Why Care?

Nadia Nagamootoo

If you have any form of Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging remit then this is the show for you. From thought-provoking conversations about parenting, gender stereotypes and racial inequality through to neurodiversity, sexuality and more, you’ll build your knowledge and get amazing advice from experts. To be the best in your field, you’ll need this latest thinking in Inclusion and Diversity so you can speak with enhanced confidence and credibility. Join Nadia Nagamootoo each month for inspiring conversations that you can use to accelerate your organisation’s journey towards inclusion.

  1. 60. It’s Not Magic, with John Amaechi

    JAN 19

    60. It’s Not Magic, with John Amaechi

    In the Season 6 finale of Why Care?, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by John Amaechi OBE, organisational psychologist and Founder of APS Intelligence, for a wide-ranging and deeply grounded conversation on leadership, power, and personal accountability. Drawing on behavioural science, coaching practice, and lived experience, John challenges the myth that great leadership is rooted in charisma or innate talent. Instead, he argues that leadership excellence is built from ordinary, learnable skills that require sustained effort, self-regulation, and ethical clarity. Together, they explore why some leaders seek titles without accepting responsibility, how personalised power corrupts leadership intent, and why culture often gives permission to harmful behaviour. John reflects on vulnerability, feedback, presence, and the energy required to lead well, as well as the danger of outsourcing accountability to systems, algorithms, or circumstance. This episode is a candid examination of leadership without shortcuts, grounded in evidence, human dignity, and the daily choices that shape organisational culture. Cover Photo: Courtesy of APS Intelligence Key Takeaways: ​Leadership skill is learnable, not magical​Wanting power is necessary, but how power is used defines leadership quality​Avoiding discomfort undermines organisational performance​Accountability cannot be outsourced to systems or context​Ethical leadership requires sustained personal effort​Individual choices shape collective outcomesGuest Bio John Amaechi OBE is a world-renowned organisational psychologist, bestselling author, and Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School. As the founder of APS Intelligence Ltd., John leads a global team that transforms leaders and cultures by combining cutting-edge behavioural science with psychological insight. His bespoke programmes aren’t about quick fixes, they drive sustainable growth, ethical leadership, and organisational well-being. From his roots in Stockport, near Manchester, to becoming the first Briton to play professional basketball in the NBA, John’s personal journey exemplifies resilience and ambition. Inspired by his mother’s words, “The most unlikely of people in the most improbable of circumstances can become extraordinary”, John has spent his career challenging expectations and helping others unlock their potential. An adviser to FTSE 100 boards, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and the recipient of the Sport Industry Integrity and Impact Award, John is recognised as one of the most influential voices in leadership and organisational culture. His bestselling book, The Promises of Giants, inspires leaders worldwide to embrace authenticity, drive ethical change, and create lasting legacies. Links ​John Amaechi: LinkedIn | Instagram | Substack | TikTok​Buy his books:- “It's Not Magic: The Ordinary Skills of Exceptional Leaders” - “The Promises of Giants” ​APS: Website | LinkedIn​Nadia Nagamootoo:⁠ Website ⁠| ⁠LinkedIn ⁠|⁠ Instagram⁠​Avenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices

    1h 4m
  2. 59. Parenting Out Loud with Elliott Rae

    11/24/2025

    59. Parenting Out Loud with Elliott Rae

    In this episode of Why Care?, Nadia Nagamootoo sits down with Elliott Rae, founder of Music Football Fatherhood, creator of the Parenting Out Loud movement and one of the UK’s leading voices on fatherhood, modern masculinity and men’s mental health. Elliott reflects on his decade of work shifting workplace culture for dads, from challenging stigma around flexible working to building systems that support equal parenting. Grounded in personal experience, including the trauma and transformation of early parenthood, Elliott explains why encouraging dads to speak up about their caregiving responsibilities is essential for gender equality, societal wellbeing and children’s development. His story blends purpose, vulnerability and activism, revealing how changing the way men parent can change the foundations of work and family life everywhere.  Key Takeaways: Equal parenting is a system shift that reduces the motherhood penalty. Stigma, silence and old ideas of masculinity still block dads at work. Culture change requires leaders to understand the ‘why’ behind caring. Father involvement improves wellbeing for men, women and children. Proactive organisational messaging dramatically increases leave uptake. Guest Bio Elliott Rae is the founder of the parenting platform MusicFootballFatherhood, called the ‘Mumsnet for Dads’ by the BBC. He is the curator of the bestselling book, DAD, presenter of BBC One documentary ‘Becoming Dad’ and co-founder of the Working Dads Employer Awards.  Elliott created the Parenting Out Loud campaign which supports employers to build workplace cultures where dads can be loud and proud about their caring responsibilities at work.  Elliott is the ex-Head of DEI Delivery at HM Treasury and one of the UK’s most prominent speakers on fatherhood, men’s mental health and masculinity.  He co-hosts the popular podcast, To Be A Boy, which is one of the top parenting podcasts in the UK and he has written for publications such as The Independent, The Telegraph and Grazia and frequently appears across the media, including a feature on Loose Women and regular contributions to Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio London.  Elliott was recently awarded an MBE and his work on gender equality has been recognised by the United Nations and he was awarded the #HeForShe award by UN Women UK. In 2025, Elliott created and hosted the world’s first Working Dad’s Summit. Links Elliott Rae: Instagram| LinkedIn | WebsiteParenting Out Loud: https://elliottrae.com/parentingoutloud/Music Football Fatherhood: https://www.musicfootballfatherhood.comNadia Nagamootoo: Website | LinkedIn | InstagramAvenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices

    1 hr
  3. 58. Fixing The Foundations with Kat Parsons

    11/03/2025

    58. Fixing The Foundations with Kat Parsons

    In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by Kat Parsons, Group Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Centrica and co-founder of the All Female Design & Build Project, which she launched in 2023 with her wife. Kat reflects on her career across male-dominated industries, her passion for fairness and justice, and her drive to transform workplace cultures through empathy and education. She shares how her lived experiences as a lesbian, wife, and mother have shaped her approach to leadership, and why psychological safety and authenticity are central to inclusion. Recently named Head of DEI of the Year and Inspirational Role Model of the Year at the British Diversity Awards 2025, Kat also discusses the importance of representation, being a visible LGBTQ+ role model, and the power of breaking barriers in construction and beyond. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and leadership that inspires change across industries and cultures. Key Takeaways: True inclusion requires systemic cultural change, not token gestures. Representation and visibility of role models are crucial to inspire others. Psychological safety is a cornerstone of thriving, inclusive workplaces. Human-centric leadership, built on empathy, fairness, and storytelling, creates lasting impact. Breaking barriers in male-dominated industries takes resilience and vision, but also sparks progress for future generations. Highlights: Kat’s journey from construction and oil & gas into DEI leadership at Centrica. Founding the All Female Design & Build Project with her wife to advance gender equity. The importance of psychological safety and empathy in workplace culture. Experiences navigating biases, stereotypes, and microaggressions in male-dominated environments. Her role as a visible LGBTQ+ role model, inspiring courage and authenticity. Redefining leadership as unapologetic, human-centric, and values-driven. Guest Bio Kat Parsons is Group Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Centrica and Co-founder of the All Female Design & Build Project, which she set up in 2023 together with her wife. A Fellow of the Leadership Society, she is a multi-award-winning leader, recently named Head of DEI of the Year and Inspirational Role Model of the Year at the British Diversity Awards 2025.  Kat champions human-centric leadership, underpinned by empathy, education, and storytelling, to create inclusive cultures where people thrive.  In particular, she is an LGBTQ+ role model, having been named in the Power Pride List and British LGBT Awards’ Top 10 Diversity Trailblazers. By being a visible and vocal advocate, Kat inspires others to be more courageous and confident in embracing their identities.  Beyond corporate leadership, her work with the All Female Design & Build Project highlights her passion for breaking barriers and advancing gender equity in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Links Kat Parsons : LinkedIn | Instagram All Female Design & Build Project: https://www.all-female-build.co.uk/ Nadia Nagamootoo: LinkedIn | Instagram Avenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices Purchase Beyond Discomfort using the discount code shared in the episode: https://practicalinspiration.com/book/beyond-discomfort

