Diversity Matters

Mike Sealy

In this podcast series, Mike moves away from the traditional DE&I rhetoric, to get a better understanding of what diversity, equity and inclusion actually means for us as individuals. Are we seeing real change? Do you feel a greater sense of belonging in your workplace and community? Each week Mike and his guest open an honest dialogue on a specific DE&I topic, some discussions will be inspirational, others might be a little uncomfortable but hopefully all will be interesting and thought provoking.

  1. 10/20/2024

    S4 E9 Breaking Barriers and Championing Diversity: Edwina Kulego’s Global Fashion Journey

    In this episode of the Diversity Matters podcast, Edwina Kulego shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Sweden to becoming a leading figure in the fashion industry. She discusses her early influences, the challenges of diversity and inclusion in fashion, and her current initiatives at Informa. Edwina also highlights her beauty brand, Essentials by Edwina, which aims to fill the gap in the market for beauty products catering to women of color. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of mentorship, authenticity, and sustainability in the fashion industry. Edwina also highlights the issues with inclusion in the industry which is driven by powerful leaders with influence who still maintain the old ways of doing business in the industry which often leads to exclusion, manipulation and unfair treatment. Key Takeaways Edwina's journey from Sweden to New York shaped her perspective on diversity.Fashion can significantly impact a person's mood and confidence.Internships are crucial for gaining experience in the fashion industry.The fashion trade show landscape is evolving post-pandemic.Diversity and inclusion remain significant challenges in fashion.Celebrating cultural milestones can foster community and connection.Essentials by Edwina addresses the lack of beauty products for women of color.Authenticity and curiosity are key for young professionals in fashion.Balancing personal and professional life is a continuous challenge.The future of fashion lies in sustainability and inclusivity.

    44 min
  2. 09/15/2024

    Whispers of the Mind: Meloney’s Bipolar Journey

    Meloney shares her experience growing up in the British Virgin Islands and the challenges of living with bipolar disorder. She discusses the tight-knit community and the lack of conversation around mental health in her community. She explains the highs and lows of bipolar disorder and the importance of finding a balance through medication and therapy. Meloney also discusses her blog and advocacy work to raise awareness and support others with bipolar disorder. She shares her experience with bipolar disorder and the importance of mental health awareness. She discusses the stigma surrounding mental health in Caribbean families and the lack of understanding from her own family. Meloney also talks about her traumatic experience being held in a psych ward against her will and the importance of advocating for oneself. She emphasizes the need for open conversations about mental health and the support that others can provide. Meloney highlights the challenges faced by black men in discussing their mental health and the pressure to appear strong. She concludes by focusing on her own self-care and the importance of celebrating small goals. takeaways Life in the British Virgin Islands is described as paradise, but the community can be sheltered and lacks conversation around mental health.Meloney's journey of self-discovery and acceptance of her bipolar disorder diagnosis highlights the importance of seeking help and finding a support network.Bipolar disorder involves experiencing intense emotions and mood swings, ranging from extreme highs to extreme lows.Finding a balance in managing bipolar disorder often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and support from a care team.Meloney's blog and advocacy work aim to raise awareness and support others with bipolar disorder. There is still a stigma surrounding mental health in Caribbean families, and many individuals with mental health issues are encouraged to keep it quiet to avoid bringing shame on the family.Advocacy is crucial in the mental health journey, as individuals may need to fight for their rights and make their own medical decisions.Open conversations about mental health and prioritizing mental health in the workplace can help create a supportive environment for individuals with bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.Black men often face pressure to appear strong and may be hesitant to discuss their mental health, but it is important to create spaces where they feel comfortable seeking support.Taking care of oneself and focusing on small goals is just as important as pursuing larger accomplishments.

    51 min
  3. 09/08/2024

    Breaking Barriers: Jason Jones and the Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights

    Jason Jones, a gay rights activist, shares his experiences growing up in Trinidad and Tobago and his journey towards fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. He discusses the influence of his parents, who were journalists, and the impact of the black liberation movement on his activism. Jason also explains the history of anti-gay legislation in Trinidad and Tobago and how he challenged and successfully removed the buggery laws. He highlights the role of religion in driving homophobia and the need for people to seek out their own history and learn from the struggles of those who fought for equality before them. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the ongoing appeal process and the potential impact on LGBTQ+ rights in the region. Jason discusses the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and the challenges faced in achieving acceptance and equality. He highlights the importance of decolonization and internal change in the fight for human rights. Jones emphasizes the need for intersectional activism and the inclusion of all marginalized groups. He also criticizes the role of religion in perpetuating discrimination and calls for a shift in societal attitudes and acceptance of diverse identities. Jones shares his future goals, including taking his case to the Privy Council to decriminalize same-sex relationships in multiple countries and advocating for anti-discriminatory laws. takeaways The history of black liberation in Trinidad and Tobago influenced Jason Jones' activism for LGBTQ+ rights.Anti-gay legislation in Trinidad and Tobago was inherited from British colonial laws and remained in place even after independence.Religion plays a significant role in driving homophobia and transphobia globally.Challenging discriminatory laws requires legal expertise and strategic arguments.The ongoing appeal process for the decriminalization of same-sex intimacy in Trinidad and Tobago highlights the neocolonial influence of the Privy Council. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights is ongoing and requires continuous effort and activism.Decolonization and internal change are crucial in the fight for human rights.Intersectional activism is necessary to address the interconnected issues of discrimination and inequality.Religion can perpetuate discrimination and hinder progress towards acceptance and equality.Societal attitudes and acceptance of diverse identities need to shift to create a more inclusive world.Advocacy for anti-discriminatory laws is essential to protect the rights of marginalized groups.

    50 min

About

In this podcast series, Mike moves away from the traditional DE&I rhetoric, to get a better understanding of what diversity, equity and inclusion actually means for us as individuals. Are we seeing real change? Do you feel a greater sense of belonging in your workplace and community? Each week Mike and his guest open an honest dialogue on a specific DE&I topic, some discussions will be inspirational, others might be a little uncomfortable but hopefully all will be interesting and thought provoking.