Inclusive Growth Show

Toby Mildon

5.0 (11)
MANAGEMENT
UPDATED WEEKLY

I love driving diversity and inclusion at the leadership level. Each week, I host insightful conversations where we explore the journey of inclusive growth, discuss strategies for engaging senior leaders in equity, diversity, and inclusion, and share practical tips to inspire and empower meaningful change.

28 OCT

Why Inclusion Means More Than Compliance with Ruben Carol

Breaking down barriers to real disability inclusion. In this episode of the Inclusive Growth Show, host Toby Mildon speaks with Ruben Carol—Mildon’s newest associate consultant—about his powerful journey from stroke survivor to actor and disability inclusion expert. Ruben brings a wealth of experience working with major organisations such as Transport for London and C2C Rail to remove barriers and create inclusive environments. Together, they explore how the social model of disability transforms organisational thinking, why “treating everyone the same” is a dangerous myth, and how a culture of equity—rather than compliance—enables true belonging. Ruben also highlights why asking (not assuming) is key to inclusive practice, and outlines practical training offerings that help embed inclusion across teams. Key takeaways include: Why equity means more than treating everyone the sameHow to make workplace adjustments that go beyond complianceThe importance of psychological safety in inclusive leadershipWhy employers must create space for employees to express their needsPractical tips to foster belonging and dismantle assumptionsGuest: Ruben Carol Associate Consultant at Mildon 🔗 Ruben's LinkedIn Profile 🔗 Ruben's Website Send us a message If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

20 min
14 OCT

Leading with Purpose: Reconnecting Culture, Values and Inclusion

Why values-led leadership creates truly inclusive growth In this inspiring conversation, Gillian Drakeford shares her journey from management trainee to leading IKEA UK & Ireland, and her deep insights from helping IKEA expand into China. She reveals how formative experiences shaped her leadership style, including a key moment when asking “why” was discouraged — an attitude she actively challenged throughout her career. Gillian discusses how cultural intelligence, values-based recruitment, and inclusive leadership fostered sustainable business growth and stronger emotional connections with customers and colleagues alike. In this episode: The leadership lesson Gillian learned at 18 that stayed with her for lifeHow she helped IKEA thrive in China through cultural sensitivityRebuilding IKEA UK’s values and reconnecting teams with purposeWhy inclusive leadership drives emotional connection and commercial successHer practical advice for leaders seeking inclusive growthSend us a message If you're enjoying this episode and looking to boost equity, inclusion, and diversity in your organisation, my team and I are here to help. Our team specialises in crafting data-driven strategies, developing inclusive leaders, designing fair recruitment processes, and enhancing disability confidence. With a blend of professional expertise and lived experience, we're ready to support you on your journey. Reach out to us through our website. If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

31 min
30 SEPT · BONUS

How to Build Neuro-Affirming and Inclusive Workplaces

Neuro-inclusion isn’t just good practice - it’s smart business. In this episode of The Inclusive Growth Show, host Toby Mildon chats with Andy Ryan, neurodiversity specialist and a new associate at Mildon. With a background in social care and a passion for reshaping how organisations view neurodivergence, Andy shares his journey into inclusion and offers practical ways to build neuro-affirming workplaces. You will learn: Why inclusive workplace adjustments are often simple and low-costThe myths that hinder neurodivergent inclusionHow communication shifts can improve workplace culture for allWhy designing flexible systems supports individual successHow to adopt a mindset of continual inclusionAndy also offers a glimpse into his workshops, including training for line managers of neurodivergent staff, and shares his personal strategies for staying well while working in the EDI space. Send us a message If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

21 min
16 SEPT · BONUS

What Does True Inclusion Really Look Like in Practice?

Is your organisation truly inclusive, or just ticking boxes? In this episode of the Inclusive Growth Podcast, Toby Mildon introduces new associate Dr. Christopher Owen - an expert in intersectional systemic oppression and founder of the consultancy Coliberate. Together, they explore what it really means to drive equity, diversity, and inclusion from the inside out. Christopher shares insights drawn from his lived experience and academic background, challenging traditional approaches to inclusion that stop at internal metrics. Instead, he advocates for a shift towards co-liberation - building workplaces that support both internal culture and external community. Key takeaways: Why true inclusion must consider the world beyond your office walls.How systemic oppression affects recruitment and workplace equity.A practical mantra to build resilience in EDI work: What is true, what is right, what is next.The importance of questioning “what are we including people into?”Send us a message If you're enjoying this episode and looking to boost equity, inclusion, and diversity in your organisation, my team and I are here to help. Our team specialises in crafting data-driven strategies, developing inclusive leaders, designing fair recruitment processes, and enhancing disability confidence. With a blend of professional expertise and lived experience, we're ready to support you on your journey. Reach out to us through our website. If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

