Welcome back to the WorkJoy Jam, the podcast that delves deep into the heart of what brings joy and fulfillment at work. I'm your host, Beth Stallwood, and I'm absolutely thrilled for the conversation we have lined up for you today.

Today's episode is a real treat and we will be exploring the intricate dance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace with the insightful Catherine Garrod, founder of Compelling Culture and a true pioneer in creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. With a background of leading inclusion for thousands at Sky, Catherine brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on how to foster an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and every voice is heard.

In our conversation, we delve into the importance of broadening our own perspectives – be it through diversifying our social media feeds, seeking out different teams, or updating our bookshelves – and how that shapes empathy, approachability, and effectiveness in decision-making. We'll distinguish between the concepts of diversity and inclusion, recognise the importance of moving past mere diversity numbers to truly inclusive cultures, and learn how to strategically equip both underrepresented and overrepresented groups for collective success.

Catherine shares invaluable insights from her book "Conscious Inclusion: How to Do EDI, One Decision at a Time." We'll discuss the 99 decisions that can transform our workplaces, and how to employ conscious inclusion to make workplaces safer and unlock potential without increasing burdens. We will talk about the importance of integrating diversity and inclusion into every facet of organisational decision-making, from product design to everyday meetings.

And it's not just about the workplace. Catherine's approach transforms relationships and community by recognising commonalities, learning from mistakes - or as she fondly calls them, "whoopsie daisies" - and celebrating progress over perfection. We’ll hear about her monthly newsletter dedicated to the "crown jewels" and "whoopsy daisy" moments in organisational diversity efforts, and her passion for seeing change-makers realise their true impact.

So, whether you're a leader striving to improve your organisation's culture, an individual looking to expand your personal awareness, or simply someone who cherishes WorkJoy, this episode is tailored for you. 

Connect with Catherine

https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinegarrod/