The Element of Inclusion

I’ve got a client who wants to squeeze in a quick project before the end of the year.
Clock’s ticking but here’s what I told them to do.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

What Makes an Intervention High-Impact?

How to Use our  Minimum Viable Map

How You Can Follow Our Process To Get Buy In

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Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Complete the Feasibility Filter to choose a problem worth solving

“Prerequisite is you’re working...

You don’t have to be an expert in everything to be an outstanding leader; but you do need the right mindset.

Today, you’ll hear from Fay Wallis, host of the HR Coffee Time podcast.

A show dedicated to helping HR professionals grow their confidence, influence and leadership impact.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

What makes HR Coffee Time unique and why it resonates with HR professionals

Common challenges HR and people leaders face as they move into senior roles

The myths and misconceptions holding HR p...

I want to acknowledge the uncomfortable truth.
You’re heading into 2026 (or whatever next year is depending on when you’re tuning in) with questions, uncertainty and if you’re honest ….. fatigue.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

3 Insights I Couldn’t Ignore

Understanding Your Narrative Arc

The Importance of Evidence-Based Inclusion and Consistency

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Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Your plan for next year is a logical step from what you’ve been doing

“Your body of work, however...

I want to acknowledge the elephant in the room.
You are under considerable pressure to engage in flags, food and fun.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

Why you need to fight the urge for Flags, Food and Fun

Why Leaders Keep Falling Into This Trap

What to do instead using Evidence Based Inclusion

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Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Flags, Food and Fun is not the work.

“This is Tokenism pretending to be Diversity.”

You need...

I’m so Excited to share a huge update with you.
This is the biggest thing I can do to help you on your inclusion journey.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

The inclusion problems you’re facing and how to solve them using evidence

Why I created the Ask Dr Jonathan beta tool (and what it can do for you)

How I used my own method to test, validate, and build a breakthrough solution

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Stop Comparing Your Inclusion Journey to Online Strangers

It’s really harming you.
I think you need to stop.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

Stop Comparing Your Inclusion Journey to Online Strangers

The Proxy Problem of Diversity and Inclusion

Choosing Wisely Who You Compare Yourself To

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Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Stop Comparing Your Inclusion Journey to Online Strangers

“They were comparing themselves, their work, their inclusion journey to Random People On The Internet”

If you need encouragement on your inclusion journey this message is for you.
You’re finding this because you need it.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

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Key Takeaways from This Episode:

How Automating Feedback Kills Inclusion

Everyone’s talking a lot about Artificial Intelligence at work.
The promise is things will get better but I’ve spoken to a leader who said then when it comes to trust. It makes things worse. For inclusion.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

How Automating Feedback Kills Inclusion

The Feedback Fallacy and Why It’s a Problem

Social Exchange Theory and Its Role in Building Inclusive Workplaces

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Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Aut...

To create an inclusive workplace you may need to stop from time to time.
Maybe it’s time for you to take a break.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

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Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Take a break if you need it.

“If you need to take...

Inclusion work is often unsustainable for 1 simple reason.
It never makes it into the portfolio of projects that matter to the business.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

[The Portfolio Problem of Diversity and Inclusion]

[How inclusion can contribute to performance, accountability, and sustainability]

[Three practical ways to build a business case for inclusion]

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Key Takeaways from This Episode:

If it’s not in the portfolio, it’s not protected.

“They don’t get tracked. They don’t get fund...

Diversity and Inclusion faces a chicken and egg problem. Leaders want evidence before they act. But the evidence only appears after they act. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: The Chicken and Egg Problem of Diversity and Inclusion Why Organisational Evidence Matters More Than External Reports How to Use the Feasibility Filter to Build Internal …

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ERGs are “a waste of time.” Too many people think this. Play the Episode for More Key Takeaways from This Episode: You can’t scale ERGs if participation is penalised. “It’s not a lack of commitment. It’s an incentive problem.” Stop pitching passion; start mapping outcomes. “Leaders want to see business impact.” Instrumental ERGs lead to …

How to Build a Business Case for ERGs That Leaders Can’t Ignore Read More »

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You’ve heard people telling stories and acting like it’s evidence. but how do you turn anecdotes into evidence? Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why anecdotes are claims not conclusions The difference between claims, assumptions, and hypotheses How to test ideas without wasting time or budget Play the Episode for More Key Takeaways from This …

