Power in Diversity Omo Akoje Okonkwo

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Dr Doyin Atewologun, a psychologist and scholar practitioner. Doyin is the CEO and founder of Delta, a leadership and inclusion consultancy, and also serves as a leadership program advisor at Rhodes Trust at the University of Oxford. She has been recognized for her innovative methodologies and pioneering work in promoting inclusion and excellence in organizations. Doyin shares her insights on diversity and inclusion, drawing from her extensive experience in coaching, executive education, and program design. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of diversity and inclusion with Doyin.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Thriving Through Diversity - Organizations thrive with diversity and inclusion. Embracing different expressions brings varied perspectives, talents, and ideas, boosting outcomes.
Moving Past Bias Training - Unconscious bias training is a start, not the finish. It raises awareness, but concrete steps are crucial for inclusive cultures and systems.
Creating Inclusive - Culture Inclusive culture needs strong leadership, investment, and time. Leaders must value diversity, invest resources, and set realistic expectations.
Inclusion in Small Entities - Even small units can practice diversity and inclusion. Safe spaces for sharing and industry guidance can foster inclusivity.
Unleashing Potential - Diversity aims to unleash unique potential, creativity, and impact. It envisions a world where all contributions make a positive difference.

BEST MOMENTS


"Diversity is all of the different ways in which humanity exists."
"Inclusion is about making sure that the differences that used to matter before don't matter anymore."
"When you put the payout from the investment in unleashing the talent of all types of humanity, it's certainly worth the effort."
"Unconscious bias training is a starting point, it raises your awareness of implicit bias. What do you do with it?"
"All of us have something to bring. Let us just make it okay for everybody to bring what they have to bring."

EPISODE RESOURES

https://deltaalphapsi.com/resources/

Government Report - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-report-of-the-commission-on-race-and-ethnic-disparities/foreword-introduction-and-full-recommendations

GMC Report – Fair to Refer

BMA Report – Why are we still here

EHRC -  Unconscious Bias Report

 

GUEST CONTACT METHOD

https://deltaalphapsi.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-doyin-atewologun-1025343/

 

ABOUT THE GUEST

Doyin is a multiple award-winning chartered business psychologist, consultant, speaker, executive coach, researcher and skilled facilitator.

She is also a thought leader in diversity and inclusivity, multiple identities and organisational leadership. She has worked with several FTSE 100 businesses, United Nations agencies, the UK Civil Service and professional services firms. Past engagements include leadership development for a global financial institution, coaching for aspiring senior civil servants, a diversity audit for an industry regulator and implicit bias training for legal services.

Doyin is Deputy Chair of the British Psychology Society’s Diversity and Inclusion at Work group. She is Advisor, Scholar Leadership Development & Programming, The Rhodes Trust, previously Dean of Rhodes Scholarships at the University of Oxford. She also currently holds faculty positions at Cranfield School of Management, UK; Queen Mary University of London, School of Business and Management; Lagos Business School, Nigeria and the Human Resources Management Department at University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Doyin was the lead researcher of the 2017 Sir John Parker Review into ethnic diversity on FTSE 100 boards (commissioned by the then UK Secretary of State for Business).

These experiences and qualifications combined, give Doyin an extensive understanding of leadership development in the context of diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications:


PhD Organisational

On returning from a 5-day conference Dr Omo would like to share with you what she has learned listening to peak performance coach Tony Robbins, top Life and Business Strategist, and supporting many people to overcome their reticence in facing their challenges and fears by, literally, walking through fire. Find out what Dr Omo learned from helping others through this cathartic breakthrough.

This episodes guest is the exciting and inspiring Titilayo Ameh, a registered Psychotherapist (MBACP) and Counsellor, a mental health and well-being workshop leader, an advocate for vulnerable youth, a successful podcast host, and a facilitator of hundreds of clients to eliminate stress and create balanced lifestyles so they can live engaged with their loved ones while pursuing their passions and purpose with joy. Listen in to this conversation covering biofeedback therapy, misalignment and imbalances, equality, masculine and feminine energy, and Titilayo’s plans for the future.   

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Titilayo specialises in coaching areas of personal development, anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, addiction, trauma and inner-child healing.
Having gained insight into many different cultures during her 18 years experience in international counselling, Titilayo can apply all she has learned to her diverse clients.
Biofeedback machines access a unique energy blueprint and analyse you to find your stresses.
The yin-yang, female/male energy needs to be in balance as too much masculine energy creates burnout, and too much feminine energy creates depression.
Strong, clear boundaries assertively communicated save you from the stress of triggers.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I understand what it’s like to feel so lost and just the hope of knowing I can do something that I love, so I got into counselling.’

‘In this program, we’re helping people cleanse their toxins, physical and emotional. We’ll be balancing their bodies and we’re really helping them pursue their passions in alignment.’

‘Giving a voice to what it can be like for a brown woman and the inner turmoil that you go through that you can’t really explain to those around you.’  

‘There are days of rest where I’m just nurturing, self-caring and making sure I’m looking after myself.’

‘You have the right to feel safe and comfortable.’

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.titilayoamehill.com/

ABOUT THE GUEST

Titilayo is a counsellor and psychotherapist registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). She has a Bachelor’s degree in Integrative Counselling from the University of Surrey. She trained in mental health with the National Health Service(NHS) in the UK and possesses over 15 years of experience working in paediatric clinics, corporate organisations, educational settings, and youth services. She is a certified Paws B Mindfulness Curriculum Teacher and a certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator trained to teach in schools and corporate organisations.

GUEST CONTACT METHOD

https://www.facebook.com/titi.hill.3

https://www.linkedin.com/in/titilayo-ameh-b94b118a

 

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

Power in Diversity Podcast is a space where professional women from diverse backgrounds, eager to grow as leaders, come to be inspired and gain wisdom from other leaders. As my guests share their journey, I hope that it will give you; an aspiring or established female leader; meaning to your journey, illuminating your path and equipping you with a greater understanding of how to carve and navigate your success pathway with greater ease.

Power in Diversity Podcast is also designed to equip not only individuals but, crucially, organisations who must learn to create diverse and inclusive organisations practically and not merely as a tick box exercise; especially now in this ever-changing world, everyone’s diverse insight is vital to solving world issues. I hope that this podcast allows organisations to appreciate the real barriers female and ethnic minority groups face in stepping into leadership, barriers sadly I and many others have faced, and many continue to face.

I’m proud to be British and proud of my African Heritage, my tribe, part of the Benin Empire. I feel blessed to be a woman. This is a non-judgmental space, but a space to learn and to become aware of the gifts and Power in Diversity.

CONTACT METHOD

IG:

Today’s guest is a woman who you should listen to and pay attention to. I hope you have a notepad to hand because you’re sure to learn a lot. Olasubomi Iginla-Aina is a recipient of the Member of the British Empire (MBE), Director of GNEC liaising for the Global NGO to the UN, and founder of the Lightup Foundation. She joins Omo on Power in Diversity to tell her story made up of faith, loss, trials and tribulations, and solutions. 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Olasubomi Aina is the Chief Executive Officer of Lightup Foundation, an NGO that helps young people advance in their careers. The organisation inspires young people by providing support, advice, as well as organising educational programmes to help them grow. Since its launch in 2000, Lightup Foundation has impacted the lives of people across Africa and Europe.
Olasubomi has been involved in youth advocacy in Nigeria for over 25 years and played a vital role in the preparation of the first Youth Policy Document for Nigeria, the first in Africa. She has been involved in diverse international development projects and she has proudly represented Nigeria on the global stage through her works.
Olasubomi believes that it’s the trials and tribulations she has faced in her life that has prepared her for leading others and solving issues. Those past experiences on her journey have placed her in a position where she knows how to handle something before it even becomes a problem.
God and her faith is what guides Olasubomi through her life and gives her the strength to do what is right. He works through her and sees herself as clay in the hands of the maker. God has truly guided Olasubomi’s journey. 

