Why Care?

Nadia Nagamootoo
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Business
  • Updated Monthly

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. 63. How to Create Safer Cultures at Work and Beyond, with Jamie Klingler

    4d ago

    63. How to Create Safer Cultures at Work and Beyond, with Jamie Klingler

    In this episode of Why Care?, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by writer, broadcaster and campaigner Jamie Klingler for a conversation about accidental activism, women’s safety, police reform and the institutional failures that still leave women carrying the burden of risk. Jamie reflects on the moment Sarah Everard’s murder pushed her from behind-the-scenes media work into national campaigning, how Reclaim These Streets was formed at breakneck speed, and why the vigil and High Court fight became a turning point in the public conversation on violence against women and girls. From there, the conversation widens into what has changed, what has not, and what leaders still fail to understand. Jamie speaks candidly about consent, male entitlement, the emotional toll of becoming a public voice on women’s safety, and why organisations cannot keep treating violence, harassment and misogyny as if they sit outside the workplace. The result is a powerful episode about courage, accountability and what it really takes to change culture rather than simply comment on it. Key Takeaways The public conversation on violence against women has moved, but institutions still lag behind. Consent education needs to go far beyond teaching girls how to say no. Men who want to help often need practical, behaviour-based guidance rather than abstract reassurance that they are “one of the good ones”. Organisations already know where the risks are. The issue is usually not awareness but whether leaders are willing to act early and decisively.  Guest Bio Jamie Klingler became an activist and campaigner for women's safety and police reform as one of the founders of Reclaim These Streets, an organisation that was created after Sarah Everard, was abducted, raped and murdered by a serving police officer. The organisation tried to hold a vigil for Sarah, but the Metropolitan Police said they weren’t allowed. In doing so and trying to silence them; Reclaim These Streets fought them in the High Court for violating their human right to assemble, and won. Jamie speaks on becoming an accidental activist and using her media and events expertise to create a real impact.  Her TEDx talk on How to Reclaim Your Life is here: https://www.ted.com/talks/jamie_klingler_reclaim_yourself_the_most_valuable_investment_you_ll_make Links Jamie: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ Nadia Nagamootoo:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | Buy ⁠⁠⁠Beyond Discomfort⁠⁠⁠Avenir Consulting: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices⁠⁠⁠Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mauro Kenji Serra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kenji Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠

    54 min
  2. 62. Why High Performers Still Don’t Feel Good Enough, with Starling

    Jun 1

    62. Why High Performers Still Don’t Feel Good Enough, with Starling

    In this episode of Why Care?, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by pop artist, Starling, for a conversation about self-worth, invisible adversity, ageism, loneliness and the courage to become who you really are. Starling shares how childhood trauma, industry gatekeeping and years of being told she was not enough shaped her early story, and how inner work, nervous system awareness and radical self-belief helped her rebuild it. Together, they explore the pressures of image, success and social media, why so many people still feel lonely and not good enough, and what it means to create work that heals rather than simply performs. It is a conversation about confidence, human connection and choosing yourself, again and again. Key Takeaways: Invisible adversity shapes confidence just as deeply as more visible forms of discrimination or exclusion. You can build an identity that is both fully authentic and consciously created. Success, followers and public recognition do not automatically heal not-enoughness. Feeling safe in your body and nervous system changes the quality of your choices. Self-improvement becomes healthier when it comes from self-respect rather than self-rejection. Human connection remains one of the most powerful forms of healing.  Guest Bio Starling is a pop artist and speaker whose work sits at the intersection of music and personal transformation, a space her growing audience describes as “pop therapy”. Once told she could not sing, she has built her career by dismantling limitations and turning lived experience into songs about empowerment, resilience and possibility. Her music centres on one core idea: you are not what has happened to you, you are what you choose to become. Alongside millions of streams, major radio and press support, and sync placements including Love Island, Starling has also built a powerful platform around self-worth, creative empowerment and human connection, helping people rethink what they are capable of becoming. Links Starling: ⁠Website ⁠| ⁠Facebook⁠|⁠ Instagram ⁠| ⁠Spotify ⁠| ⁠Apple Music⁠ Nadia Nagamootoo:⁠ ⁠⁠Website⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠ | Buy ⁠Beyond Discomfort⁠Avenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices⁠Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Mauro Kenji Serra⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kenji Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠

    48 min
  3. 61. Worthiness, Belonging, and Leadership with Nova Reid

    May 11

    61. Worthiness, Belonging, and Leadership with Nova Reid

    In the first episode of Why Care? Season 7, Nadia Nagamootoo sits down with Nova Reid, founder, storyteller, and bestselling author of The Good Ally, for a conversation about worthiness, healing, history, and leadership. Nova explains why worthiness is not something we earn through achievement, but something many of us must practice intentionally after learning unworthiness early in life. Together, they explore how social programming shapes identity, belonging, and self-esteem, how assimilation and silence can become survival strategies, and why people-pleasing often leaves us exhausted, overextended, and disconnected from ourselves. They also unpack the deeper inner work behind leadership, the cost of telling only the stories systems find convenient, and why care must sit at the centre of culture, storytelling, and change. Key Takeaways: Worthiness is a lifelong practice, not a reward for productivity or performance. Bias and social programming begin early, long before children can fully understand the messages they absorb. Assimilation, silence, and overadaptation are often learned as safety strategies, especially across generations. People pleasing and overgiving can feel generous, but they can also drain us and prevent others from developing their own agency. Real culture change requires more than representation. It requires reckoning, care, and inner work. Guest Bio Nova Reid is a founder and visionary who cares deeply about healing and repair and uses the power of storytelling to help solve social justice issues. Often described as a force to be reckoned with, Nova’s work sits at the intersection of storytelling, mental health, and social justice. She is a renowned agent of change, winning multiple accolades for her work in racial justice spanning over a decade. She has performed on world class stages and written for major publications including The Guardian, Vogue and Elle Magazine - her cannon of work from her bestselling book The Good Ally - to Hidden Histories with Nova Reid is consistently described as life changing. Links Nova Reid: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Hidden Histories with Nova Reid | The Good AllyBook tickets to Nova’s one-woman show, Worthy on 23rd June 2026: https://www.novareid.com/worthyNadia Nagamootoo: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Buy Beyond DiscomfortAvenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservicesProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mauro Kenji Serra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kenji Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    54 min
  4. Shame, Identity and the Right to Be Yourself | Why Care? Live in partnership with Athena Effect

    Mar 29 ·  Bonus

    Shame, Identity and the Right to Be Yourself | Why Care? Live in partnership with Athena Effect

    In this special live episode of Why Care? Live, recorded at Dame Kelly Holmes’ Annual Women’s Celebration Event - Athena Effect, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by Linda Riley, Raga D’silva, and Vikki Feltham for a powerful conversation on identity, shame, visibility, and what it takes to live truthfully in a world shaped by expectations. Together, they explore the pressure to stay hidden, the cost of being judged by systems and society, and the courage it takes to reject shame and define yourself on your own terms. From activism and allyship to illness, recovery, and self-acceptance, each guest shares deeply personal reflections on being seen, being underestimated, and choosing authenticity anyway. This is a conversation about what happens when women stop shrinking, stop apologising, and start living fully as themselves. Key Takeaways Authenticity often comes with risk, but hiding can carry its own long-term cost. Raga speaks about years of living multiple identities before deciding she could no longer stay hidden. Shame begins to loosen when people reconnect with their own worth rather than external expectations. Vikki reflects on surviving cancer, rebuilding trust in her body, and no longer seeing herself as someone to hide. Allyship matters most when allies speak up, not just listen quietly. Linda makes a direct call for stronger ally support, especially when LGBTQIA+ communities are forced to defend themselves alone. Inclusion conversations become more powerful when they are open, human, and psychologically safe, which is exactly how Why Care? Live is positioned in the concept brochure. The closing message of the panel is simple and strong: listen without judgment, question your assumptions, and help shape change through everyday actions. Links - Nadia Nagamootoo:⁠ Official website⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ - Avenir Consulting: ⁠https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices - Athena Effect: Official website| Instagram - Dame Kelly Holmes: Official site | LinkedIn | Instagram - Linda Riley: Official website | LinkedIn | Instagram - Raga D'silva: Official website | LinkedIn - Vikki Feltham: LinkedIn | Instagram

    42 min
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nadia Nagamootoo
  • Show Website
    Why Care?