Nothing Without Us

Angie Browne reflects on International Women’s Day and how it has shifted from its socialist, working-class origins into a more corporate, marketing-friendly celebration, using narrative literacy to examine which stories are told and which are erased. Browne then applies narrative and relational literacy to Theresa May’s 2011 Violence Against Women Action Plan, acknowledging policy advances while also naming the harms of austerity, cuts to specialist services, refuges, and a hostile environment, and offers questions for how organisations mark IWD and who is centred or excluded.

Angie Browne shares an essay written in response to the BAFTAs and the BBC broadcasting the N word during a time-delayed edit, while reportedly editing out an acceptance speech that included “Free Palestine.” She argues for lineage consciousness, urging listeners to see the incident not as a one-off but as part of a long pattern of institutional behavior by BAFTA and the BBC, citing previous controversies involving racism, disability, and organisational culture. Angie explores how unclear values and a lack of a lived culture of care create spectated lawlessness, and introduces relational literacy and Sarah Ahmed’s Sticky Emotions to exp...

Angie Browne reflects on Minette Batters becoming the first female president of the UK National Farmers Union in 2018, and uses her story to explore women’s exclusion from land, farming, and decision-making. She outlines Batters’ path from being discouraged by her father, to building a tenant farming business and leading the NFU, and considers what tenant farming reveals about wealth, power, and concentrated land ownership in England. Angie connects these dynamics to colonisation, imperialism, and the narratives that positioned men as rightful owners and lawmakers while relegating women to unpaid domestic and farm labour. Drawing on her ideas of line...

In this episode Angie Browne discusses the 2018 Haiti earthquake scandal involving Oxfam, highlighting moral failings and institutional accountability. Angie explores themes such as spiritual literacy, dignitary authority, and liberatory literacy, while analyzing Oxfam's internal culture and response. She questions the organisation's moral superiority, temporal sovereignty, and how they handle harm. The importance of learning from past mistakes and prioritising the dignity of impacted communities over institutional reputation is emphasised. Angie invites listeners to reflect on their own organisations' values and practices.

You can sign up for Angie's Substack newsletter here https://beingluminary.substack.com/

Angie Browne delves into the complex history of women's suffrage in the UK, particularly focusing on the centenary in February 2018, which marked 100 years since some women were granted the vote. Browne critiques the celebratory narrative by exploring how the 1918 Representation of the People Act still excluded many women, especially working-class and marginalized groups. Using narrative literacy and relational literacy, she analyses the interwoven stories of policy, power, and social hierarchies. She encourages listeners to reflect on modern narratives and examine who is truly included in triumphant stories of progression.

In this episode, Angie Browne analyses the events of the infamous Handforth Parish Council meeting from December 2020, which went viral in February 2021. Browne explores the chaotic Zoom meeting where Jackie Weaver, an external facilitator, faced backlash from council members for attempting to restore order. The episode delves into the background of the conflict, the roles of key figures, and the subsequent investigation. Additionally, Browne introduces the concept of 'rules as stories,' urging listeners to consider the narratives behind organisational rules and their impacts on authority and dignity. The episode emphasises the importance of interrelational humility and explores how...

In this week's episode, Angie Browne explores the myth of Blue Monday, allegedly the most depressing day of the year, and its origins as a marketing ploy by British Travel Agency Sky Travel in 2005. She delves into how narrative intelligence can be used to critically examine and deconstruct this and other pervasive societal narratives. By highlighting multiple perspectives, including historical context and lived experiences, Angie challenges the simplistic equation driving Blue Monday and underscores the importance of recognising the true complexities behind mental health and societal well-being.

In this episode, Angie discusses the 2017 Women's March and its implications on equity, feminism, womanism and social justice. She explores the origins and purposes of the march, which arose as a response to Donald Trump's rhetoric and policies. Browne highlights the march's focus on unity and inclusivity across various identities and struggles, despite criticisms regarding unequal representation and accessibility. She introduces the concept of liberatory literacy, emphasising the importance of understanding power dynamics and ensuring safety and inclusion for all participants. The episode calls for designing events with a keen awareness of diverse positionalities to better share risks and...

In this episode, Angie Browne discusses the importance of relational humility and humanity during crises, using the Capitol Hill insurrection on January 6, 2021, as a case study. Browne emphasises the need to approach news stories with detachment and empathy, explores various key events of the insurrection, and introduces concepts from her book 'Re-Enchanted.' She also shares insights from public defender Heather Shana's experiences with January 6 defendants to advocate for understanding and education over judgment. Angie encourages listeners to practice relational humility in their interactions, stressing the importance of recognising humanity even in extreme circumstances.

Angie Browne reflects on the challenges and accomplishments in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) during 2025. She highlights the importance Being Luminary's consistent commitment to equity work, even when attendance at community calls is low and the DEI market cools. Angie discusses her move towards making the Excellence in Equity award more accessible and meaningful, the deepening of partnerships with committed organisations, and the reduction in business expenses to focus on core values. She also emphasises the need for a supportive community among DEI practitioners, particularly women of color, and plans to co-construct a guild for mutual...

In this episode Angie Browne reflects on the social and political climate of 2025. She discusses the challenges and setbacks facing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts amid ongoing global conflicts, political shifts, and public apathy. Angie criticizes the DEI industry's focus on softer language like 'belonging' over substantive equity work, and emphasizes the need for new leadership approaches. She highlights the importance of narrative and relational intelligence in navigating complex social issues and how institutions can better support marginalized communities. Throughout, Angie shares her thoughts on maintaining integrity and dignity in social justice work, urging listeners to confront uncomfortable...

In these last few episodes of the year, Angie  shares her insights and experiences from 2025. She reflects on the past year, discussing the challenges faced in equity work, the personal and professional changes she underwent, and the shift in public interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work. Angie narrates her journey towards developing deeper, more sustainable practices, including a focus on spiritual intelligence, redemptive practice, and the shift from impact to influence. She also discusses the evolution of her upcoming book 'Re Enchanted' and its focus on deeper aspects of equity work. Despite facing a difficult year, Angie p...

In this episode Angie discusses the concept of joy as a form of relational literacy, emphasisng its importance in equity work. She elaborates on shifting from emotional intelligence to relational literacy, critiquing traditional frameworks and proposing a deeper, more somatic and interrelational approach. Angie breaks down four anchors of relational literacy: somatic awareness, emotional presence, positionality, and interrelational humility, providing actionable micro-practices for each. She stresses the ongoing practice of right relationship, maintaining dignity, and recognising the value of differing perspectives. 

In this episode, Angie Browne discusses the importance of aesthetic literacy as a means of bringing joy and humanity back into institutional spaces. Angie shares her personal journey of enhancing spaces throughout her career in education, emphasizing the role of aesthetics in fostering dignity and equity. She contrasts two school building projects to illustrate how design decisions can impact the psychological and emotional well-being of occupants. The episode also explores the political nature of aesthetic choices and how social movements use aesthetic interventions to resist systemic oppression. Angie invites listeners to reflect on spaces in their own lives that...

This week Angie explores the concept of joy as a form of resistance and praxis rather than mere performance or escapism. She delves into the role of joy in social justice work, emphasizing its importance as a political and communal tool. She discusses 'joy as praxis,' advocating for the deliberate recognition and integration of joy in daily life and leadership. The episode highlights how joy can disrupt dehumanising systems and serve as a powerful agent of change, calling on listeners to practice and share moments of joy as a means of collective resistance and humanity.

In  this second episode, Angie Browne and Dr Claire Stewart-Hall discuss the aftermath and responses to a race hate crime Angie experienced.

Angie shares her motivation for creating social media videos to document her feelings and the incident. She contrasts the differing responses from LinkedIn and Instagram users, noting the lack of engagement on LinkedIn versus the outpouring of care on Instagram. They also delve into the institutional challenges of recognizing and addressing racism, highlighting the problematic nature of excuses made for perpetrators. They emphasise the importance of documenting and speaking out about racism to acknowledge its h...

In this week's episode, Angie Browne discusses her recent traumatic experience of a race hate crime. Joined by Dr. Claire Stewart-Hall, a race researcher and friend, Angie explores the broader impact of such personal and institutional racism on Black women's lives.

Angie describes receiving hundreds of aggressive, racist messages through her business website, perpetrated by an individual she briefly dated 17 years ago. She shares her frustration with the complex, ineffective process of reporting a hate crime to the Metropolitan Police and other organisations. As a Black woman and a professional in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Angie reflects...

In this episode, Angie is in conversation with Sue Mulholland, Deputy Head Teacher for enrichment at the British International School of Ho Chi Minh City. They delve into Sue's journey from an art teacher to a leader in education, her experiences in different schools, and her work in equity, diversity, and inclusion. Sue shares her upbringing in Belfast, the impact of the Troubles, and her evolution in the teaching profession, emphasizing the role of creativity and art in fostering equity. They also discuss the importance of sustained EDI efforts in education and Sue's plans for advancing EDI initiatives at...

In this episode Angie delves into the complex terrain of despair faced by those engaged in equity work. Angie discusses the predictability of betrayal and retreat within equity movements. She references the work of thinkers like Audre Lorde and Leah Mani VIN to explain how capitalist patriarchy inherently demands the fragmentation and depletion of marginalized groups. Angie argues that DEI work often fails because it is reactionary and maintains power structures. She calls for a reimagining of equity work, emphasizing the importance of communal practices, resisting fragmentation, and creating spaces that honor diversity and collective well-being. By offering practical...

"Like yoga, I need to keep showing up to the practice of humanising, of leaning in and toward things that are very difficult."

In this episode Angie discusses the importance of relational and narrative intelligence, particularly in the context of engaging with those with whom we disagree. Angie explores her physiological and emotional responses to listening to a long-form interview with Tommy Robinson, a known far-right figure, and emphasizes the significance of somatic awareness, emotional presence, and positionality in equity work. Drawing from personal experiences and academic references, she advocates for humanising even those with extreme views...

"Equity work is everybody in the nobody out. And it means we need to be able to tolerate and hear and humanise the people whose views we oppose. Humanise them more, not less."

Welcome back to Nothing Without Us and a new season of episodes. 

This time, Angie is exploring the concept of wilderness in these troubled times. Today's episode also includes a reflection on responses to the murder of Charlie Kirk.

In this last episode before the summer break, Angie shares a short extract from her forthcoming book. 

Look out for more episodes of the podcast in our new series from September onwards.

In this week's episode, we join Angie on a recent webinar exploring a framework for managing staff conduct issues in polarising times. 

Angie explores various issues such as the influence of Andrew Tate, UK race riots, Trump's re-election, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and gender definitions. She breaks down a framework of narrative intelligence, emotional intelligence, liberatory intelligence, and spiritual intelligence to help you navigate these issues in school. By listening, you will gain practical tools and exercises to foster responsible and empathetic leadership. 

Find out more about the short course, Leading Well in Polarised Times: Managing Co...

This week, Angie reads her open letter addressed to the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT). The letter criticizes the design choice of placing a pub at the center of the 2025 Inspiring Leadership Conference, highlighting its exclusionary impact on various marginalized groups, including Muslim educators, people in recovery, disabled individuals, and more. 

Angie discusses the response she received and uses this scenario to explore broader themes around equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership. Using the Being Luminary Framework, she explores how to create truly inclusive spaces. Listeners are encouraged to rethink their own practices and embrace a more e...

I'm diving deep into individual experiences of working in the DEI space this month. This week, I'm talking to Dr Leslie Williams about her life and career, and how she is shaping an EDIB vision across the many schools in Nord Anglia's portfolio.

Dr Leslie Williams is Nord Anglia’s Senior Programme Lead for Social Impact and Giving, and Chairperson for the Global Equalities Programme.
She began her career in education in 2002 as an English teacher in both public and private schools before transitioning into the role of High School Director at Windermere Preparatory School in Au...

I'm diving deep into individual experiences of working in the DEI space this month. This week, I'm talking to Charlotte McDowell from the British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) in Abu Dhabi, about how her own experience has shaped her work and her leadership of BSAK's DEI efforts.

Charlotte McDowell is a highly respected Assistant Head Teacher at the British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) in Abu Dhabi. With extensive experience in primary education across both the UK and UAE, she brings a wealth of pedagogical knowledge to her role. Charlotte is a passionate advocate for inclusive practices, serving...

I'm diving deep into individual experiences of working in the DEI space this month. We begin with a conversation with Kamare El Khatib about her self, her career and what has shaped her work so far, but also how she has experienced training as she leads her school's DEI work.

Kamare El Khatib is an educator with 13 years of experience in teaching and leadership across Sciences and Languages. As the DEI and Interculturalism Leader at the British International School Group (BISR), she leads the DEI Strategic Plan and works with her team to integrate diversity, equity, and...

In this last episode of my short May series, Microdosing Enchantment, I'm looking at Community. 

We cannot do equality work in isolation. Working in community saves the individual from shouldering all the burden, but it also creates better work. 

And talking of community, next month, I'll be returning with more conversations with friends and colleagues on this DEI journey with me.

You join me on a walk today, to discuss how connecting to nature and moving your body can not only benefit your mental and physical health, but also improved your leadership.

This May, I'm offering a short series of five episodes about rest and connection. Each one will be a bit of a microdose of resistance, of re-enchantment.

This May, I'm offering a short series of five episodes. Each one will be a bit of a microdose of resistance, of re-enchantment.
This week is all about journaling and features an extract from my book, Lighting the Way.

