Speaking of Inclusion...

Katie Allen Consulting Limited
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"Speaking of Inclusion..." explores the role of inclusion within society, workplaces and beyond. Listen along to thought-provoking conversations with special guests from a range of industries, delving into topics such as gender identity, anti-racism, inclusive recruitment, and of course… the role of allies. You can expect insightful discussions, practical advice, and inspiring stories that will take you from being simply being curious to confidently navigating conversations about diversity and equality. Hosted by Katie Allen, Inclusion Coach and TEDx speaker, and creator of Allyship In Action.

  1. Sep 29

    This Bus is a Safe Space - with Ian de Chastelain

    This conversation focuses on the real steps Stagecoach East is taking to make its buses safe spaces, especially for women and girls. Ian de Chastelain, Training Manager at Stagecoach East, shares with Katie Allen how a chance encounter with a flyer from Businesses Against Abuse led to a whole new direction for the organisation’s driver training and broader approach to community inclusion. Topics include violence against women and girls, bystander intervention, psychological safety, and the practical realities of inclusion on public transport. Ian explains how Stagecoach’s operational and cultural change was achieved not by top-down edict but through real employee involvement, collaborative development of training, and external partnerships, particularly with police and crisis services. The discussion also highlights the challenges of embedding safeguarding and bystander intervention, why supporting employees is foundational to customer safety, and the ripple effect that a single, inclusive initiative can have across an entire industry. The episode offers useful insight for anyone interested in workplace culture, DEI, leadership, and making tangible progress on issues of safety and inclusion. THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS A flyer in a coffee shop became the unlikely catalyst for Stagecoach East taking a stand on violence against women and girls, sparking a cross-team initiative that changed company-wide training and community partnerships. The introduction of the "This Bus is a Safe Place" scheme proved that practical inclusion starts with giving frontline staff both training and authority, backed by supportive leadership,even when the answers create operational headaches. The ripple effect of one company’s efforts led to national recognition and the rollout of bystander intervention andsafeguarding modules that are now shaping best practice across the UK bus industry. Plus we mentioned the 5 D’s of bystander intervention (Delegate, Direct, Document, Distract, Delay) as developed by Right To Be and Green Dot.   REFLECTIVE QUESTION FOR LISTENERS When did you last notice an opportunity to challenge "the way things are done" in your workplace or community, and what stopped you, or pushed you, to take action? GUEST CONTACT DETAILS Press  and media enquiries can be directed to Stephen Kiely of Stagecoach East. www.stagecoachbus.com  A FEW FINAL WORDS… If you value this conversation and want to help keep the Speaking of Inclusion podcast ad-free, consider treating Katie to a virtual coffee at coff.ee/speakingofinclusion. Your support helps keep these real, unfiltered conversations flowing. Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations. www.KatieAllenConsulting.com   Theme music is courtesy of Kevin MacLeod:Attribution Code"Vicious" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    This Bus is a Safe Space - with Ian de Chastelain