    53 min
  4. 57. Living with Hearing Loss & Deafness with Samantha Baines

    10/13/2025

    57. Living with Hearing Loss & Deafness with Samantha Baines

    In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with comedian, author, and actor Samantha Baines. Samantha shares her journey of discovering she has hearing loss in her late twenties, embracing her deaf identity, and advocating for better access and representation in the arts. She discusses her books, her experiences navigating comedy and acting with deafness, and the importance of language in shaping identity. Samantha also reflects on finding out she has ADHD, barriers faced by women in comedy, and why inclusion and access coordinators are essential to transforming creative industries. A funny, honest, and thought-provoking conversation that blends advocacy, creativity, and resilience. Key Takeaways Identity and language matter: shifting from “sufferer” to proud deaf representation challenges stigma.Access coordinators and inclusive practices create equal opportunities in creative industries.Women and neurodiverse people face systemic barriers in comedy and the arts that must be addressed.Comedy and writing can be powerful tools for advocacy, inclusion, and representation.Embracing diagnoses like deafness and ADHD can empower self-understanding and drive change. Highlights Samantha’s journey to discovering and embracing her deaf identity.The role of language in shaping perceptions of deafness and disability.Barriers and gender imbalance in the comedy industry.How access coordinators can transform inclusion in the arts.Samantha’s experience of being diagnosed with ADHD and its impact.Using comedy, books, and acting to challenge stereotypes and build representation. Guest Bio Samantha Baines is a multi award-winning comedian, actress, broadcaster and best selling author. She presents for The One Show, BBC Morning Live, Rip Off Britain, BBC Radio London and hosts the smash hit podcast The Divorce Social (half a million downloads). You may recognise her from acting roles in Netflix’s The Crown, Romesh Ranganathan's Avoidance, Call the Midwife, Silent Witness and Magic Mike Live (directed by Channing Tatum). As a hearing aid wearer herself, she is ambassador for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People and the author of critically acclaimed children's books with deaf main characters, as well as the best-selling non-fiction book Living With Hearing Loss and Deafness. She is a BAFTA member, NSPCC Campaigner and a regular on national radio stations. Links Samantha Baines : Instagram | FB | X | TikTok | Baines London: Instagram | Etsy ShopNadia Nagamootoo:⁠ LinkedIn⁠ |⁠ InstagramAvenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservicesPurchase Beyond Discomfort using the discount code shared in the episode: ⁠⁠⁠https://practicalinspiration.com/book/beyond-discomfort

    1h 3m
  5. 56. Take It & Own It - Redefining Women’s Power with Geeta Sidhu-Robb

    09/22/2025

    56. Take It & Own It - Redefining Women’s Power with Geeta Sidhu-Robb

    In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with Geeta Sidhu-Robb, award-winning entrepreneur, political candidate, and the visionary founder of W Corp. Geeta shares her extraordinary journey from law and politics to building safer, more inclusive workplaces for women across the globe. She discusses launching W Corp at the United Nations, challenging CEOs with the Return on Investment of diversity, and her mission to reshape power structures for women leaders. Geeta also reflects on her Sikh upbringing, early experiences with racism, her resilience through having no money, and how she redefined her identity and leadership. A bold, honest, and empowering conversation on power, purpose, and creating change. Key Takeaways: Women’s safety and inclusion in workplaces must be measurable and actionable, not tokenistic. Framing diversity through Return on Investment makes it harder for organizations to ignore. Resilience and self-reinvention are vital when navigating personal and professional adversity. Women must reject the pressure of likeability and embrace unapologetic leadership. Building ecosystems - from politics to entrepreneurship - is essential to lasting systemic change. Highlights: Geeta’s journey from law and politics to entrepreneurship and activism. Founding W Corp to certify and improve workplace safety and inclusion for women. Launching at the UN and challenging global leaders on accountability. Redefining power and leadership as unapologetically feminine and strong. Creating ecosystems like the Green Flag movement to fund women entrepreneurs. The personal resilience story behind her public voice and mission. Guest Bio Geeta Sidhu-Robb is an award-winning entrepreneur, health coach, and activist, recognized with multiple "Entrepreneur and Businesswoman of the Year" awards, and recent accolades like "Disruptor of the Year" and "Most Inspiring Women's Workplace Equity Advocate 2025." She founded Nosh Detox in 2008 due to her son's severe food allergies and has since built a strong reputation in the health and nutrition industry, with clients including Gwyneth Paltrow and Sarah Ferguson.Originally a lawyer, she retrained as a health and wellness coach in 2014, working with high-profile women to achieve career and personal success. She recently launched The Womanist Movement, which includes WCorp, a B2B initiative to certify women-supportive workplaces, and WComm, a global B2C online community for women.Geeta is also an activist, having been involved with Open Britain against Brexit, and serves on the boards of the Microloan Foundation and Sarah's Trust. She previously chaired Montessori Global, focusing on education for refugee children. A sought-after media expert, her motto is, "Anything is possible. If you can see it, you can do it; if you can dream it, you can make it happen." Links Geeta Sidhu-Robb: Website | Podcast | Instagram | LinkedIn | FB Nadia Nagamootoo: Website | LinkedIn | InstagramAvenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices

    52 min
  6. 55. Include, Rise then Glaze with Ryan Panchoo

    09/01/2025

    55. Include, Rise then Glaze with Ryan Panchoo

    In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with Ryan Panchoo, the Founder of Borough 22, a pioneering doughnut brand built on the principles of inclusion, representation and authenticity. From his early days balancing family needs with business ambitions to breaking into iconic retailers like Selfridges, Ryan shares his inspiring journey of resilience and innovation. He discusses why designing for the minority is true inclusion, how visibility matters as a Black Founder, and his mission to redefine what’s possible in the food industry. With reflections on representation, expansion, and creating treats everyone can enjoy, Ryan’s story is both uplifting and thought-provoking. Key Takeaways Building with inclusion at the core creates lasting impact and opportunity.Representation matters: visibility of minority founders inspires change and belonging.Challenges in food and retail industries can become stepping stones to innovation.Mentorship, resilience, and authenticity are vital in sustaining entrepreneurial growth.Inclusion is not just social good, but a smart and future-facing business strategy. Highlights Ryan’s journey from bricklaying to becoming a celebrated food entrepreneur. Founding Borough 22 to create inclusive doughnuts that everyone can enjoy.Breaking into Selfridges and proving the demand for gluten-free and vegan products.Reflections on the lack of representation in food entrepreneurship and his decision to be visible.Expanding Borough 22 globally, from Qatar to the United States.Why true inclusion means designing products with the minority in mind. Guest Bio Ryan Panchoo is the Founder of Borough 22, a pioneering free-from doughnut brand that has transformed the UK’s perception of gluten-free and vegan indulgence. Originally developed in his home kitchen for his children with multiple allergies, Ryan has built Borough 22 into a category-defining business that’s now stocked in Selfridges, ships nationwide, and appears regularly at high-profile pop-ups and festivals. A self-taught baker turned entrepreneur, Ryan has consistently pushed boundaries in the free-from space, blending product innovation, brand storytelling, and strategic growth to carve out a loyal and ever-growing customer base. His leadership has seen Borough 22 featured in major media publications including Vogue, GQ, and The Guardian, whilst also attracting retail partnerships and expansion opportunities across the UK and beyond. As a Black founder in the food and beverage space, Ryan is a vocal advocate for representation, inclusion, and building businesses with purpose. With a sharp eye for market trends and a deep connection to his brand’s mission, he continues to redefine what it means to be a challenger brand in today’s food landscape. Links Ryan Panchoo : Website | Instagram | TikTokNadia Nagamootoo:⁠ LinkedIn⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠Avenir Consulting: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices⁠Purchase Beyond Discomfort using the discount code shared in the episode: ⁠⁠https://practicalinspiration.com/book/beyond-discomfort

    50 min
  7. 54. Menopause and Movement with Lavina Mehta

    07/14/2025

    54. Menopause and Movement with Lavina Mehta

    In this inspirational episode, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by Lavina Mehta MBE, wellness coach, TEDx speaker, and Founder of Feel Good with Lavina. Lavina passionately discusses her journey of normalising menopause conversations, especially within South Asian communities, and her commitment to promoting accessible health through her innovative ‘exercise snacking’ concept. From celebrating menopause publicly as a positive milestone to addressing workplace awareness, Lavina candidly shares her personal and professional experiences. The conversation also explores her groundbreaking work in making fitness inclusive, breaking cultural taboos, and empowering women to prioritise their health through practical lifestyle changes. Key Takeaways Menopause should be celebrated as a positive milestone to reduce stigma. The importance of creating a supportive environment in workplaces for women experiencing menopause. Accessible exercise methods like ‘exercise snacking’ can significantly improve overall health. Cultural taboos in South Asian communities need addressing through open conversations and education. Midlife can be a period of reinvention and empowerment, both personally and professionally. Highlights The importance of openly celebrating menopause as demonstrated by Lavina’s public menopause party. How Lavina addresses cultural barriers and taboos within South Asian communities about women's health. Lavina’s practical approach to fitness through ‘exercise snacking’, enabling manageable daily activity. Insights into the benefits of strength training, particularly during menopause. Advice to workplaces on supporting women through menopause with awareness and practical initiatives. Guest Bio Lavina Mehta MBE, Founder of Feel Good With Lavina, is a 46-year-old personal trainer, bestselling author, wellness coach, TEDx speaker and mum to three. Lavina was awarded an MBE for services to health and fitness during Covid-19. Her mission is to help all ages (up to 100) feel good physically, mentally and reduce risks of common chronic diseases through her concept of ‘exercise snacking’ and free desk/chair workouts (as seen on TV & Radio with her 76 year old Mother in Law). Her slogan is to “Exercise for Sanity not Vanity®.” Lavina is a Patron of the Menopause Mandate.  Lavina is a proud Ambassador for Diabetes UK, Wellbeing of Women and Alzheimer’s Society, as well as supporting many charities. She regularly runs workplace wellness workshops, menopause talks, exercise snacking workshops, keynotes and features regularly in press and podcasts. She has been sharing her own perimenopause and menopause journey on social media and press to help normalise the conversation, especially in the workplace and in the South Asian community where many women are suffering in silence.  She wants to break the taboos, raise awareness, change the narrative and help women feel empowered to find solutions, aswell as educating the men around us. Lavina’s bestselling book, The Feel Good Fix: Boost Energy, Improve Sleep and Move More through Menopause and Beyond, published by Penguin Life is designed to improve your health in perimenopause, menopause and beyond, offering quick, fun, science-backed, bite-size exercise snacks.  Links Lavina Mehta : Website | Instagram | FB | YoutubeLavina’s book: The Feel Good Fix  https://amzn.eu/d/8bBeDWkNadia Nagamootoo: LinkedIn | InstagramAvenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservicesPurchase Beyond Discomfort using the discount code shared in the episode: ⁠https://practicalinspiration.com/book/beyond-discomfort

    47 min
  8. 53. Permissible Beauty with Robert Taylor

    06/23/2025

    53. Permissible Beauty with Robert Taylor

    In this compelling episode, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with renowned photographer, Robert Taylor. Robert discusses his impactful journey from the RAF to becoming an acclaimed artist whose work champions black queer visibility and diversity. Robert shares insights about his pioneering, powerful project, "Permissible Beauty," exhibited at Hampton Court Palace, which creatively explored Black queer representation and challenged traditional beauty standards. Delving deeply into topics such as British identity, the transformative potential of art, and his contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy and women’s visibility in STEM and academe, Robert's story highlights the power of authenticity, courage, and creative expression in challenging societal norms and fostering inclusion. Key Takeaways Art can challenge traditional standards of beauty and identity, making space for diverse representation.Visibility and representation of marginalised groups in heritage spaces can profoundly impact audience perceptions and foster deeper understanding.Creating dialogue and opening spaces for previously unheard voices requires courage, intentionality, and a willingness to embrace vulnerability.Personal experiences deeply inform artistic expression, leading to transformative social impact.Intersectionality and personal identity are crucial in navigating and reshaping societal narratives.Active allyship and institutional support are essential in successfully advancing diversity and inclusion projects.Highlights Robert's journey from RAF serviceman to prominent photographer, illustrating diverse pathways to creative expression.The Permissible Beauty project at Hampton Court Palace and its groundbreaking portrayal of black queer narratives.Exploring Britishness and navigating personal identity within predominantly white and traditional spaces.The significant role of chosen families in the queer community, illustrated through the "Four-Sided Triangle" project.Capturing portraits of pioneering women for major institutions like the National Portrait Gallery and Oxbridge colleges, showcasing women’s achievements in STEM and academe.Robert’s reflections on challenging conventional perceptions of beauty, success, and representation in contemporary art and culture.Guest Bio Robert came to photography via the RAF, The Bar, and publishing. His work is held in collections including the NPG, the V&A, and numerous Oxbridge colleges. His work ranges from commercial portraiture to art projects. His many contributions to HIV prevention include a major safer sex education book with Peter Tatchell. Robert has dedicated time to commissioned collections of portraits of women of outstanding achievement in STEM and academe. A 2023 project at Hampton Court Palace explored notions of beauty, from eight black queer perspectives: https://permissiblebeauty.le.ac.uk/.Other interests include offender rehabilitation through the arts, clothing, and jewellery for men. Links Robert Taylor: Website | Instag⁠ramNadia Nagamootoo:⁠ LinkedIn⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠Avenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices⁠

    56 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

If you have any form of Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging remit then this is the show for you. From thought-provoking conversations about parenting, gender stereotypes and racial inequality through to neurodiversity, sexuality and more, you’ll build your knowledge and get amazing advice from experts. To be the best in your field, you’ll need this latest thinking in Inclusion and Diversity so you can speak with enhanced confidence and credibility. Join Nadia Nagamootoo each month for inspiring conversations that you can use to accelerate your organisation’s journey towards inclusion.

Information

  • Creator
    Nadia Nagamootoo
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nadia Nagamootoo
  • Show Website
    Why Care?