You can buy Lighting the Way here  https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/lighting-the-way-9781472972460/

and download my course, Finding Peace, here https://beingluminary.thinkific.com/pages/resources

This month, we'll be pressing pause on some of the topic based approaches that we've had on the podcast, because the work as it stands, DEI work, equity work, is designed almost perfectly to keep us spinning. I have this sense that news cycles are accelerating and there is a feeling about the urgency of our time, which feels like it is knocking and banging at the door and demanding that we do something about it. And maybe the way that we re-enchant equity work, is to resist the urgency.

So I'm offering a series this May...

This week, I'm talking to Mandy Coalter, author, coach, HR professional, about why she is passionate about training school leaders to create inclusive workplaces.

Mandy is the Founder of ‘Talent Architects’ with a simple mission; helping schools become great places for pupils to learn by being great places for adults to work. Her book ‘Talent Architects; how to make your school a great place to work’ was published in 2018. 

Mandy has previously worked in the NHS, Local Government, the Charity sector and with schools. She is also a very experienced Board Director and advisor on aspects o...

In light of the UK Supreme Court's ruling this week, re-defining what 'woman' means in UK law, this week, I'm re-issuing extracts from my conversation with Yee Won Chong.

Yee Won is a strategist, trainer and speaker, and along with his partner, Brooks Nelson, created the film, Trans Dudes with Lady Cancer. We talk about the discussions the film has generated - about how we can make an effort to be more humane in the way that we intentionally create welcoming spaces for everyone, especially trans people.

You can find out more about Yee Won...

Continuing our deep dive into recruitment and retention through the lens of DEI, this week we're looking at the CQ, the Cultural Quotient. 

Cultural quotient asks, what kind of culture are we inviting people into? What stories or rituals or values are we reproducing or are we disrupting through our recruitment? And are we bringing people in? Are we onboarding and inducting people nto a culture that welcomes them or are we bringing them on, onboarding them, inducting them into a culture that quietly asks them to adapt or assimilate or make themselves smaller?

Find t...

This week, I'm talking to my good friend and colleague, Claire Banks, Deputy CEO of Olympus Academy Trust, about her career and work.

Claire is Deputy CEO of Olympus Academy Trust. Before becoming Director of Education for The Olympus Academy Trust, a cross-phase multi-academy trust in north Bristol, Claire Banks was a head teacher for nine years in an inner-city primary school. Throughout her career she has been interested in social and emotional learning and school climate, which has led to her work on leadership culture. Claire now works on curriculum design and school improvement in a...

Continuing our deep dive into recruitment and retention through the lens of DEI, this week we're looking at the SQ, the Spiritual Quotient. 

 It might feel like there's a bit of a question mark over whether or how spirituality might have anything to do with job applications or interviews, but I would like you to bear with me because I think this is one of the most important of all of the episodes in this series, but also it's one of the most important dimensions of the framework.

We'll soon be launching a rec...

We interrupt our current series on recruitment and retention to address a shocking and saddening recent event in education - the rascist and islamophobic reaction to the appoint of Sir Mufti Hamid Patel to Interim Chair of OFSTED.

I'm joined by my good friend, Sufian Sadiq, Director of Talent and Teaching School at Chiltern Learning Trust, to discuss the man himself, the reaction to his appointment, how it is felt by Muslims throughout education and what it says about the myth of meritocracy in British education.

Nothing Without Us is presented by Angie Browne from...

Continuing our deep dive into recruitment and retention through the lens of DEI, this week we're looking at the EQ, the Emotional Quotient. 

I'll be asking you to think about your emotional response to a passage during the second half of the episode, so make sure you have a pen and a piece of paper handy.

We'll soon be launching a recruitment and retention framework, which is going to be part of our excellence in equity award.
Find out more about our Excellence in Equity Award here https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/excellence-in-equity-award

This episode kicks off a month-long deep dive into recruitment and retention through the lens of DEI.

As always, we begin with the IQ, the intellectual quotient, looking at the legal framework, case-law and prevailing thinking about discrimination in recuitment, and how it pertains to us in schools.

We'll soon be launching a recruitment and retention framework, which is going to be part of our excellence in equity award.
Find out more about our Excellence in Equity Award here https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/excellence-in-equity-award

Nothing Without Us is presented by Angie...

Angie Browne gets practical, guiding you through the five stages of improving your online presence, and asking questions that you can use to inform your work going forward.

Find out more about our Excellence in Equity Award here https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/excellence-in-equity-award

Nothing Without Us is presented by Angie Browne from Being Luminary. It is edited and produced by Emily Crosby Media.