How to Turn Anecdotes Into Evidence for Inclusion Read More »

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Things are moving so fast with Ask Dr Jonathan. I want to give you an update and make you a special time sensitive offer you can’t refuse. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: How to Build an Inclusion Strategy in 60 Minutes Why Ask Dr Jonathan is More Than a Virtual Librarian Details of the …

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I collect inclusive frameworks like investors collect properties.I’ve got 3 three I use all the time. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety Social Exchange Theory PICOC Framework Play the Episode for More Key Takeaways from This Episode: There are 4 stages of Psychological Safety “This model acts as if …

3 Frameworks I Use to Build Inclusive Workplaces Read More »

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I’m not here to help you pass an exam.I’m here to help you get results. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: How to use a simple Inclusion Test in your workplace Why the Inclusion Test is about changing conditions, not memorising content A favourite example of using this in real life. Play the Episode for …

The Inclusion Test You Can’t Fake Read More »

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Things are moving a lot faster than I expected.I’ve got a special invitation for you — and I’m excited to share this. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: [My Best Offer Yet — And How You Can Be Part of It] [How This Podcast Became the Longest-Running Inclusion Podcast in the World] [Introducing “Ask Dr …

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Not sure if your inclusion work is making an impact?These 3 questions will show you… fast. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: How we use The Feasibility Filter Why parties, parades and panel events don’t help you why you need leading indicators for your work Play the Episode for More Key Takeaways from This Episode: …

How to Tell if Your Inclusion Work Is Having An Impact Read More »

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Every week, leaders like you tell me how much you love this podcast.But you wish you could ask me questions — in real time. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Ask Dr Jonathan – The AI Tool Built on Evidence-Based Inclusion Why Accessing Inclusion Frameworks Should Be Easier How to Participate in Testing the Ask …

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You’re the average of the five people you compare yourself to. Did it ever occur to you that you’re comparing yourself to the wrong people? Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why starting with borrowed benchmarks sets you up to fail. How to tell if a benchmark is applicable to your setting. How to choose …

The Benchmarking Mistake That’s Holding Back Your Inclusion Work Read More »

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Most DEI metrics are just a pantomime.They’re not tracking things that matter. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why most DEI efforts fail before any work has begun Why “quick wins” often become long-term liabilities How to test your inclusion project before investing in delivery Play the Episode for More Key Takeaways from This Episode: …

The Real Reason Your DEI Metrics Don’t Matter Read More »

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Every organisation has its problems.But not all of them are worth solving. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: the 5 point feasibility test we use with our clients How copying others’ inclusion strategies leads you off course Our shortcut to reveal which workplace problems are fixable Play the Episode for More Key Takeaways from This …

The 5 Point Test to Identify Inclusion Problem Worth Solving Read More »

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This is episode 400 of the show. I’m more excited than I’ve ever been about supporting you. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why the podcast now focuses on high-impact inclusion work Why narrowing my focus increases my overall impact Some resources I’m building to help you Play the Episode for More Key Takeaways from …

Why I’m Changing Tactics to Help You Lead Inclusion Read More »

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Do you have a system that proves your inclusion work is making progress?IF NOTI’m going to give you 7 tips that we use with our clients so they show people that that they are becoming more inclusive. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: How to choose problems your leadership actually cares about How to design …

How to Track Inclusion Without Getting Ignored Read More »

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I Know You’re Afraid To Talk About Inclusion. I’m Afraid Too. That sounds weird coming from someone who talks about Inclusion everyday. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why speaking in context protects your credibility. How relevance reduces risk when discussing inclusion How to test if someone is open to evidence. Play the Episode for …

How I Talk About Inclusion. Even When I’m Afraid Read More »

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I have some very strong very unpopular opinions about the so called business case for diversity. I’m not going to change them anytime soon. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why the real business case is already inside your organisation Why business case for diversity is like shouting at sunset 3 reasons why the wrong …

Don’t Build a Business Case For Diversity. Do This Instead Read More »

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There’s a group of people who are going to struggle to build inclusion over the next few years. I’m going to explain who they are so you can avoid becoming one of them. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why emotional appeals fall flat with business stakeholders. How structured conversations build real-world credibility. Why inclusion …

