This week, we're bringing you inside REG Connect 2025 - a game-changing event that shook up the Manchester business scene in all the right ways. I’m joined by Ngozi Weller and Wayne Bennett, the powerhouses behind it, to talk about how they pulled it off, why it matters, and what needs to happen next if we’re serious about racial equity in business. It’s honest, energetic and full of the kind of chat that gets people thinking (and doing). Highlights: (07:40) Why this event couldn’t afford to fai...
Jul 16, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 107
Ever wondered what it really feels like to lead inclusion work when the world seems to be pushing back? In this episode, I’m sharing what came up at our recent executive roundtable in London - no recording, just a closed-door, honest conversation between inclusion and HR leaders who are doing the work and feeling the weight of it. From burnout and budget cuts to shifting language and peer support, this one’s a reflective unpacking of where we are, what’s changing, and what’s still possible. High...
Jun 18, 2025•29 min•Ep. 106
This one’s been a long time coming. I’m joined by the brilliant Sally Pritchett - CEO of Something Big, champion of inclusive communication, and my personal friend - for a proper, honest chat about what it really means to be a good ally. Not in theory, not in hashtags, but in actual day-to-day action. We’re talking about using your privilege, showing up when it matters, and making real impact through business. Spoiler alert: she’s got a cold, I’ve got a cold, but the energy? Still 10/10. Highlig...
Jun 04, 2025•57 min•Ep. 105
In this episode, we're joined by the brilliant Jason Spencer from ITV to talk about what inclusion really looks like behind the scenes - and why it’s not just good for the world, it’s good for business too. From authentic representation on screen to real accountability within teams, Jason shares what it takes to create a culture that actually matters. This one will definitely get you thinking differently about DEI, whether you’re in media or not. Highlights: (05:24) Why representation drives rea...
May 21, 2025•45 min•Ep. 104
This episode’s a bit of a special one. Clarke Carlisle - yes, that’s Clarke Carlisle - joins me for an honest, wide-ranging chat that covers everything from race and mental health to faith, football, fatherhood, and the many layers of identity. It’s raw, reflective and, at times, surprisingly funny. Clarke’s openness is something else, and I can’t wait for you to hear the kind of conversation that doesn’t happen often enough. Highlights: (08:43) The Mixed Race Misnomer (21:11) Death by a Thousan...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 103
In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Zahoor Ahmad, who’s leading the charge at the Co-op when it comes to turning big talk about racial equity into real action. We’re getting into everything from unconscious bias to how data (yes, actual numbers) can help create fairer workplaces. Zahoor brings decades of experience, loads of honesty, and the kind of clarity that cuts through the fluff. This one’s essential listening if you’re serious about building truly inclusive cultures - not just pe...
Apr 23, 2025•49 min•Ep. 102
This episode is one I’ve been itching to share with you. I sat down with Suzy Levy, and we got straight into what it takes to build inclusive workplaces. Not box-ticking. Not surface-level diversity. Real inclusion that changes how people feel when they show up to work. Suzy’s got the kind of clarity and experience that makes you sit up straighter and think, “Right. That’s what we’ve been missing.” She’s also the author of Mind the Inclusion Gap, which, if you haven’t read, might just become you...
Apr 09, 2025•46 min•Ep. 101
We made it to 100 episodes! Honestly, when we kicked off The Wellbeing Rebellion, we thought we might squeeze out 50 at best. But here we are, still going, still growing, and still asking the big questions. In this episode, we're talking about happiness - not the fluffy kind that gets dismissed in corporate circles, but the kind that actually makes a difference at work. The kind that supports performance, retention, and real engagement. It’s a reminder that happy people don’t just feel better, t...
Mar 26, 2025•31 min•Ep. 100
Welcome back, rebels! Today’s episode is all about the power of play - and we’re not talking about office politics. Instead, we’re exploring how play can transform workplace culture, foster real connections, and create environments where people want to show up. Our guest, Scott Tibbitts, has built a legendary people-first culture in the most unexpected of places - space technology! From launching a company with just $7.20 in hardware store parts to achieving a 99% employee retention rate, Scott ...
Mar 12, 2025•46 min•Ep. 99
Welcome back to The Wellbeing Rebellion! Today, we’re talking about something crucial - supporting the wellbeing of frontline workers. These are the people without office comforts, working in unpredictable environments. Joining me is Jamie Broadley, Group Head of Health and Wellbeing at Serco. With a background in professional rugby and NHS staff wellbeing, Jamie’s now led Serco to achieve ISO 45003 certification - one of only two UK companies to do so. We explore what that means and how organis...
Feb 26, 2025•41 min•Ep. 98
Right, rebels, we need to talk. You’ve probably heard the whispers - DEI is out of fashion, companies are quietly shelving their initiatives, and the world seems to be moving backwards. But here’s the thing: just because something is out of favour doesn’t mean it’s not essential. In fact, it’s more important than ever. Today, I’m joined by the brilliant Gardy Guiteau, a powerhouse in this space, to unpack what’s really happening, why fear is driving the backlash, and what leaders need to do next...
Feb 12, 2025•54 min•Ep. 97
Psychological safety at work is one of those topics everyone talks about but few truly understand. Today, we’re joined by Hord Wbi, a driving force behind Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Rabobank. He’s sharing how they’re not just talking about change but embedding it into the heart of their workplace culture. If you’ve ever wondered how to take DEI from theory to action, this episode is for you. Rebels, lets do this! Highlights: (3:33) Rabobank's Mission and Philosophy (12:00) The Three Shi...
Jan 29, 2025•40 min•Ep. 96
Today, we’re talking about something that’s not just important - it’s essential. Neurodiversity and race are two topics that often get overlooked in workplace conversations, but together, they reveal a much bigger picture. I’m thrilled to have Reena Anand with me for this episode. From her personal experiences to her groundbreaking consultancy, Reena brings a fresh perspective to how businesses can build environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Get ready for this one, because R...
Jan 15, 2025•43 min•Ep. 95
Welcome to this special New Year’s episode of The Wellbeing Rebellion. It’s that time when we press pause, take stock, and set our sights on what’s next. Today, we’re reflecting on the incredible conversations of last year, sharing our gratitude with you - our brilliant listeners - and giving you a glimpse of what’s coming up this season. So, grab a moment for yourself, and let’s kick off the year together, one intention at a time. Highlights: (1:45) Upcoming Guests and Topics for 2025 (3:13) Se...
Jan 01, 2025•6 min•Ep. 94
2024 has been quite the year, hasn’t it? Massive shifts, big conversations, and plenty for leaders, HR teams, and culture champions to think about. In this episode, we’re looking back at the five key moments that shaped workplace cultures this year - from new laws to economic pressures - and unpacking what’s next for 2025. Whether you’re planning, reflecting, or just trying to keep up, this one’s for you. Highlights: (11:03) Impact of US Political Changes (19:06) Economic Challenges and Their Ef...
Dec 18, 2024•41 min•Ep. 93
Hi, rebels. Let’s discuss something that’s got everyone talking - AI and the future of work. We’re not here for the sci-fi scare stories; instead, we’re focusing on how AI can actually make our work lives better and more meaningful. My guest today is James Akrigg, one of the sharpest minds I know when it comes to tech. He’s here to help us cut through the noise, share how AI can be a force for good, and maybe even settle a few fears along the way. I’m intrigued, and I know you will be too. Highl...
Dec 04, 2024•46 min•Ep. 92
In this episode, we’re joined by Mariya Findzhikova, the Global Lead of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at TomTom, to explore the power of grassroots growth in creating more inclusive workplace cultures. Mariya shares how TomTom is embedding DEI principles into its business strategy, building employee resource groups, and fostering psychological safety for employees. From leveraging leadership buy-in to amplifying voices through storytelling, Mariya breaks down practical steps for cultivating i...
Nov 20, 2024•30 min•Ep. 91
Today's episode of The Wellbeing Rebellion takes on a topic that’s often sidestepped in conversations about workplace inclusivity: the real obstacles people with disabilities face when job hunting. Disability inclusion expert Jane Hatton is here to shed light on this from her wealth of experience. She's not just a leading voice but a real change-maker, founding the world’s only global disability job board run by and for disabled people. The Expect a conversation packed with practical wisdom, bol...
Nov 06, 2024•57 min•Ep. 90
On this week’s episode of The Wellbeing Rebellion, I am joined by Chris Folwell. Chris is Global Head of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness at Uber. He’s focused on making sure the Global DEI strategy is relevant across the EMEA region as well as Uber’s Global Mobility business. He has worked for a range of organisations across multiple sectors, in roles ranging from DEI, HR, Ops Leadership, Product Development, and Brand Management. Chris has some incredible insights to share on how pri...
Oct 23, 2024•52 min•Ep. 89
This episode discusses sensitive topics related to suicide and the emotional aftermath of losing a loved one to suicide. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Please take care while listening, and if you feel that this may be too difficult for you, consider skipping this episode or listening with support nearby. This week, I sit down with Caroline Roodhouse, a mother who tragically lost her husband, Steve, to suicide. Caroline shares her deeply personal and emotional journey through g...
Oct 13, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 88
In this episode, I’m excited to share the highlights and key takeaways from the Wellbeing at Work Summit. I’ll walk you through my thoughts on the event, including ITV’s inspiring approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and why their representation goals for 2025 are worth noting. We also delivered a workshop on productivity, but with a twist—we focused on managing energy rather than time, and how to do it without sacrificing your wellbeing. I’ll share insights on how to leverage your natu...
Oct 09, 2024•23 min•Ep. 87
Welcome to this special episode of The Wellbeing Rebellion , recorded live from the Wellbeing at Work Summit in London! I'm here in the heart of Westminster, sneaking into a quiet room to share some key insights and takeaways from today's panels and speakers. It's been an inspiring day with HR leaders, wellbeing professionals, and some of the top minds from companies like Sky, Channel 4, and Freshfields all coming together to explore how we can better support mental health and wellbeing in the w...
Oct 02, 2024•29 min•Ep. 86
In this week’s episode, we're breaking the silence and celebrating LGBTQ+ voices at work. I’m joined by two incredible guests, Matt Haworth and Claire Ebrey, the powerhouse duo behind Pride in Leadership, an organisation committed to empowering LGBTQ+ professionals to step up as leaders without fear of bias or discrimination. Matt and Claire share how their mission is creating safe, inclusive spaces where LGBTQ+ professionals can thrive, offering mentorship, training, and a vibrant community. We...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 85
In today’s episode, we sit down with Liza McKelvey, VP of People and Culture at Cochlear, to discuss the impact of prioritising employee wellbeing in a time of crisis and beyond. Liza shares how her team embraced our framework during the pandemic’s toughest days, turning it into a long-term strategy that still resonates across cultures and teams today. We explore the importance of tailored approaches to wellbeing, why a one-size-fits-all method doesn't work, and how fostering a culture of care c...
Sep 11, 2024•13 min•Ep. 84
In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what we do outside of hosting The Wellbeing Rebellion podcast. We’re diving into Aurora, the business we founded back in 2017, and how we’ve turned our personal pain into a mission to transform workplaces into high-performing cultures that value openness, trust, and true inclusivity. We break down the essence of Aurora—our passion for people-centered workplaces and our commitment to helping businesses create environments where everyone thrives, ...
Sep 04, 2024•39 min•Ep. 83
No full episode this week, rebels! Here's a quick message from Ngozi though. Enjoy your summer. See you in September! Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Aurora Company Profile 2024 Book a Call here...
Aug 28, 2024•5 min•Ep. 82
No full episode this week, rebels! Here's a quick message from Obehi though. Enjoy your summer. See you in September! Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Aurora Company Profile 2024 Book a Call here...
Aug 21, 2024•3 min•Ep. 81
Welcome back, everyone! Today on the Wellbeing Rebellion, we’re welcoming Laura Wharton. Laura is a powerhouse legal professional and a dedicated mum, navigating the challenging balance of career and parenting. Join us as we have an honest chat about the myth of "having it all" and what it really takes to juggle work, family, and personal ambitions. Laura shares her journey, her struggles, and some brilliant insights on how she manages to keep all the balls in the air. Let's get into it! Highlig...
Aug 14, 2024•51 min•Ep. 80
Welcome back, rebels! In this episode of The Wellbeing Rebellion, we're diving into the state of public mental health support with our incredible guest, Fay Selvan. Fay, the Chief Exec at The Big Life Group, has been a trailblazing social entrepreneur since 1991, working tirelessly to fight inequality and improve lives across the North of England. From mental health services to community initiatives, Fay brings a wealth of knowledge and passion. Get ready to hear about the challenges, the triump...
Aug 07, 2024•39 min•Ep. 79
Welcome back Rebels! It’s Obehi here and in this episode, I share my own personal story and journey. As a psychologist, management consultant, and executive coach, I've dedicated my career to helping others overcome stress, burnout, and mental health challenges. But my path hasn't been an easy one. I share my journey through challenging times, including academic struggles in my teens and the tragic loss of my mother in a car accident, which profoundly shaped my life and career. I also discuss ov...
Jul 31, 2024•42 min•Ep. 78