  2. Sep 15

    Rethinking Healthcare - with Dr Jim Robinson

    This episode is an honest conversation about how and why healthcare needs to change. Katie Allen sits down with Dr Jim Robinson as he shares his experience as an NHS GP and clinical lead at Uniquely Health. It’s a brilliant discussion about moving the system away from “sickness care” towards actual healthcare, putting prevention and lifestyle medicine front and centre. Topics covered include the limits of current NHS practice, how social and economic factors affect choices around diet and health, and why workplaces are stepping in to offer proactive wellbeing support for staff. Dr Robinson talks openly about what real partnership between doctor and patient can look like, issues of shame and stigma around weight and other health issues, and the push for more holistic approaches to wellness in both the NHS and private practice. They also explore challenges facing employers around burnout and staff retention, as well as the personal responsibility everyone has for their own wellbeing. Misconceptions about midlife health and menopause are also tackled, with clear advice for anyone thinking about what “good health” could really mean for them.  Key topics: prevention in healthcare, workplace wellbeing, lifestyle medicine, health stigma, doctor-patient partnership. THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS “The current system is not healthcare, it’s sickness care.”This distinction, highlighted in their conversation, sums up the challenge of shifting focus onto prevention and true wellness instead of just treating people when already unwell 16:41. Economics and environment shape health more than willpower. Dr Robinson explains that lecturing patients on diet overlooks the bigger social and financial factors, like the real cost of healthy food, which need to be addressed before advice can stick 18:12. Small, sustainable changes beat ambitious overhauls. When helping patients with lifestyle changes, Dr Robinson emphasises working together on realistic goals and problem-solving around barriers, rather than setting people up to fail with big resolutions 51:28. REFLECTIVE QUESTION FOR LISTENERS In your own life or work, are you honestly focusing on prevention and wellbeing, or just waiting to fix problems once they're too serious to keep ignoring? GUEST CONTACT DETAILS LinkedIn - search Dr Jim Robinson & Uniquely Health www.UniquelyHealth.com - including contact via web form, email, and a discovery call option A FEW FINAL WORDS… If you value this conversation and want to help keep the Speaking of Inclusion podcast ad-free, consider treating Katie to a virtual coffee at coff.ee/speakingofinclusion. Your support helps keep these real, unfiltered conversations flowing. Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations. www.KatieAllenConsulting.com   Theme music is courtesy of Kevin MacLeod:Attribution Code"Vicious" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    Rethinking Healthcare - with Dr Jim Robinson

  3. Sep 1

    Periods, Power, and the 9-5 - with Samantha Garstin

    This episode centres on the realities of periods, hormonal cycles, and the impact these have on people at work and beyond.  Katie Allen and her guest Sam Garstin, a menstrual education coach, discuss the persistent stigma and missing education around menstrual health, sex education, and perimenopause in society and workplaces.  They tackle the importance of normalising conversations about periods at work, making allowances for fluctuating capacity (rather than “ability”) due to hormonal changes, and why rest isn’t just necessary… it’s strategic.  There’s a focus on inclusive workplaces, allyship, and removing shame from topics considered private, as well as stories about practical barriers, like invoices refused for having “menstrual” in the business name, and workplaces resistant to small changes that help many people.  Other key threads include chronic conditions (such as endometriosis, PMDD, PCOS), neurodivergence, the usefulness of “spoons” language for energy, and why thinking beyond a one-size-fits-all approach is good for everyone. The tone is honest, real-life, and bracingly down-to-earth. It’s an open invitation for managers and teams to do better, together, on including cycles in actual workplace culture. Three key take aways for you: Stigma makes periods and menopause unnecessarily taboo at work. Sam shares multiple stories where even the word “menstrual” on an invoice led to professional barriers, highlighting just how far there still is to go to de-stigmatise these conversations in working life 15:13. Capacity, not ability, is what fluctuates during hormonal cycles. The discussion reframes inclusion away from outdated “productivity” metrics towards focus on supporting people’s capacity and energy, making the case for simple workplace adjustments and everyday understanding 21:03. Workplace adjustments for hormonal and neurodivergent needs benefit everyone. From inclusive bathrooms to more flexible working approaches and the usefulness of “spoons” language, the idea is that small, thoughtful changes don’t just help one group, they improve wellbeing, dignity, and performance for all 50:51. Things we said we'd add to the show notes: Sam Garstin’s contact details www.SamanthaGarstin.com and Samantha Garstin on LinkedIn We said we’d find out who coined the phrase body literacy… The phrase "body literacy" was coined in 2005 by Canadian women's and menstrual health activists Laura Wershler, Geraldine Matus, and Megan Lalonde As a bonus, Sam has also shared an article on the many varied menstrual health conditions that people may experience. You can find that here: Why All Periods Are Not Created Equal by Samantha Garstin A reflective question to ponder while you listen: How comfortable are you (and your workplace) with making periods and hormonal cycles a normal, unembarrassing part of everyday conversation? And what’s one small change you could make to improve that? If you value this conversation and want to help keep the Speaking of Inclusion podcast ad-free, consider treating Katie to a virtual coffee at coff.ee/speakingofinclusion. Your support helps keep these real, unfiltered conversations flowing. Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.  www.KatieAllenConsulting.com Theme music is courtesy of: "Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    Periods, Power, and the 9-5 - with Samantha Garstin

