“Regardless of the job or industry, inclusion is everyone's work. Every job I've had has always been about serving others. And I think that actually the work of inclusion is serving others and helping people achieve more than what they really thought they were ever capable of.” This week’s guest on ‘Pause. And Rewind… is one of the kindest, most generous & patient humans I’ve ever met & that’s Jon-Paul Vicari (he/him). I’m so fortunate that I get to call Jon-Paul, or JP, my colleague,...

“It's like I'm not crazy. What I'm saying is correct. And it's correct for people who are Black, like myself, who are trying to find themselves in not 'the man and woman' but are trying to find themselves in the energy.” I first came across Zee Monteiro (them/them) via a We Create Space article, written in 2022, entitled ‘Being both Non-Binary and a Black Woman’ - a powerful piece of writing & deeply personal self reflection that challenges assumptions around Trans+ experiences. I now gra...

“I love the fact that I don't fit into one thing. I don't believe in conforming. I believe in the fact that I can just be myself. I am not your regular, schmegular woman. And I don't intend to be a regular, schmegular woman.” Hands up… I am a fangirl of Janae Rochelle Owyn (she/her). We met earlier this year at the Diva Awards where I got to see her recognised for her work as a content creator, plus-sized model & podcaster. But I’ve followed Janae online for ages and I am hooked to what s...

“There are certain base levels of respect that you must have for each human being. You know trans people are some of the most marginalized in society. Where is your humanity? Where is our collective humanity?” A poignant & timely question from this week’s guest on ‘Pause. And Rewind…’ Oscar Davies (they/them) is the first publicly recognised non-binary barrister and a sought out speaker and advocate specialising in discrimination, education, employment, and human rights law. And it’...

“It’s Ali being Ali.” And that’s exactly why this week’s guest on ‘Pause. And Rewind…’ is so so loved! Ali Hendry (she/her) trains coaches across many different areas including relationships, holistic life coaching and mentoring as well as being a coach herself in many of these areas including DEI & public speaking. She also hosts the Diva Relationship Room on Instagram every Thursday at 6pm (check it out) & writes a monthly column for Diva too. I have the privilege of knowing A...

“‘If there's something you want to do, go and do it. Seize the day, make sure it happens. Do everything you can to make it happen. So my advice to you, young man - literal words - seize the day.’ And that's actually how Out There was born.” This life changing exchange at Angkor Wat in Cambodia between this week’s guest on ‘Pause. And Rewind…’ and a stranger changed the course of his career & life. Uwern Jong is Experientialist®-in-Chief - a fantastic & actual trademarked job tit...

“I’m most proud that I gave myself a chance. Because so many opportunities came to me and there was always that person on the left side of your shoulder telling you ‘that's not for you. Sit back, know your place’. But then there's that other side of you that's like ‘who else if it's not you?’ So I constantly give myself chances. Even when I fell off. Even when I relapse. Even where I didn't deserve it’. Timon (he/they) is the Personal Assistant to Lady Phyll, Co-Founder & Executive Direct...

“I've never shied away from my past, I've never hidden anything. I don't believe in sugarcoating, what's happened to me. Because the reality is that my life's turned out amazing. I've been able to use my trauma to actually help heal other people as well as myself. I'm still learning every day and I've never forgotten my roots.” Powerful words from Saba Ali (she/her) - this week’s guest for ‘Pause. And Rewind…’ Saba is one of the most consistent, engaged & supportive humans I have the priv...

“When people think about diversity & inclusion, they don’t often think about sex workers but they’re some of the most marginalised people globally in different communities so it feels natural to consider them.” Alex Feis-Bryce (he/him) is an award-winning third sector leader, campaigner and policy adviser with a track record of driving social change and services to support some of the most marginalised and oppressed people in society. He’s the CEO of Diversity Role Models, a charity...

“I feel like I can make wins. I can win in the classroom & I can win in my school but it feels like I can win more for LGBT+ people & Trans people & Trans students as well as educators.” Kacey DeGroot (she/her), my first guest for season 4 of ‘Pause… And Rewind…’, is a drama teacher and trade unionist on a mission. She’s currently campaigning to be elected as the Deputy General Secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), the largest education union in Europe, representing tea...