 

BEST MOMENTS

‘God does not called the qualified, but he qualifies the called’

‘I don’t want you to admire me to the point where you want to be like me’

‘I’m always concerned about making things better, solutions, solutions, solutions’

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Olasubomi Iginla Aina MBE on LinkedIn

Olasubomi Iginla Aina (@ainasubomi) • Instagram photos and videos

Olasubomi Iginla Aina MBE. (@ainasubomii) / Twitter

Light Up Foundation

 

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Olasubomi Iginla-Aina is a mother of three, a humanitarian, and recipient of the Member of the British Empire (MBE) award. The award was given to her by Prince William, who represented Her Majesty, the Queen of England. In 2021 she was globally elected to become the director of the global NGO, GNEC and liaises with the UN. Olasubomi has consistently worked behind the scenes in touching numerous lives across the globe. She is the founder/CEO of Lightup Foundation, which provides succour, inspiration and empowerment to the youth of the world. 

ABOUT THE HOST

Dr Omo Akoje Okonkwo is a practising Cosmetic Dental Surgeon working in Private Clinics in Surrey. Her passion for empowering her patients and team led her to Transformational coaching to bring about significant change in others.  Her many skill sets and ability to motivate people quickly opened leadership roles for her, including Director of Health care Projects and Clinical Lead and Senior Tutor at the prestigious King College Dental Hospital. Along her journey, she faced numerous setbacks despite her passion, academic background and experience. 

Notwithstanding, her passion for excellence and growth led her to embark on an MBA at the Renowned Warwick Business School. Her desire to empower women steered her to conduct qualitative research exploring Gender, Leadership, and Identity. Her findings revealed what she had always sensed, the leadership labyrinth for female and ethnic minority leaders that exists. It is now Dr Omo’s mission to educate and equip individuals, organisations, and countries on the necessity, mindset, and steps to create inclusion at all levels of society.

 

CONTACT METHOD 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.omo_uk/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-omo-okonkwo-65b8a542/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omo.o

Welcome to the first episode of Power in Diversity with Dr Omo Akoje Okonkwo, this podcast is a space where professional women from diverse backgrounds, eager to grow as leaders, come to be inspired and gain wisdom from other leaders. As a great introduction to the podcast we have a fantastic guest, Dr Anna Kusi on the show. Anna is a medical doctor with a background in obstetrics and gynaecology and is the founder of Black Female Doctors UK with the aim of uniting black female doctors to support each other in their careers. 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Black women and women from ethnic minority groups reach menopause on average eight months earlier than other races. We also tend to have more symptoms and more severe symptoms that last longer. This can lead to more health implications and more research needs to be done. 
We can get menopause ready by generally staying fit, that means eating healthily, getting regular exercise, and not smoking. When your body stops producing as much oestrogen, we need to make sure our bodies are in the best state possible to deal with that change. 
Perimenopausal symptoms include Irregular periods. Hot flashes and sleep problems. Mood changes. Vaginal and bladder problems. Vaginal dryness. Decreasing fertility. Changes in sexual function. Loss of bone. And changing cholesterol levels. You may have all or none of these symptoms. 
Anna has experienced a lack of diversity while studying to be a doctor in Bristol, there was a lack of black women doctors for her to look up to and gain inspiration from. 
This lack of diversity did sometimes give her a feeling of being ‘other’ like she didn’t belong. Some people even thought she was a foreign student despite growing up in Peckham. At the time it was very isolating for Anna but now she says that she works with a much more diverse group of doctors. 

 

BEST MOMENTS

‘We forget that the menopause can affect any woman at any age’ 

‘We need to be menopause ready and do it like a real boss lady’

‘With the lack of diversity, you can feel the imposter syndrome’ 

 

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Black Female Doctors UK (@blackfemaledrs.uk) • Instagram photos and videos

Dr Anna Kusi on LinkedIn

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Dr Anna Kusi is a medical doctor with a background in obstetrics and gynaecology and is the founder of Black Female Doctors UK with the aim of uniting black female doctors to support each other in their careers. She’s also a mum of two and a strong advocate of post reproductive health for women.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

Power in Diversity Podcast is a space where professional women from diverse backgrounds, eager to grow as leaders, come to be inspired and gain wisdom from other leaders. As my guests share their journey, I hope that it will give you; an aspiring or established female leader; meaning to your journey, illuminating your path and equipping you with a greater understanding of how to carve and navigate your success pathway with greater ease. 

Power in Diversity Podcast is also designed to equip not only individuals but, crucially, organisations who must learn to create diverse and inclusive organisations practically and not merely as a tick box exercise; especially now in this ever-changing world, everyone’s diverse insight is vital to solving world issues. I hope that this podcast allows organisations to appreciate the real barriers female and ethnic minority groups face in stepping into leadership, barriers sadly I and many others have faced, and many continue to face. 

I’m proud to be British and proud of my African Heritage, my tribe, part of the Benin Empire. I feel blessed to be a woman. This is a non-judgmental space, but a space to learn and to become aware of the gifts and Power in Diversity.

 

ABOUT THE HOST

Dr Omo Akoje Okonkwo is a practising Cosmetic Dental Surgeon working in Private Clinics in Surrey. Her passion for empowering her patients and team led her to Transformational coaching to bring

Dr Chinwe Akuonu graduated from King’s College London with multiple awards to her name, such as London’s Best Young Dentist finalist 2022. She is currently a key opinion leader for Colgate. She dedicates time to mentoring aspiring dentists, creating education videos to promote oral health, volunteering, and advocating for inclusivity within the dental profession. Dr Cinwe joins Dr Omo on Power in Diversity to share her story and hopefully inspire you to aim for the best. 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

 


Resilience is important to build as a young person. Chinwe always knew she could do whatever she wanted because of her desire and drive. Even with the traumas and challenges she faced when her family moved from Nigeria to Italy and the racism they endured, Chinwe had the personality to let it build her character, rather than break it. 
Growing up in an area of Italy which didn’t have a black community and without many friends at school, Chinwe had to rely on her family for support. It’s lucky she has a twin sister and another sister only a year different in age from her. 
Chinwe has the ability to do things by herself, even at a young age she flew to London on her own for her interview at King’s College and impressed them so much they broke protocol and pretty much told her she’d got in. 
Chinwe’s goal is to create a practice where anyone can walk in and feel like they’re safe and they belong there regardless of race or age or anything that people have made them feel other for. 

 

BEST MOMENTS

 

‘These experiences build you and your resilience.’ 

‘I’m not going to give up even if they laugh at me..’

‘It’s hard when you see injustice and others turn away.’

‘Validation does not need to come from anywhere external.’

 

EPISODE RESOURCES 

 

Dr Chinwe Akuonu on LinkedIn

Dr Chinwe Akuonu (@dr.chinwe.55) • Instagram photos and videos

 

ABOUT THE GUEST 

 

Dr Chinwe Akuonu graduated from King’s College London with multiple awards to her name, such as London’s Best Young Dentist finalist 2022. She is currently a key opinion leader for Colgate. Her dental career started 10 years ago, as a dental hygienist in Italy.

Chinwe is very passionate about her job. She has a keen interest in restorative and endodontic treatments. She dedicates time to mentoring aspiring dentists, creating education videos to promote oral health, volunteering, and advocating for inclusivity within the dental profession. She has written several articles on the topic of equality and diversity and has been invited to be a speaker at multiple events, in and outside dentistry.

 

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

 

Power in Diversity Podcast is a space where professional women from diverse backgrounds, eager to grow as leaders, come to be inspired and gain wisdom from other leaders. As my guests share their journey, I hope that it will give you; an aspiring or established female leader; meaning to your journey, illuminating your path and equipping you with a greater understanding of how to carve and navigate your success pathway with greater ease. 

Power in Diversity Podcast is also designed to equip not only individuals but, crucially, organisations who must learn to create diverse and inclusive organisations practically and not merely as a tick box exercise; especially now in this ever-changing world, everyone’s diverse insight is vital to solving world issues. I hope that this podcast allows organisations to appreciate the real barriers female and ethnic minority groups face in stepping into leadership, barriers sadly I and many others have faced, and many continue to face. 

I’m proud to be British and proud of my African Heritage, my tribe, part of the Benin Empire. I feel blessed to be a woman. This is a non-judgmental space, but a space to learn and to become aware of the gifts and Power in Diversity.

 

ABOUT THE HOST

 

Dr Omo Akoje Okonkwo is a practising Cosmetic Dental Surgeon working in Pr