4 Lessons Leaders Shared on DEI This Summer

compassionate leadership dei leadership podcast Sep 10, 2025

   From brave leadership to cultural humility, here’s what our audience took away from our live-recorded podcast.

Welcome back after the summer break,

I hope you are finding space to look after yourself in the midst of everything happening in the world. For me, a new practice of Yin Yoga, slow stretches in calming low-lighting with meditation music and essential oils, has been a soothing reminder to pause and breathe.

Event Update – Embedding DEI in Evolving Times
Over the summer, you may have seen my emails (if you're on our mailing list) about our very first live-recorded podcast with an audience. I’m delighted to share that it was a huge success.

Our panel, Helen Cuthill (CEO, Smallpeice Trust), Loreal Stokes (Head of EDI, University of Birmingham) and Marcel De Jonghe (Head of EDI&B), brought thoughtful, courageous insights that resonated deeply.

The audience left with:


• A renewed belief that brave leadership is central to effective DEI
• An understanding of how cultural humility provides a practical frame for DEI practice
• Encouragement that progress continues despite challenges
• A strong sense of support from being in community with like-minded professionals

We also discussed current issues, including the Union Jack flag controversy and the implications of this summer’s migrant hotel protests for workplace culture. The episode will be released on 6th October 2025, and I hope you’ll listen in to hear from these passionate leaders.

Seeking Podcast Guests
The Compassionate Cultures Podcast is returning soon. Each episode offers practical and inspiring perspectives on cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion. You can subscribe here.

If you have valuable insights to share with an audience of leaders, HR professionals and DEI practitioners, I’d love to hear from you. Simply reply to this newsletter to express your interest.

Free One-Day Access to Our Online Hub
We are currently offering one free day of access to the Crafting Compassionate Cultures Online Learning Hub. Inside you’ll find our four CPD-accredited courses (covering racism, sexual harassment, microaggressions, and DEI), live Q&As, mini video lessons, blogs, learner journals and more.

Contact us today to claim your no-strings-attached access, or share this with someone who might benefit.

Photos from the Event
I’ll leave you with some first photos from the day, capturing the energy and connection in the room.

Stay well

Rebbecca  

Talking about racism can seem difficult and uncomfortable. This CPD accredited course provides a foundational education on racism to help to increase racial literacy which includes building confidence to speak about and deal with issues concerning race. It provides a language through which meaningful conversation can take place (particularly in the workplace).

Time to Talk about Race Online Course

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