  4. Aug 4

    Why Goals Don't Work - with Radhika Dutt

    Why Goals Don't Work (and what to do instead)  This conversation centres on why traditional goal-setting methods often backfire, both for business and personal growth. Radhika Dutt, author of Radical Product Thinking, discusses why the corporate obsession with goals, targets, and OKRs can actually stifle creativity, mislead teams, and encourage short-term thinking. Drawing on examples from tech, leadership, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), and even personal decision-making, Radhika shares an alternative approach, treating business and life challenges as puzzles to be solved rather than targets to be hit. This mindset shift, she argues, leads to better team inclusion, alignment around purpose, and more sustainable results. Listeners get to hear practical frameworks for vision-setting, prioritisation, and reflective practice, plus stories aboutethical decision-making, burnout, and what it means to truly engineer change in workplaces. Leadership, psychological safety, culture change, and the costs of ignoring alignment also all get a mention, giving listeners tangible ways torethink how they work and lead. Three Key Takeaways form this Episode: A clear, detailed vision is more powerful for alignment than traditional, broad mission statements. Radhika demonstrates how specificity in a vision provides a practical anchor for decisions, unlike vague slogans thatquickly become irrelevant or forgotten (09:57). "Goals and targets as evaluation tools kill curiosity and learning." Radhika shares a personal example where hitting targets masked underlying problems and stopped people from bringing up early warning signs, showing how this mindset shuts down honesty and curiosity in teams (40:54).Reflecting on experience, not just having it, is where actual growth happens. The discussion lands on how personal and organisational development rely less on what happens to us, and more on consciously reflecting and course-correcting in line with our values andpurpose (01:11:44).Things we said we’d include in the show notes: Radical Product Thinking is Radkida’s first book, it's available wherever books are sold.The OHLA toolkit (observe, hypothesise, learn, adapt) is a downloadable resource for puzzle setting and puzzle solving, and is available for free at radicalproduct.comNotes to John by Joan Didion is the book referenced about communicating growth in relationshipsFollow Radhika Dutt on LinkedIn for more content As you listen to the episode, ask yourself: Where in your work or life are you sticking with targets or beliefs that no longer fit, and how might you reframe them aspuzzles to solve instead?   If you value this conversation and want to help keep the Speaking of Inclusion podcast ad-free, consider treating Katie to a virtual coffee at coff.ee/speakingofinclusion. Your support helps keep these real, unfiltered conversations flowing. Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations. www.KatieAllenConsulting.com Theme music is courtesy of:"Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    Why Goals Don't Work - with Radhika Dutt

