In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood and guest Sharitta Marshall delve into the financial and emotional implications of employee turnover within organisations. Sharitta, a seasoned expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion, questions traditional decision-making processes and advocates for a deeper understanding of why employees leave, urging companies to focus on keeping them engaged. Joanne and Sharitta explore the tangible costs of poor employee experience and high turnover, stressing the importance of making a compelling business case for human experience, especially in a capitalist-driven world.

Sharitta Marshall, founder of Visionary Development Consulting, is dedicated to fighting for workplace equality and liberation for all. Her consultancy focuses on providing strategies for businesses to empower Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and develop equity within organisations. Sharitta's advocacy reaches beyond the boardroom; she is committed to challenging systemic inequities, addressing the often overlooked individual impacts of DEI, and fighting against late stage capitalist resistance to equity. With her experience as a global ERG leader, Sharita brings a wealth of knowledge on aligning ERG initiatives with organisational goals to drive meaningful change.

The conversation touches on the ongoing challenges and resistance faced in driving DEI efforts, with Sharita highlighting the influence of the impending US election and the broader political climate on DEI funding and initiatives. Joanne and Sharitta also delve into the concept of meritocracy, privilege, and the challenges of addressing systemic inequalities. They discuss the role of ERGs as strategic business units and the importance of executive sponsorship for ERGs, underlining the need for clear roles, responsibilities, and alignment with business objectives.

The episode concludes with a powerful message on the interconnectedness of societal issues and the necessity of shifting towards understanding collective global impact. Joanne encourages listeners to subscribe to Inclusion Bites, share their journeys, and reach out with thoughts and stories for future episodes.

A key takeaway from this episode is the pressing need for organisations to prioritise DEI initiatives and understand their cost implications, not just financially but also in terms of human experience. Listeners will gain valuable insights into effectively engaging employees, addressing systemic inequalities, and leveraging ERGs to drive business success and foster an inclusive workplace culture. This episode is a call to action for leaders to re-evaluate their DEI strategies, ensuring they are meaningful and impactful.

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood and guest Lina Jankauskeite explore the power of reframing our perceptions of people's actions and difficult situations. Joanne and Lina delve into the significance of viewing others through a positive lens and discuss strategies for reframing negative experiences to lessen frustration. Through personal anecdotes and learned insights, Joanne and Lina highlight the necessity of taking personal responsibility for our decisions and turning mistakes into invaluable learning opportunities.

Lina Jankauskeite is a psychologist, holistic life coach, and speaker who has journeyed from rural Lithuania to the diverse and bustling environment of the UK. At the age of 20, Lina moved to London, initially arriving for a break but eventually finding a sense of belonging and community, particularly through her work at the airport. Lina is dedicated to promoting self-awareness, resilience, and self-leadership. She focuses on empowering individuals to adopt proactive mindsets and avoid the victim mentality. Her engaging conversational style and thought-provoking insights make her an impactful guest on the podcast.

Together, Joanne and Lina unpack the barriers such as defensiveness that undermine effective self-leadership. They discuss how humility, vulnerability, and the willingness to admit mistakes are crucial in leadership and personal growth. Highlighting experiences from business and personal interactions, Joanne credits her own entrepreneurial journey for reinforcing the importance of personal accountability and effective leadership. Lina emphasizes the systemic change that begins with individual actions and shares her evolution in consciously using empowering language to alter thought patterns and foster resilience.

Joanne and Lina also address walking away from toxic situations and the importance of achieving closure. Lina reflects on her personal journey of recognising and changing disempowering language, framing it as a daily practice that requires self-awareness and consistent effort. Their discussion is not only enlightening but also equips listeners with practical strategies to cultivate a healthier, proactive mindset.

A key takeaway from this episode is the importance of reframing our perceptions and taking personal responsibility for our actions and decisions. By practicing self-awareness, embracing humility, and consciously using empowering language, listeners can transform their interactions and foster a more inclusive and positive environment. This episode encourages reflection and offers actionable insights for anyone seeking to drive personal and systemic change. Don’t miss out on this transformative conversation!

In this insightful episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood welcomes Manoj Krishna to discuss the profound connection between self-awareness and societal peace. Manoj, a former spine surgeon turned wisdom educator, explores how personal enlightenment can lead to broader societal transformation. The conversation revolves around the themes of inner peace, the quest for happiness, and the transformative potential of truly understanding ourselves and others. Joanne and Manoj delve into the pitfalls of modern education systems that curb natural curiosity and discuss the societal obsession with material accumulation as a false path to happiness.

Manoj Krishna is the founder of the Human Wisdom Project and the creator of the HappierME app. With his medical background and extensive training, he pivoted from medicine to focus on fostering a better future for humanity through promoting inner peace and self-understanding. His work, particularly in schools, is dedicated to drawing out children's innate intelligence rather than imposing information, aiming to cultivate a generation that prioritizes wisdom and emotional intelligence. Through his initiatives, Manoj endeavors to help individuals unlock their inner potential, enabling them to make better decisions and contribute positively to a peaceful world.

The episode is rich with thought-provoking anecdotes and practical advice, highlighting how shifting our focus from external achievements to internal growth can mitigate widespread issues like stress and loneliness. They discuss the necessity of exposure to diverse perspectives and the critical role of education in cultivating a deep understanding of the human mind. Joanne and Manoj emphasize the importance of embracing change and personal growth as pathways to reducing global suffering and enhancing relationships.

The conversation underlines the urgency of reevaluating our priorities and values to address the root causes of personal and societal discord. A key takeaway for listeners is the empowerment that comes with self-awareness and the impact this can have not only on personal contentment but also on achieving a harmonious society. This episode is a compelling call to cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves to foster a world characterised by peace and understanding.