5 Shifts Leaders Need To Make To Build Inclusive Workplaces Read More »

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This week the Element of Inclusion is 8 years old. So today I’m turning it over to you. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why ROI in DEI remains an unresolved challenge for most leaders. The PICOC method to test solutions in diverse teams. The 3 essential skills for high-impact inclusion work. Play the Episode …

8th Birthday Special: Your Biggest Questions Answered Read More »

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Most leaders don’t have a business case for diversity They copy someone else’s Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why using organisational artefacts reveals your real business case How everyday language builds trust with senior leadership How surfacing an existing case builds instant credibility Play the Episode for More Key Takeaways from This Episode: Your …

The Hidden Business Case for Inclusion Inside Your Organisation Read More »

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15 years ago the Equality Act was introduced in the UK. And unlike most people, I actually bothered to read it. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why people misunderstand the Equality Act Why it has limited impact Why it created an industry people hated Play the Episode for More Key Takeaways from This Episode: …

Why the Equality Act Doesn’t Create Inclusion Read More »

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Most Diversity and Inclusion work doesn’t change much.Not because people don’t care, but because they won’t ask the hard questions. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: How removing social events exposes the real state of inclusion work. Why your CFO’s respect defines a strong business case. How recognising your diversity hierarchy reveals hidden organisational priorities. …

5 Brutal Inclusion Questions Leaders Are Afraid To Answer Read More »

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Most people think bias is always a bad thing. I don’t. I’m biased about inclusion and I want you to join me. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why I choose to be biased towards inclusion action. Why most research expects someone else to take action. Why blaming “them” strips you of power. Play the …

Why I’m Proud to Be Biased About Inclusion Read More »

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Leaders are telling me their DEI budgets have been cut. Resources pulled. Support withdrawn. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why most DEI strategies collapse at the measurement stage How vague inclusion goals make your budget vulnerable How the PICOC method turns soft goals into fundable outcomes Play the Episode for More Key Takeaways from …

The Real Reason Your Inclusion Work Gets Ghosted Read More »

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You’ve told me you’re overwhelmed. Too many ideas. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why so many leaders feel trapped by too much DEI advice How 389 episodes can still leave people stuck What three priorities simplify high-impact inclusion work Play the Episode for More Key Takeaways from This Episode: Progress starts when you stop …

You Told Me You’re Overwhelmed By DEI. This Will Help Read More »

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I see a lot of dangerous DEI advice. Here I’m going to spell out 3 of the most harmful for you. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: How Rebranding DEI without reforming it destroys trust. Why you need to reconsider who you let influence you How critique ‘oppression’ isn’t activism but manipulation. Play the Episode …

3 Bad Pieces of DEI Advice I Want You to Avoid Read More »

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Evidence Based Inclusion is the system we use with our clients. But what’s the big deal? Key Topics Covered in This Episode: How Evidence Based Inclusion stops time-wasting arguments How Evidence Based Inclusion helps you earn trust Why disagreement strengthens your inclusion decisions Play the Episode for More Key Takeaways from This Episode: Disagreement is …

5 Benefits Evidence Based Inclusion Delivers Fast Read More »

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Lived experience dominates DEI conversations. It’s treated as the most important factor in discussions about race, gender, and inclusion. But there’s a problem. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Your lived experience comes at a cost. Lived experience is important—but it needs balance. Lived experience needs structure to be useful. Play the Episode for More …

Why Lived Experience Alone Won’t Fix Inclusion Read More »

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On March 24th I’m launching my Best Inclusion Program Ever. And It’s only available for 7 days. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why I’m launching my best inclusion program ever. How this proven system helps leaders build inclusion with confidence. What makes Inclusion Ready Leader unique. Play the Episode for More Key Takeaways from …

7 Days to Join My Best Inclusion Program Ever Read More »

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Too many DEI experts sound impressive but lack the depth to deliver real results. And the chauffeur test is a quick way to spot them. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Why chauffeur knowledge creates dangerous illusions of expertise. How 3-book experts mislead leaders seeking real solutions. Three ways to spot surface-level knowledge in DEI …

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Why “Evidence-Based” DEI Is Mostly Just Empty Talk People are talking about being evidence-based. Half the time I don’t know what they mean. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: 1 How leaders confuse having data with making evidence-based decisions. 2 Why DEI data hoarding is useless without a clear purpose. 3 The key question to …

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