Leyla Okhai

The Diverse Minds Podcast

Business EN ↓ 311 episodes

The podcast that talks about race equality and wellbeing for a busy modern world through inspiring stories, interviews and case studies. Brought to you by Leyla Okhai, CEO of Diverse Minds UK and former Head of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre at Imperial College London. We provide insights from diverse thought leaders in race equality, wellbeing and mental health to increase your understanding and enable you to make positive changes in your life with ease.

Author

Leyla Okhai

Category

Business

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

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Episodes

#284 Roots to Routes Resources 22.07.2025

Welcome to the 284th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! As we celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, with this year's theme "Roots to Routes," I share my favourite cultural resources and explore how our diverse journeys shape our identities. From powerful films to must-read books, inspiring music to thought-provoking art, this episode is a curated guide to understanding and celebra...

#283 Parallels between Biodiversity and Human Diversity 08.07.2025

Welcome to the 283rd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! As we kick off July and prepare for South Asian Heritage Month with the theme "Roots to Roots," I explore the fascinating parallels between biodiversity and human diversity. Drawing inspiration from my own gardening journey, I discuss how natural ecosystems teach us valuable lessons about creating inclusive, resilient workpla...

#282 Being the Only One 24.06.2025

Welcome to the 282nd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! As part of June for June and Loneliness Awareness Week, I explore the challenging experience of being "the only one in the room" - whether that's being the only female, global majority person, LGBTQ+ person, disabled person, or parent in your workplace. I discuss how isolation and tokenism impact mental health and wellbeing,...

#281 Impacts of Loneliness on Mental Health 11.06.2025

Welcome to the 281st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, as part of Loneliness Awareness Week, I delve into the profound impact of loneliness in the workplace. I discuss the different types of loneliness, examine research findings on workplace isolation, and provide practical strategies for creating more connected and supportive work environments. In today’s show o...

#280 How local communities support our wellbeing 27.05.2025

Welcome to the 280th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, I dive into the vital role of community in supporting mental health and wellbeing. I explore how communities foster belonging, safety, and purpose, the challenges they face due to societal changes, and actionable ways to strengthen local and workplace communities....

#279 Building a workplace community for Mental Health 13.05.2025

In this episode, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, I explore the theme of "community" and its vital role in supporting mental health in the workplace. I discuss why community is essential for wellbeing, how recent societal changes have affected our communities, and practical ways organisations can build supportive workplace communities. .stk-6672c06 {height:30px !important;} Listen to...

278 It’s stressful to complete equal opps forms! 29.04.2025

Welcome to the 278th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds Podcast! In this episode, as part of Stress Awareness Month, I explore the stress associated with sharing personal data, particularly equal opportunity information in the workplace. I discuss why data collection is important, its challenges, and how organisations can approach it more effectively. In today’s show on It's stressful to c...

#277 Your Workplace Shouldn't be a Family 15.04.2025

Welcome to the 277th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds Podcast! In this episode, as part of Stress Awareness Month, I dive into why your workplace shouldn't be like a family. I explore how family dynamics in the workplace can create unspoken challenges and how a more professional, accountable work community can enhance workplace wellbeing and productivity. .stk-6672c06 {height:30px !impor...

#276 The Stress of Patriarchy at Work 01.04.2025

Welcome to the 276th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I explore how patriarchy in the workplace causes stress during Stress Awareness Month, examining systemic gender inequities and their impact on workplace wellbeing. In today’s show on The Stress of Patriarchy at Work Introduction to Stress Awareness Month and this year's theme: #LeadWithLove [01:05] Definitio...

#275 Women's Mental Load at Work 18.03.2025

Welcome to the 275th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I dive into women's mental load at work during International Women's Month, exploring how invisible labor impacts women in the workplace and contributes to gender inequity. Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast , Spotify or wherever you access your podca...

#274 Accelerate Action for ALL women 04.03.2025

Welcome to the 274th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I explore the themes of this year's International Women's Month and International Women's Day (March 8th). In today’s show on Accelerate Action for ALL women The current state of gender equality and the need for urgent action. [01:35] Understanding the "Pink Kitten Heel Effect" in workplace initiatives. [08:1...

#273 Using the Wheel of Power 19.02.2025

Welcome to the 273rd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, host Leyla delves into the  Wheel of Power/Privilege  and its role in reshaping workplace equity. In today’s show on Using the Wheel of Power Exploring the Wheel of Power. [00:39] Understanding Systemic Power and Privilege. [01:35 ] A detailed breakdown of the wheel’s elements. [02:47 ] Applying the wheel in...

#272 EDI Policy Model vs Liberation Model 04.02.2025

Welcome to the 272nd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, we explore the crucial distinction between policy models and liberation models in equity, diversity, and inclusion work. In today’s show on EDI Policy Model vs Liberation Model Understanding policy vs liberation models in EDI. [02:15] Why policy models alone don’t create lasting change. [05:30] The limitation...

#271 Recognising a Positive Workplace Wellbeing Culture 21.01.2025

Welcome to the 271st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I talk about identifying and evaluating genuine workplace well-being cultures, which is significant for those seeking new roles after recent redundancies. Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast , Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. .stk-d6d...

#270 Workplace Wellbeing Trends for 2025 07.01.2025

Welcome to the 270th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I reflect on the accuracy of my 2024 predictions on workplace wellbeing and share insights into trends expected for 2025. Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast , Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from. In today’s show on Workplace Wellbeing Tr...

#269 Year in Review 24.12.2024

Welcome to the 269th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this special end-of-year episode, I reflect on the highs and lows of 2024. From unexpected personal challenges to career milestones, I share insights from a year marked by both setbacks and breakthroughs. Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast , Spotify or wherever you...

#268 How workplace wellbeing enables inclusion 10.12.2024

Welcome to the 268th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I dive into the intertwined concepts of well-being and inclusion. I break down the definition of well-being, explore its five distinct categories, discuss what inclusion truly means and explore how to approach well-being and inclusion together in a meaningful way. .stk-6672c06 {height:30px !important;} Listen...

#267 How to handle gatekeepers 26.11.2024

Welcome to the 267th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into the nuanced world of gatekeepers . I explore the challenge of identifying gatekeepers and how gatekeeping differs from respecting boundaries, and I share practical strategies to manage them effectively. Listen to the episode If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple pod...

#266 What are Gatekeepers in The Workplace? 12.11.2024

Welcome to the 266th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, I’m tackling a topic that undermines inclusivity in the workplace - gatekeeping. I unpack what gatekeeping truly is, why it’s so difficult to identify, and how it can insidiously overlap with bullying. I also reflect on the impact gatekeeping has in workplaces. Join me as we shed light on this important issue...

#265 Recentering the White Gaze 29.10.2024

Welcome to the 265th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In this episode, we continue celebrating Black History Month 2024 with a focus on challenging narratives. We unpack the concept of the white gaze, exploring how it shapes interactions and influences self-expression. In today’s show on Recentering the White Gaze What is the white gaze? [01:01] How to recenter the white gaze. [...

#264 Understanding the white gaze 15.10.2024

Welcome to the 264th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In celebration of Black History Month 2024, this month's series will focus on Reclaiming Narratives. This episode explores the concept of the white gaze, its manifestations, the ways it operates, how it compels many to self-censor and more. In today’s show on Understanding the White Gaze What is the white gaze? [00:49] How th...

#263 Challenging Dominant Narratives 01.10.2024

Welcome to the 263rd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In celebration of Black History Month 2024, this episode focuses on this year's theme - Reclaiming Narratives. We’ll delve into the power of storytelling and how narratives shape our thinking and society. In today’s show on Challenging Dominant Narratives What is a narrative? [00:57] How stories and our ways of thinking shape...

#262 Managing Conflict at Work 17.09.2024

Welcome to the 262nd episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! In today's episode, we’re tackling a topic that affects every workplace: conflict. We'll explore the common causes of workplace conflict, dive into effective strategies for managing it, and discuss the serious consequences when it’s left unresolved. In today’s show on Managing Conflict at Work What is workplace conflict? [01:...

#261 What should workplaces do now after the racist riots? 03.09.2024

Welcome to the 261st episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! This month, we're focusing on a crucial and timely theme: conflict and how to manage it effectively. In today’s show on What workplaces do now after the racist riots? Why I decided to cover this topic. [00:46] Rachael Twumasi-Corson’s reflections on recent race riots [02:12] The impact of the riots on the workplace [03:27] So...

#260 Celebrating 5 years of Podcasting 20.08.2024

Welcome to the 260th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! Today, we're celebrating a significant milestone - our 5th anniversary and a total of 260 episodes, including a bonus episode. In this special episode, I’ll share the five key lessons I’ve learned over the past five years of podcasting. In today’s show on Celebrating 5 Years of Podcasting About my TEDx Talk. [00:55] Overview...

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