In this episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue talks to Solène Anglaret who is currently a D&I partner at innovative KK tn. Solène is originally from France, but has a career spanning across six different countries. Solène discusses her entry point into DEI, what fascinated her by looking at humans' different backgrounds and different ways of thinking. Causing her to also see the many similarities in humans and opportunity for compassion. All of this contributed to Solène writing her blog called Beyond Borders, which is all about belonging across different countries and looking for home, where is home and what is home.

“We are encouraging other people, maybe who don't have the responsibilities or D&I goals, to do their own education and learning. And so if we don't do it, it's kind of like you put the oxygen mask on the other person before yourself, it's not going to work, right, you're going to run out of oxygen. So that peace around leadership, I think, is also really important. ”

Episode Highlights: 

● Surprises discovered whilst being in a DEI role

● How we as DEI professionals can innovate inclusively

● What advice Solène would share with aspiring DEI professionals

About Solène Anglaret: 

Born and raised in France, Solène moved abroad for the first time when she was 18. She has since lived in 6 countries and travelled to over 50. After starting her career in the environmental sector, Solène then joined the travel industry, before finding her way into the world of diversity and inclusion in innovation. Over the past 10 years, she has gathered experience across a wide range of areas from strategy to project management, transformation, events, communication, leadership, coaching, culture change, diversity, and inclusion. She currently works as Diversity & Inclusion Partner at Innovate UK KTN.

Solène is also an Author, Presenter, and Entrepreneur. Four years ago, she created Be Beyond Borders and published four books: Where to Next? (travel memoir), Where Are You From? (children's story), Where? (poetry) and Pensées d'Ailleurs (poetry) - all around the themes of identity, home, and belonging. She also spoke at TEDx Melbourne and many other events. In 2022, she launched The Inclusion Conversation, a talkshow which aims to break down borders and bring the world closer together, one conversation at a time. 

When not working or hustling, you'll find Solène travelling at every opportunity, spending time with her partner and family, walking in nature, and/or eating (too much) chocolate...!

Book an exploratory call to discuss whether the DEI Prof Academy is right for you. You can ask any questions you may have. These spaces are very limited so if you’d like to have a chat with me directly about DEI competence and practice, then book a call here. 

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https://sites.google.com/benhue.com/dei-pro-training-and-coaching/home 

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In this episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue talks to Rajiv Desai, a DEI practitioner originally from India, living in Berlin Germany, but considers himself a citizen of the world. Rajiv not only owns his own consulting practice, where he helps small and medium sized organisations get started on their diversity, equity and inclusion journey. He also serves as a Board Chair for Oran, which is the organisation for refugee asylum and migration to help LGBT IQ refugees, find safe spaces in the world. During this episode Rajiv and Ashanti will highlight many different topics,like why it is important to find your own personal niche as a practitioner whilst working in the field of DEI.

“What I tell every person who's aspiring to get into the DEI world is truly know your why. Why are you trying to get into this? Is it because everybody has told you it's the place to make money? I would say maybe not right? It's still, pretty hard to make money in this space. You know, really know your why in terms of why do you want to do this?

Episode Highlights: 

● What’s it like working with German companies in the field of Dei

● As  a professional what skills do i need to acquire in order to be competent in this space

● Understanding the importance of the inside of a business

About Rajiv Desai: 

Rajiv Desai (He/Him) is a leader in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion  

(DEI) space. He takes a global and enterprise-wide approach to DEI,  

focusing not only on talent processes, but the business as well, and  

canvasses his efforts from internal focus to external clients and  

communities, through a lens of impact and equity.  

He has a particular interest and passion in getting smaller and more  

nascent organisations get started on the DEI journey. He founded Chrysalis LLC in October 2020  (incorporated in Washington DC), with the goal of helping small and medium-sized enterprises (both for  and non-profit) initiate their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) journey in an incremental, sustainable  and thoughtful manner. Some of his clients include Equal Justice Works, Relief International, Mathison,  Avita Pharmacy, Board.org etc.  

Prior to Chrysalis, he served as Vice President – DEI and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at  Gartner, where he helped build the function and strategy from scratch and ensured DEI efforts were  part of the broader organisational fabric. As Gartner’s first-ever head of DEI, he was also tasked with  building Gartner’s strategic CSR efforts and led the publication of their first CSR Report in 2019.  

Before Gartner acquired CEB, through CEB’s Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Council, Rajiv advised  senior D&I leaders at over 100 organisations, helping them with their DEI strategies through best  practices research, tools, and executive networking. He started his time at CEB in the Financial  Services practice since 2014, during which time, he was also involved with all employee resource  groups (ERG) and helped build the Pride ERG. Before 2014, Rajiv worked with FedEx for almost nine  years in Belgium, Dubai and the US, where he gained extensive business, operations, audit and  consulting experience.  

Rajiv holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Finance & Marketing; minor in Spanish)  from the University of Pittsburgh. He also completed a certificate course in Strategic Diversity &  Inclusion Management from Georgetown University in 2017 and an Executive Education certificate in  Inclusive Leadership from University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business. Rajiv is fluent in  Spanish and Hindi and conversational in Bengali and Gujarati.  

Rajiv is an active philanthropist. Since March 2020, he serves as the Board Chair for ORAM  (Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration, which protects and empowers LGBTIQ asylum seekers  and refugees globally). He also served on the board of The Rainbow Theatre Project from 2016 – 2020.  At an international level, Rajiv has completed volunteering projects in Mexico, focusing on LGBTQ  rights and Costa Rica, focusing on marine wildlife and turtle conservation. He is also a proud foster  parent to 3 baby elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya.  

In the past, Rajiv has lived in India, Spain, Mongolia, the UAE, and Belgium; and has traveled to over  65 countries, bringing a truly global perspective and cultural agility to his DEI work. As an openly gay  person, Rajiv is currently working on his memoir that captures lived experiences of his coming out  journey across multiple countries. Effective March 2022, Rajiv calls Berlin, Germany home and is  excited about working in the DEI world in Berlin.  

Connect with Rajiv Desai: 

Phone: +49 151 65142748 

Email: rajiv@chrysalisdei.com 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivdesai/

Book an exploratory call to discuss whether the DEI Prof Academy is right for you. You can ask any questions you may have. These spaces are very limited so if you’d like to have a chat with me directly about DEI competence and practice, then book a call here. 

You can find out about the services we offer here: 

https://sites.google.com/benhue.com/dei-pro-training-and-coaching/home 

Join the mailing list link: 

https://forms.gle/9GZtBkvkYgUbziho9 

Stay Connected with Ashanti: 

LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue 

Get in Touch: 

ashanti@benhue.com

In this episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue talks to Nadi Fantastic, an anti oppression business consultant, and inclusive leadership coach who helps businesses define, design and implement their anti oppression values into their operations. 

During this episode, Ashanti and Nadi explore many different subjects including the way Nadi works with leaders to really get them to figure out what they need to know and understand and dismantle in order to leave marginalised groups. 

“You're pulling the answers from them, which means you're asking the kinds of questions that are making them ponder, pause, consider, get uncomfortable sweat a little bit. So that they themselves are finding the answers.” 

Episode Highlights:

• The importance of actively seeking out different perspectives

• Research and understanding cultural differences

• How to heal yourself

About Nadi Fantastic:

Nadi Fantastic (she/they)

Nadi is an Anti-Oppression Business Consultant, Inclusive Leadership Coach, Justice Activist and Single Mama for 2 Magical Teens. 

Nadi's work supports business owners and leaders to transform idle business goals for inclusive and anti-oppressive operations into systems, policies + sustainable, non-performative practices.

After working with corporate teams for a number of years, Nadi has since shifted her focus to specifically support small teams and leaders seeking to develop their inclusive leadership abilities. 

You can learn more about their work via www.nadifantastic.com

Book an exploratory call to discuss whether the DEI Prof Academy is right for you. You can ask any 

questions you may have. These spaces are very limited so if you’d like to have a chat with me directly about DEI competence and practice, then book a call here.

If you'd like to discuss how we can provide support for you or your organisation, please email:

operations@goodsoilleaders.com

Stay Connected with Ashanti:

LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue 

In this episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue talks to Meera Somji, a DEI professional and the Co- founder of technology platform Clusivity. During this episode, Ashanti and Meera speak about data, specifically the integrity of data. As Well as Merra’s transition into being a  DEI professional.

“These concepts are not self evident, you know, the word diversity, the word equity, the word inclusion, they mean many different things to many different people. And so really being able to communicate that dispel myths and misunderstandings.”

Episode Highlights:

• Meera’s journey transitioning into diversity and inclusion

• How to nurture and develop data protection and privacy

• Creative ways to present data and concepts

About Meera Somji:

Meera is the co-founder of technology platform, Clusivity. Clusivity is a data and analytics platform helping customers to improve the retention of historically marginalised employees across gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and socio-economic background. 