  5. Jul 7

    Empowering the Next Generation of Girls - with Marsha Powell

    In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion... I am joined by Marsha Powell, CEO of BelEve, a UK-based charity dedicated to empowering girls aged 8 to 22 as they navigate major life transitions, from education into the workplace. Marsha is an unapologetic champion for girls’ empowerment and organisational transformation, and in this conversation, she shares both her personal journey and her team’s evolving focus on bridging the readiness gap for young women. Ensuring they step into their futures not just with confidence, but with the tools, support, and opportunities they need tothrive. We explore the realities of workplace readiness, not just from the perspective of preparing ambitious girls for the challenges ahead, but also addressing the ways in which organisations themselves must evolve to receive, support, and nurture the next generation of diverse talent.   Three Key Takeaways: Empowerment Alone Is Not Enough: While confidence-building and empowerment are essential, Marsha explains that girls must also be equipped with insight, access, practical experience, and networks to truly thrive as they transition into adulthood and the workforce.The Readiness Gap Exists on Both Sides: It is not just young people who must be ready for work, organisations must also be ready for an ambitious, diverse cohort of young women and must address biases and structural barriers that persist within workplace systems.Lasting Change Demands Partnership: Marsha calls for genuine partnership between organisations, schools, charities, and individuals to build an ecosystem of opportunity, which means more than paying lip service to equality, but actively becoming gate-openers, pipeline builders, and mentors. A Question to Reflect On:How ready is your workplace, not just to attract the next generation of young, ambitious women, but to provide the support, access, and opportunity needed for them to thrive and lead?   You can connect with Marsha in the following ways: Website: www.BelEveUK.org Email: Info@beleveuk.orgCall: 0203 372 5779 Visit: 372 Brockley Rd, London SE4 2BY   Marsha and I also spoke about meeting through the MD2MDnetwork, managed by the incredible Emma Phipps, which you can find more details of on their website www.md2md.co.uk   If you value this conversation and want to help keep the Speaking of Inclusion podcast ad-free, consider treating Katie to a virtual coffee at coff.ee/speakingofinclusion. Your support helps keep these real, unfiltered conversations flowing.   Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen.Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.www.KatieAllenConsulting.com Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - "No Drama" by Alder

    Empowering the Next Generation of Girls - with Marsha Powell

  6. Jun 23

    Lead from your heart - with Scott Martin

    In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion… I am joined by Scott Martin. An award-winning soccer coach, author, quad amputee, and passionate disability advocate. We talk about his extraordinary journey, as captured in his recently released book, Play From Your Heart, which weaves together his experiences of resilience, dealing with disability, and his lifelong commitment to making football (soccer) and wider society more inclusive. Scott shared the pivotal moment when he survived necrotising fasciitis, leading to major life changes for him and his family, and also his abrupt realisation he was now part of the disability community. Scott shares candid stories ofdiscrimination and the reality of rebuilding confidence after trauma, all while attempting to continue his coaching career. We also touch on the wider themes of inclusion, disability advocacy, the beauty of football as a uniting force, especially during the World Cup, and the responsibilities of individuals and organisations to do more in creating genuinely accessible environments. Three Key Takeaways: The lived experiences of disabled people are still often sidelined and progress is required from both organisational approaches to change as well as individual open-mindedness.True inclusion means more than representation, and Scott is clear about the importance of seeing disabled colleagues or community members as fully human, not as simply defined by their difference.Resilience, community, and openness (plus a bit of footballing spirit) can help us challenge both inner doubts and external barriers. A question to reflect on:How can you ensure you’re not just including people with visible differences, but also ensuring you give them equitable opportunities to thrive in your community, workplace, or team? Things we said we’d include in this episode’s show notes:Direct links to buy Scott’s book, Play From Your Heart Buy Play From Your Heart from World of BooksBuyPlay From Your Heart from Amazon UKBuy Play From Your Heart from Amazon US Scott’s contact details: reader.playfromyourheart@gmail.com with a note to mention the Speaking of Inclusion… podcast when reaching out.   If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please consider buying me a virtual coffee and helping keep this podcast going. Visit: coff.ee/speakingofinclusion Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.www.KatieAllenConsulting.com Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - "No Drama" by Alder

    Lead from your heart - with Scott Martin

  7. Jun 9

    Generational Gaps - with Jess Jarrold

    In today’s episode of Speaking of Inclusion... I am joined by Jess Jarrold, a leadership coach with a passion for unlocking the potential of cross-generational teams. Together, we explore the current landscape of the workplace, challenging the stereotypes surrounding different generations, and considering how confidence and communication underpin effective leadership… no matter your age or experience. Throughout our conversation, Jess shares her journey from the world of advertising and media to executive coaching, reveals the importance of authentic connection, and looks at how leaders can empower all team members to thrive. Along the way, we she also addresses some persistent myths, reflects on why onboarding and feedback really matter, and discusses why the "one job for life" mentality is fading fast. Here are three key takeaways to listen out for: Confidence vs. Authority: True leadership isn’t about projecting authority or ticking off experience milestones. It's about self-awareness, curiosity, and creating an environment where everyone, no matter their generation, feels valued. Consistent, Individualised Communication: Retention and team morale are rooted in clear, consistent communication, especially from middle managers. Knowing your people as individuals, and tailoring your approach, sets the stage forcommercial and cultural success. Reframing Stereotypes: Age-based assumptions, whether about digital skills or career ambition, harm inclusion. Every generation and every person brings unique insights, and it’s up to leaders to set the tone for learning, development, and respect in every direction. Reflection question for listeners:While you listen today, consider this: How does your own experience shape the way you relate to colleagues of different ages?What might you notice differently, starting tomorrow, to better harness the strengths of everyone on your team? Connect with Jess Jarrold on LinkedIn   If you found value in this episode, please consider buying me, Katie, a virtual coffee at coff.ee/speakingofinclusion. Your support helps to keep Speaking of Inclusion independent and available for everyone who wants to build a more inclusive world. Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.www.KatieAllenConsulting.comTheme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - "No Drama" by Alder

    Generational Gaps - with Jess Jarrold

  8. May 26

    Become a Super Communicator - with Ettie Bailey-King

    In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion..., Katie Allen talks with Ettie Bailey-King about what it really means to be a “Super Communicator”. Ettie is an inclusive and accessible communication educator who helps people and organisations communicate clearly,inclusively, and accessibly. Together, they explore why inclusive language and accessible communication matter, and how the words and formats we use can shape how people feel, engage, and make decisions. Katie and Ettie also explore the reality of information overload (how our brains and bodies respond to the constant streamof emails and notifications) and the toll it can take. Ettie offers practical advice for managing our own overwhelm, and tips to avoid overwhelming others in the way we communicate. The conversation tackles the complexity of difficult conversations, especially when bias or discrimination is involved. Ettie shares some grounded strategies for regulating emotions and looking after yourself before, during, and after challenging interactions. The episode finishes with straightforward, actionable tips for making your communication more inclusive and accessible, such as rethinking how you use hyperlinks. 3 key takeaways: Everyday language shapes perceptions and experiences, especially when it comes to inclusion. Choosing words purposefully matters.Overwhelm isn’t just personal, it’s baked into how we work, communicate, and use technology. Both individuals andorganisations can make small changes to help.There are practical, evidence-based ways to prepare for and manage tough conversations, placing wellbeing and personalagency front and centre. Reflective Question:How does the way you communicate, both in what you say and the way you present information, affect others’ ability to understand, engage, and feel included? Things we said we'd include in this episode's show notes: Ettie’s accessible communications checklistEttie’s website: www.fightingtalk.ukEttie’s LinkedIn: search for "Ettie Bailey-King" (only one result)Sign-up link for Ettie’s newsletter (via fightingtalk.uk above) If you enjoy the podcast, you can help keep it funded by buying me a virtual coffee at Buy Me A Coffee. Every contribution helps the show keep going! Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen.Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.⁠www.KatieAllenConsulting.com Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds – "No Drama" by Alder

    Become a Super Communicator - with Ettie Bailey-King
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About

"Speaking of Inclusion..." explores the role of inclusion within society, workplaces and beyond. Listen along to thought-provoking conversations with special guests from a range of industries, delving into topics such as gender identity, anti-racism, inclusive recruitment, and of course… the role of allies. You can expect insightful discussions, practical advice, and inspiring stories that will take you from being simply being curious to confidently navigating conversations about diversity and equality. Hosted by Katie Allen, Inclusion Coach and TEDx speaker, and creator of Allyship In Action.

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Allen Consulting Limited
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Katie Allen Consulting Limited
  • Show Website
    Speaking of Inclusion...

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