In this episode of Why Care?, host, Nadia Nagamootoo, has an inspiring conversation with the Permalloo Sisters - Shelina Permalloo, MasterChef winner and celebrated chef, and Pamela Permalloo Bass, a diversity, equity, and inclusion expert with extensive experience in the NHS. Together, they share stories of their Mauritian heritage, navigating identity as British Mauritian women, and breaking barriers in their respective industries. From exploring the richness of Mauritian cuisine to advocating for inclusion in the workplace, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of family, culture, and leadership.
Key Takeaways
Cultural heritage can be a source of strength and connection in navigating personal and professional challenges.
Shelina and Pamela’s stories showcase how embracing heritage can drive creativity, resilience and a sense of purpose.
Food and hospitality serve as powerful tools for preserving culture and fostering community.
Breaking barriers requires persistence, leadership and a commitment to inclusion.
Pamela emphasises the need for inclusive leadership to address systemic inequities and create meaningful change in organisations.
The Permalloo sisters highlight the importance of pushing boundaries and creating opportunities for others, paving the way for future generations.
Highlights:
Growing Up as a Mauritian in the UK: Shelina and Pamela discuss their upbringing, family dynamics, and the influence of their Mauritian heritage on their identities.
Breaking Cultural Stereotypes: Pamela reflects on challenging traditional gender roles and cultural expectations, while Shelina shares her journey to embracing her heritage through food.
Advocating for Inclusion: Pamela highlights the importance of addressing systemic inequities in the NHS and fostering cultural awareness in leadership.
The Power of Food and Hospitality: Shelina describes how Mauritian cuisine connects people and celebrates diversity, becoming her way of preserving and sharing her roots.
Resilience and Leadership: The Permalloo sisters explore the importance of resilience, challenging the status quo, and leading with purpose in their fields.
The Reality of Success: Shelina shares the duality of her success, from celebrating Mauritian culture through food to facing criticism and navigating her unique position as a visible figure.
Guest Bio
Shelina Permalloo is an award-winning chef, author, and winner of MasterChef 2012. Known for her passion for Mauritian cuisine, Shelina uses food as a way to celebrate her heritage and connect people. She has published two cookbooks and runs culinary workshops whilst championing diversity in the food industry.
Pamela Permalloo Bass is a diversity, equity, and inclusion expert with over 30 years of experience in the public sector, including extensive work in the NHS. A dedicated advocate for cultural awareness and equity in leadership, Pamela works to create lasting, systemic change in organisations.
Links
Shelina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelinacooks/?hl=en
Shelina’s First Book - “Sunshine on a Plate”
Shelina’s Second Book - “The Sunshine Diet”
NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard 2023: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/nhs-workforce-race-equality-standard-2023-data-analysis-report-for-nhs-trusts/
Roger Kline (August 2015): Beyond the Snowy White Peaks of the NHS Report
Roger Kline & Joy Warmington (January 2024): Too Hot to Handle Report
Pamela’s Website: https://www.pamelapermalloobass.com/
Pamela’s LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/pamela-permalloo-bass-50749534
Avenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices