa debunks the myth that sustainability has to be expensive or time-consuming, and provides a wealth of practical, low-cost ideas that businesses can implement right away.
From embedding sustainability into existing processes like meetings and employee recognition, to offering sustainability-focused learning and development opportunities, Parisa offers a roadmap for making sustainability a core part of company culture. Importantly, Parisa also discusses the intersection of sustainability and diversity, highlighting how marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by climate change.
She emphasizes the need for inclusive, accessible sustainability initiatives that benefit people from all backgrounds. 
You can find out more about Parisa's work here.
You can connect with Parisa in LinkedIn here.

Episode 6 - Empowering Middle Managers: Navigating the Pressures of EDI and Team Leadership with Solène Anglaret

This episode explores the often overlooked challenges faced by middle managers when it comes to driving diversity, equity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives in the workplace.
I'm Joined by Solène Anglaret, a seasoned leader and EDI professional, we dive into the immense pressures and competing priorities that middle managers juggle on a daily basis.
Rather than taking an accusatory stance, we approach this topic with compassion - acknowledging the realities of being a manager responsible for hitting targets, supporting a team, and implementing organizational changes, all while trying to advance EDI.
Solène shares her own experiences and insights on how to empower and enable middle managers to integrate EDI practices into their existing workflows, rather than viewing it as an additional burden.
We discuss strategies for managers to delegate and empower their teams, cultivate self-awareness, and find ways to grow and develop their own leadership skills - all while maintaining empathy for the unique challenges of their role.
This conversation offers a different perspective on supporting the often-overlooked middle management tier and creating a more holistic, compassionate approach to driving meaningful change.
You can find out more about Solène's work here
You can connect with Solène on LinkedIn here

Episode 5 - Navigating Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting: Strategies for Sustainable Change with Michelle Gyimah of Equality Pays.

Unlock the Secrets to Effective Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting: Strategies for Sustainable Change In this must-listen podcast episode, pay gap expert Michelle Gyimah provides invaluable insights on navigating the challenges of ethnicity pay gap reporting.
Discover practical, actionable advice to overcome common obstacles, build trust within your workforce, and drive meaningful, long-lasting progress on pay equity. Learn how to:
Effectively communicate the purpose and benefits of pay gap reporting to engage your employees
Address fears and concerns around data collection and transparency
Implement sustainable strategies for closing ethnicity pay gaps, beyond quick fixes
Leverage pay gap data to inform impactful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
Prepare your organization for potential future mandatory reporting requirements
Whether you're just starting your pay gap reporting journey or looking to refine your approach, this episode is a must-listen for HR professionals, DEI leaders, and business executives committed to fostering a more equitable workplace. Tune in now and unlock the secrets to driving lasting change.You can find out more about Michelles work here.

Episode 4 - Navigating Menopause in the Workplace: Strategies for Inclusion and Support with Emma Thomas

I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to sit down with Emma Thomas, the founder of Managing the Menopause.
In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the crucial topic of menopause in the workplace. As a woman in my 40s, I've personally experienced the challenges that can arise during this transitional phase of life.
However, I've come to realize that menopause is not just a personal issue - it's a significant workplace concern that affects millions of women across the UK. Emma's expertise and passion for this subject are truly inspiring.
She shares eye-opening statistics that highlight the real impact menopause can have on women's careers, productivity, and overall well-being.
From the staggering number of women experiencing debilitating symptoms to the alarming rates of women leaving their jobs due to lack of support, it's clear that this is an issue that can no longer be ignored.
Throughout our conversation, Emma provides practical, actionable advice for both managers and HR professionals on how to approach this sensitive topic with empathy and understanding.
She emphasizes the importance of normalizing the conversation, training line managers, and implementing inclusive policies that address the unique needs of menopausal employees.
Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or simply someone who wants to better understand this important issue, this episode is a must-listen. By tuning in, you'll gain valuable insights that can help create more supportive and inclusive workplaces for women navigating the challenges of menopause.
You can find Emmas podcast here.
Links mentioned in this episode - 
Midlife Collision
BSA White Paper
 

Episode 3 - Employee Retention Via Tackling Financial Stress

Cat Wildman is joined by James Antony, the finance fanatic, to talk all about employee retention via tackling financial stress...
 
Financial stress is a topic we will all be personally familiar with, having felt it at different points in our lives or, like many people, we may even be experiencing it right now.
 
Cat and James discuss how the solution actually isn't about pay raises, and can even be completely free!

Episode 2 - How I Set Up A Thriving EDI Program in A Large Global Company

Claudia Macintosh, who has set up an epic and thriving EDI program in her large global business company, joins Cat Wildman. In this episode, they discuss how Claudia got started, how she engaged the senior leadership team, the surprising insights she gained into EDI data, and where she is today; 12 months after starting the program.

Episode 1: Will AI Remove Hiring Bias or Make it Worse?

Join Cat Wildman and Ruth Miller, a seasoned expert in inclusive hiring and AI, as they delve into the intricate world of AI in the hiring process. In this enlightening conversation, they uncover the unexpected roles AI plays for both recruiters and candidates, highlighting its potential to mitigate bias while also acknowledging areas where it might inadvertently perpetuate it.