“I’ve experienced things I never thought I’d experience. I’ve experienced freedom I never thought I would have. I didn’t even know it existed.” This a powerful reflection around sobriety from this week’s guest on ‘Pause. And Rewind…’ that I really relate to. Harry Gay (he/him) - YES, that’s his real name and there’s a brilliant story about it in this episode - is a DJ, event producer & activist. He’s the Founder & Co-Director of London-based DJ collection Queer House Party which start...

“I don’t care if it’s just one person at a time. Because one person talks to one person talks to one person. That’s how you win.” LGBTQ+ inclusion and rugby in the topic here as this week’s guest on ‘Pause. And Rewind…’ shares their efforts in founding & becoming the Chair of the World's First LGBTQIA+ supporters' association in World Professional Rugby, QuinsPride at Harlequins. It’s impressive - and so is Emily Hamilton (she/her). Emily is Deputy CEO of Trans in the City and a FTS...

“It’s all about changing hearts & minds. That’s kind of me all over really.” With a career in PR working across small & large agencies through to founding TransMission PR - lovingly described as her third child - for Aby Hawker (she/her), it’s truly a mission driven by love, values & an incredibly clear stance on what it’s all about. That being to flip the narrative and prioritise uplifting Trans+ representation & stories across the board. Aby is the first LGBTQ+ ally I’ve had...

“To blend is not something I want to do.” And this certainly shows with this week’s guest on ‘Pause. And Rewind…’. Whether it’s through their creative outlets, owning their queerness as a superpower or busting out nail polish that matches the front cover of their debut book, Andrew Flewitt (he/him) is passionate, unapologetic & ambitious. He’s the host & producer of the podcast ‘Queer I Am’, now approaching its sixth season, public speaker and now author. In our conversation, Andrew r...

“It's exhausting existing authentically in a world that claims to value authenticity. But at every turn of that authenticity being revealed asks it to politely put itself in the box that it was given.” This conversation is PACKED with deep reflection & wise wise wise words of wisdom from Darkwah (they/them), this week’s guest for ‘Pause. And Rewind…’ Darkwah is a multi-disciplinary artist, content creator, activist & visionary with a passion for beauty, self-expression & community...

“It’s all just a happy accident.” I love the above sentiment from this week’s guest on ‘Pause. And Rewind…” when talking about their career. I also bloody love them - and it’s a hard relate too! George Lester, or That Girl, is an author & drag queen. I first met them in early 2023 during the protests against drag queen storytime that were taking place at the Honor Oak pub in Southeast London. The local community came out in force to protect both the drag performers & the pub and stand...

“I thought at that time it definitely will get better. You'll be able to escape the situation, and I had a feeling within myself even at the time. I said, you will be able to escape it.” This was one of many deep reflections from this week’s guest on ‘Pause. And Rewind…’ when thinking about their younger self at just 12 years old. Tolu Osinubi (she/her) is a Director at Deloitte, passionate public speaker & an incredible advocate & ally for the inclusion, intersectionality &...

“Don't forget luck. I think everyone feels like they're in control, and they can do it all. And if you just slog it out hard enough it will come to you. Sometimes, it’s just luck. Let go and see what comes.” Calling your company ‘The Unmistakables’ is a bold move but when it’s grounded in science & rigour plus a touch of cheekiness with a truly innovative leader in charge, it just makes sense. It was founded by this week’s guest Asad Dhunna (he/him) back in 2018 and as consultancy special...

“I have the community that I never ever in a million years would I have dreamed of when I was a kid.” Season 3 of ‘Pause. And Rewind…’ gets off to a CRACKING start with this conversation! I’m chatting to Jua O’Kane (they/he). Jua is the Marketing Manager for We Create Space and Communications Director for Trans Pride Plymouth as well as being an illustrator, creator, creative researcher & author of their recently published graphic novella, Road to Chimera. It’s a virtually stunning piece ...

This episode was A MOMENT for ‘Pause. And Rewind..’. It was my first time recording live with a live audience! And a celebration of three things… A whole year since I launched the podcastLesbian Visibility WeekMy guest - the one & only Char Bailey“Once I know what my truth is, can’t nobody tell me shit about shit. Because I know exactly who I am”. Char (she/her) wears many hats. Director of People & Culture for Birmingham Pride. Education & Inclusion Office for UK Black Pride. She...