Before taking this lead into entrepreneurship, Meera trained as a strategy consultant with Plural Strategy Group in London and in New York. In 2019, she moved into tech. Meera joined as Senior Manager, Product & Customer Success at Smartxpo, a fast-growing data and analytics start-up. She has also worked as a researcher into business, human rights and gender for UNDP Asia.

Meera has an undergraduate degree in Politics, Psychology and Sociology from the University of Cambridge and a Master's degree in Gender Studies from LSE. 

Book an exploratory call to discuss whether the DEI Prof Academy is right for you. You can ask any 

questions you may have. These spaces are very limited so if you’d like to have a chat with me directly about DEI competence and practice, then book a call here.

If you'd like to discuss how we can provide support for you or your organisation, please email 

operations@goodsoilleaders.com

Stay Connected with Ashanti:

LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue 

In this episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue talks to Louise Moulié, a DEI professional and the founder and host of the site diversity secret podcast. During this episode, Ashanti and Louise explore many different subjects including the different kinds of toolkits which are needed to really be able to move forward, completely dedicating oneself to the role of diversity and inclusion.

“Being a facilitator is just learning to be patient with oneself and with your journey, and with everyone else's journey as well.” 

Episode Highlights:

• There is no experience too small

• What value you can gain by being a facilitator

• Highlighting the taboo around diversity and inclusion

About Louise Moulié:

Louise Moulié, Founder and Podcast Host at Diversity Secrets

Louise started her DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) journey as Public Affairs and CSR Manager at the American Chamber of Commerce in France. There, she worked hand in hand with a wide range of multinationals and leading DEI experts to build tangible and actionable toolboxes in order to help organisations implement and promote DEI. 

Today, Louise helps organisations drive sustainable change in our society, through authentic and impactful DEI. Louise created the Diversity Secrets Podcast with the core belief that the secret to successful DEI is learning from the experience of others, through meaningful dialogue. Leading DEI experts from around the globe join her weekly for honest conversations where they share their unique insights, inspiring experiences and pragmatic advice. Louise puts these teachings into practice as a DEI consultant, helping organisations across the business field develop and implement impactful and sustainable DEI strategies.

Book an exploratory call to discuss whether the DEI Prof Academy is right for you. You can ask any 

questions you may have. These spaces are very limited so if you’d like to have a chat with me directly about DEI competence and practice, then book a call here.

If you'd like to discuss how we can provide support for you or your organisation, please email 

operations@goodsoilleaders.com

Stay Connected with Ashanti:

LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue 

In this episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue shares some insights from coaching DEI PROs in their first 90 days of a new role in an organization. 

Book an exploratory call to discuss whether the DEI Prof Academy is right for you. You can ask any questions you may have. These spaces are very limited so if you’d like to have a chat with me directly about DEI competence and practice, then book a call here. 

If you'd like to discuss how we can provide support for you or your organisation, please email operations@goodsoilleaders.com 

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In this episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue talks to Kay Fabella, the CEO and founder of inclusion in progress, who also has a podcast of the same name,  where they really dive into the dynamics of global teams. Advising the likes of companies mostly in the tech industry. Sitting down with organisations to figure out what is it that could be preventing their remote teams from reaching their full potential, by looking at dynamics such as virtual versus in person, as well as the different cultural things that might be present. 

“When you have a face that isn't easy to place like mine, you will always get the second question. The first being where are you from? And the second, where are you really from? And you realise very early on, once you go through the whole thing of I just want to belong, and I don't like being asked that question because it points out my difference of embracing the role that you have of telling your own story in the rooms that you walk into. And so that really formed an impression on me from a young age, the power of stories to connect people.” 

Episode Highlights:

• The power of stories to connect people

• How important is mental health in the field of DEI?

• The issue of cookie-cutter approaches

• Creating psychological safety in remote teams

About Kay Fabella:

Kay Fabella is a DEI Consultant whose approach combines inclusion, intercultural communication and her understanding of supporting global teams in a remote environment. She’s partnered with companies including Red Hat, Instagram, the IMF, and Philips to improve inclusive communication skills between team members, to retain top talent and reduce turnover, and to build a culture of inclusion that helps companies maintain their competitive edge in the future of work.

A Filipina American in Spain since 2010, Kay draws from her own lived experiences as a "multihyphenate" woman of colour, a daughter of immigrants, and an immigrant herself running a fully remote team to inform her DEI work. She believes that more inclusive workplace cultures start with sharing non-linear stories — to expand worldviews and increase connectivity and collaboration. 

Areas of Expertise:

Diversity and Inclusion Consulting, Remote Team Strategies, Employer Branding, Future of Work & Intersectionality, Millennial and Gen Z Recruitment, Mental Health in DEI.