35 min
2 SEPT · BONUS

How Leadership and Inclusion Intertwine: Cynthia Fortladge's Journey

Discover how inclusive leadership unlocks hidden potential in the workplace. In this episode of the Inclusive Growth Podcast, Toby Mildon sits down with Cynthia Fortladge, global award-winning consultant and new associate at Mildon. Cynthia shares her deeply personal journey from the C-suite to becoming a prominent voice in gender diversity and inclusive leadership. Through candid conversation, Cynthia and Toby explore: The distinction between management and true leadershipThe impact of unlocking discretionary effort in employeesCynthia’s philosophy of “acceptance without understanding”The emotional journey of redefining success and identityPractical advice on challenging bias and fostering inclusionLearn how Cynthia’s lived experience and business acumen help her empower leaders to cultivate inclusive workplaces that foster trust, empathy, and authenticity. Send us a message If you're enjoying this episode and looking to boost equity, inclusion, and diversity in your organisation, my team and I are here to help. Our team specialises in crafting data-driven strategies, developing inclusive leaders, designing fair recruitment processes, and enhancing disability confidence. With a blend of professional expertise and lived experience, we're ready to support you on your journey. Reach out to us through our website. If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

33 min
19 AUG · BONUS

Challenging Accessibility Myths and Creating Inclusive Workplaces

Is your organisation truly accessible – or just meeting the bare minimum? In this episode of the Inclusive Growth Podcast, Toby Mildon has a compelling conversation featuring Luis Canto E Castro, a disability inclusion and accessibility consultant and new Associate at Mildon. Luis shares his journey from South Africa to the UK, the personal and professional experiences that shaped his advocacy, and the non-traditional recruitment story that brought him into Toby’s network. Key takeaways: Why accessibility must go beyond complianceDigital exclusion in recruitment – and how to fix itThe difference between the medical and social models of disabilityHow to lead authentically on disability inclusionPractical advice to improve your organisation’s accessibilityTune in to discover how Luis is redefining what it means to create equitable spaces and why investing in inclusion is more than just good intentions. Send us a message If you're enjoying this episode and looking to boost equity, inclusion, and diversity in your organisation, my team and I are here to help. Our team specialises in crafting data-driven strategies, developing inclusive leaders, designing fair recruitment processes, and enhancing disability confidence. With a blend of professional expertise and lived experience, we're ready to support you on your journey. Reach out to us through our website. If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

26 min
5 AUG

How Love-Based Cultures Boost Organisational Performance

What if love, not fear, was the foundation of your workplace culture? In this enlightening episode, Toby Mildon is joined by Simon Phillips - founder of The Change Maker Group and co-host of the Love Lead Change Podcast - to explore the transformative concept of a love-based organisation. They unpack the difference between love- and fear-based cultures and why empathy, psychological safety, and human-centred leadership are vital for inclusive growth. Simon introduces the LACE Framework - Listening, Accountability, Collaboration and Empathy - and how it’s helping organisations shift from compliance-driven environments to high-performing, human-focused cultures. With references to Google’s Project Aristotle and Renee Smith’s research, Simon brings compelling evidence to back the business case for cultural change. Key takeaways: What defines a love-based organisation—and why it mattersReal-world data linking empathy and performanceThe core principles of the LACE FrameworkPractical tips for being a change-makerWhy active listening is tougher—and more important—than we thinkGuest Highlights: Simon Phillips, Change Leadership Expert 🌐 Website: https://thechangemakergroup.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonphillips/ 🔗 Resources: Renee Smith's work: https://www.reneesmithspeaks.com/writingLove Lead Change Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-changeSend us a message If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

20 min
22 JUL

How EDI Can Move Beyond Optics to Deliver Real Impact

What 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 standards in EDI roles and explains how legal developments are reshaping the field. Key takeaways include: Why awareness without action benefits only the ally.The need for professional standards and regulation in EDI roles.How to navigate the clash between legal rulings and ethical convictions.Practical ways to keep progressing despite political and economic pushback.Guest highlights: Emma Underwood – EDI Practitioner Connect with Emma on LinkedIn Send us a message If you're enjoying this episode and looking to boost equity, inclusion, and diversity in your organisation, my team and I are here to help. Our team specialises in crafting data-driven strategies, developing inclusive leaders, designing fair recruitment processes, and enhancing disability confidence. With a blend of professional expertise and lived experience, we're ready to support you on your journey. Reach out to us through our website. If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

28 min

5

out of 5

11 Ratings

I love driving diversity and inclusion at the leadership level. Each week, I host insightful conversations where we explore the journey of inclusive growth, discuss strategies for engaging senior leaders in equity, diversity, and inclusion, and share practical tips to inspire and empower meaningful change.

Creator

Toby Mildon
Years Active

2020 - 2025
Episodes

169
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025 Mildon Ltd
Show Website

Inclusive Growth Show