Available for Comment On:

Cross-cultural inclusion strategies for global teams

Intersectionality initiatives for women of colour

Mental health for historically excluded employees

Remote team inclusion & the future of work Work Featured In:

Forbes, Fast Company, Thrive Global.

Connect with Kay Fabella:

           kay@inclusioninprogress.com

           inclusioninprogress.com

           LinkedIn: kayfabella

           Twitter: @KayFab

           IG: @InclusionInProgress

Book an exploratory call to discuss whether the DEI Prof Academy is right for you. You can ask any questions you may have. These spaces are very limited so if you’d like to have a chat with me directly about DEI competence and practice, then book a call here.

If you'd like to discuss how we can provide support for you or your organisation, please email 

operations@goodsoilleaders.com

Stay Connected with Ashanti:

LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue 

In this episode, I am going to share with you some of the mistakes I have made over the years as a DEI professional, but also what I was able to learn from these mistakes.

“Being aware of pace, and that was something I had to learn. I've been able to turn it into a strength, it's one of the reasons why organisations work with us, because we focus on laying the right foundation, making sure they have the good soil, healthy, moist soil, that allows them to launch initiatives and programmes that have a relative chance of success, of the buds coming forth.”

Episode Highlights:

• The importance of saying no and providing alternatives

• Resentment, jealousy and ego

• Peer-to-peer interaction in training

• The importance of style versus substance

Book an exploratory call to discuss whether the DEI Prof Academy is right for you. You can ask any questions you may have. These spaces are very limited so if you’d like to have a chat with me directly about DEI competence and practice, then book a call here.

If you'd like to discuss how we can provide support for you or your organisation, please email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com

In this episode, Ashanti Bentil-Dhue talks to Katy Penman, a DEI professional based in Scotland whose experience in DEI has been in txhe regulatory sector of health care, social care and the charity sector. Katy Penman discusses how hearing the stories that people have to tell about their experiences with their health primarily, and uncovering a lot of stuff about health inequalities really spoke to her. Thus spurring her to pursue and get involved in lots of different working groups and increasing her knowledge and awareness resulting in applying for DEI roles.

“You have to start with your own self awareness, you have to start with your limitations, you know that over-promising and under delivering is so easy because you want positive experiences for everyone. And you really have to pull back and say, That's great. And I would love to do that for you. But these are our corporate priorities, this is where it sits in our strategy.  ” 

Episode Highlights:

• What has surprised me about working in the DEI field?

• Specific skills and competencies you need to develop to be a good practitioner

• The importance of Building influence within an organisation

About Katy Penman:

Katy Penman

Freelance consultant and trainer in public engagement, DEI and volunteer practice.

Katy Penman works with organisations who engage with the public and who consider volunteers as part of their service delivery teams – from statutory bodies to social enterprises to social media-based patient support groups.  

With 20 years’ experience in quality assurance via health and social care regulation and experience of engaging with communities from grassroots involvement to international research, Katy is passionate about engaging with people as part of the continuous improvement cycle and to ensure quality of service or product that speaks to all consumers in a language that is meaningful to them and aligns with the values of the organisation.    

Areas of expertise:

Creating inclusive organisational culture, engaging with historically excluded stakeholders and individuals, understanding and meeting your legal duties around DEI, mentoring and development for volunteer practitioners and leaders, reverse culture shock for workplace returners, supporting people with non-disclosed protected characteristics.

Connect with Katy Penman:

Email: katypenman.iiv@gmail.com">katypenman.iiv@gmail.com

Mobile: 07740 422 691

Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-p-b3372b22/

Twitter: @katypenman

Book an exploratory call to discuss whether the DEI Prof Academy is right for you. You can ask any questions you may have. These spaces are very limited so if you’d like to have a chat with me directly about DEI competence and practice, then book a call here.

If you'd like to discuss how we can provide support for you or your organisation, please email 

operations@goodsoilleaders.com

Stay Connected with Ashanti:

LinkedIn: Ashanti Bentil-Dhue 

In this episode, I am going to highlight what you need to know when it comes to inclusion Training in 2023.

Episode Highlights:

• Practical and role relevant training

• The importance of pre-assessment and pre-communications

• Managers involvement in inclusion training

• Why the learner journey needs to be more structured and integrated

Book an exploratory call to discuss whether the DEI Prof Academy is right for you. You can ask any questions you may have. These spaces are very limited so if you’d like to have a chat with me directly about DEI competence and practice, then book a call here.

If you'd like to discuss how we can provide support for you or your organisation, please email: operations@goodsoilleaders.com