In this episode of AI for Equity, Leah and Jenny sit down with Finbar O’Hanlon, a musician turned tech innovator, to explore how curiosity and creativity fuel innovation in an AI-driven world. From the similarities between music and coding to the need to unlearn outdated beliefs, Finbar shares how adaptability and experimentation can redefine what it means to be human in the age of technology.
Together, they discuss the future of work, the role of play in learning, and how AI can become a true creative partner—enhancing, not replacing, our imagination.
Tune in to discover why the most powerful technology is still the human mind.
In this episode of AI for Equity, Leah-Sunshine Garrett speaks with Suvianna, founder of the AI for Change Foundation, about what it really means to build ethical and responsible AI.
From the challenges organisations face in turning policy into practice to the global need for equity in AI design, Suvianna shares powerful insights into how culture, innovation, and ethics intersect. Together, they explore how Finland is shaping discussions on AI innovation, why ethics must be seen as a foundation for creativity, and how human-centred design can ensure AI serves everyone - fairly and responsibly.
This episode is a reminder that responsible AI isn’t just about compliance; it’s about compassion, accountability, and the courage to shape technology that uplifts us all.
Watch the full conversation on YouTube to see the ideas come to life.
Bio:
Suvianna Grecu is the Founder of the AI for Change Foundation, a global non-profit initiative promoting the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence. She’s recognized as one of Europe’s emerging voices in ethical AI, governance, and female leadership in tech, helping leaders and organizations harness AI in a way that aligns with human values, trust and long-term impact. Suvianna’s mission is to make AI accessible, ethical and empowering, turning complex technology into a force for good in business and society.
Links:
https://aifcf.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/suvianna-grecu/
https://www.instagram.com/suvianna.ai/
https://www.tiktok.com/@suvianna
In this episode of AI for Equity, we sit down with Anna Jones, CEO and co-founder of RefuAid and MeritAI, to explore how technology, especially AI, is reshaping refugee integration and empowerment.
From her beginnings in law to leading two transformative organisations, Anna shares how language, re-accreditation, and access are key to restoring dignity and independence for refugees. She also discusses how AI-driven tools like Path and Merit are creating personalised pathways for refugees to rebuild their lives and careers.
This conversation dives deep into community mobilisation, the power of context in AI, and the ways technology can challenge bias and create equitable opportunities for all.
Watch the full conversation on YouTube to see the ideas come to life.
Anna's Bio:
Anna is the CEO and co-founder of RefuAid, a UK non-profit dedicated to providing access to finance for people who have been forcibly displaced. Since launching, RefuAid has supported over 2,200 individuals to overcome systemic barriers to employment, education, and financial independence. Through its Equal Access Loan programme, the organisation has distributed more than £2.8 million in interest-free loans, achieving an exceptional 98% repayment rate and delivering a return of £5.66 to the UK economy for every £1 lent.
Building on this success, Anna co-founded Merit AI, a platform that uses artificial intelligence to tackle systemic inequalities in financial services. She also led the creation of Path, an AI-driven tool that guides refugees through professional reaccreditation pathways in the UK.
With nearly a decade of experience building mission-driven organisations, Anna is passionate about developing sustainable, tech-enabled solutions to social challenges. Her work has been recognised by Forbes 30 Under 30 and Startups Magazine’s Most Influential Women of 2024.
On stage and in conversation, Anna speaks about fintech innovation, financial inclusion, AI for social impact, and transformative approaches to refugee integration.
Keywords: RefuAid, AI, social impact, refugees, community, technology, re-accreditation, language skills, equity, innovation.
In this powerful episode of AI for Equity, Jenny and Leah speak with Christian Ortiz, a de-colonial technologist and creator of Justice AI, to unpack the deep-rooted issues of AI bias and explore what true ethical AI looks like in practice.
Christian shares how Justice AI was built through collaboration with marginalised professionals to identify and mitigate bias in organisations. Together, they discuss the importance of indigenous data sovereignty, intersectional ethics, and the ongoing challenge of keeping AI systems updated and accountable.
This episode is a call to action — to educate, unlearn, and rebuild technology for collective liberation.
Watch the full conversation on YouTube to see the ideas come to life.
In this episode, Leah and Jenny sit down with Sumathi Menon, a trailblazer at the intersection of AI, digital marketing, and women in technology. Sumathi shares her inspiring journey from tech to digital marketing and her mission to bridge the gender gap in STEM through training, education, and cultural understanding. She explains why AI isn’t just for techies, highlighting the importance of critical thinking, communication, and human connection in shaping an inclusive AI ecosystem. From her work with GenAI and Mave Social to her advocacy for women re-entering the workforce, Sumathi brings refreshing insights into how automation, cultural perspectives, and adaptability are transforming the future of work.
Want the full experience? Watch the podcast on YouTube for bonus visuals and behind-the-scenes moments!
https://youtu.be/IqaR0q01Qhk
About Sumathi:
Sumathi Menon is the founder of Mave Social AI. She makes AI accessible for individuals and organisations through practical workshops, strategy sessions and hands-on demos. In addition she enables individuals and organisations get started with AI through consulting and building automations by finding their efficiency sweet spot. Her work focuses on inclusive, responsible AI adoption and empowering non-traditional learners, especially as the regional lead of Women Defining AI she strives to move women and non-binary individuals from simply using AI to actively building with it.She is a regular panelist and podcast guest on AI strategy, its responsible & ethical use and bias mitigation. She is a member of Conscious advertising Network and is Vice Chair for Citizens Advice Wandsworth Trustee board.
Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumathimenon
Www.mavesocialai.com
Series 2 of the AI for Equity podcast kicks off with Jenny Garrett OBE and Leah-Sunshine Garrett sharing their excitement for a new chapter of conversations on AI, equity, and innovation. In this opening episode, they reflect on their backgrounds in AI and explore how technology is reshaping some of the most pressing issues in society.
From improving workplace diversity and fairness to supporting victims of gender-based violence, AI’s potential to drive meaningful change is front and centre. Jenny and Leah also examine how AI is revolutionising healthcare diagnostics, the ethical dilemmas of data privacy, and the role of community engagement in shaping a more equitable future.
This conversation sets the stage for a season of curiosity, learning, and critical reflection, highlighting both the promise and the challenges of AI in building a fairer world.
In this special series one roundup of the AI for Equity podcast, hosts Jenny Garrett OBE and Leah-Sunshine Garrett reflect on their journey so far, what they’ve learned, loved, and discovered along the way. From the joy of working together to the invaluable insights shared by global guests, this episode revisits key conversations on AI, equity, and identity.
Jenny and Leah dive into the importance of diversity in shaping technology, why human involvement in AI matters, and how discernment is essential in deciding when and how AI should be used. They explore the intersection of identity, the role of collaboration, and the potential for AI to bridge communication gaps while also acknowledging the risks of bias.
Series one has been a powerful reminder that AI is not just about algorithms, it’s about people, perspectives, and building a future where equity is at the heart of innovation.
In this episode of AI for Equity, Jenny Garrett OBE and Leah-Sunshine Garrett sit down with Jazz Rasool to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of coaching. Jazz emphasises the need for wisdom in technology, placing ethics, cultural diversity, and humanity at the core of AI adoption. The conversation dives into digital literacy, the role of AI in empowering people, and how it can foster both self-collaboration and collective flourishing. Together, they reimagine a future where AI isn’t just about smarter machines, but about creating a more human-centric world.
Find Jazz here:
https://linkedin.com/in/jazzrasool
Keywords: AI, coaching, ethics, diversity, mental health, digital literacy, empowerment, humanity, collaboration, future of AI summary
AI is transforming coaching — but can it stay human?
In this episode of AI for Equity, Jenny Garrett and Leah Garrett sit down with Sam Samarasinghe, founder of Delenta, to explore how AI is making coaching more inclusive, accessible, and diverse.
Discover how technology can match clients with the right coach, tackle bias, and build trust — without losing the empathy that makes coaching powerful. From human-centered AI design to real stories from the coaching world, this is a must-listen for anyone in tech, coaching, or diversity and inclusion.
If you care about the future of coaching, the role of AI, and creating equity through innovation — hit play now.
Please find below links for Delenta's and the socials:
Intro Music: Powerful Stylish Inspiring instrumental | Trend Track. Alex-Productions
In this episode of AI for Equity, Jenny and Leah are joined by Dr. Mona Ashok, an academic and researcher who’s all about making sure AI works for people, not against them. Together, they dive into the roots of AI (spoiler: it’s been around since the 1950s!), the ethical questions we really need to be asking, and why diverse voices in AI governance aren't just a nice-to-have—they're essential.
Mona shares her insights on how AI can actually support better decision-making and improve the workplace—but only if it’s done right. That means including underrepresented voices, staying aware of bias, and building a future where AI enhances, not replaces, human judgment.
If you’re curious about how AI can be ethical and inclusive, or you want to know what responsible AI adoption looks like in real workplaces, this one’s not to be missed.
Intro Music: Powerful Stylish Inspiring instrumental | Trend Track. Alex-Productions
What happens when AI meets DEI in the workplace? In this episode, we’re joined by Dan Gallagher from Avanade, who breaks down how AI can support inclusive recruitment if we get the governance and human instinct right. We talk privilege, power, and why middle managers deserve more support than they’re getting. From hiring bias to legal roadblocks, Dan shares practical insights on how organisations can level up their diversity efforts without losing the human touch.
Tune in if you’re into real talk about responsible AI, equity in hiring, and how to make workplace culture actually inclusive—not just performative.
Intro Music: Powerful Stylish Inspiring instrumental | Trend Track. Alex-Productions
In this episode of AI for Equity, Leah and Jenny chat with Varun Bhanot, founder of Magic AI, about how his own health journey sparked the idea for a super accessible, AI-powered personal training platform. We dive into how Reflect AI uses computer vision to give real-time workout feedback, why inclusivity matters in fitness tech, and how Magic AI is helping people—especially beginners and folks from underrepresented communities—get moving without breaking the bank.
From busting barriers like cost and geography to sharing stories of real impact, Varun gets real about the role of AI in wellness and why human connection still matters. Oh—and he drops some gems on pushing past imposter syndrome in entrepreneurship too.
If you’re into fitness, tech, or just love a good founder story, this one's for you.
Intro Music: Powerful Stylish Inspiring instrumental | Trend Track. Alex-Productions
In this episode of AI for Equity, Jenny Garrett and Leah Garrett chat with Dr Pauldy Otermans about how AI is helping to close global gaps in education and employment. They explore how tech like Edge AI can boost learning in places with limited internet access, and how personalised learning powered by AI can build real employability skills — no matter where you are.
Dr Otermans also breaks down why AI literacy matters, how we can reduce bias in AI systems, and what developers and organisations can do to make sure AI is genuinely human-focused. From data privacy to workplace inclusion and the skills we’ll all need in the future, it’s a lively and practical discussion about how to make AI work for everyone.
If you're into education, tech, policy — or just curious about how AI is changing the world — this one’s for you.
Contact Pauldy below:
Otermans Institute:
Website: https://www.portfolio.oiedu.co.uk/
Our campaign in Kenya: https://www.portfolio.oiedu.co.uk/oi-lead-campaign
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oiedu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oiedu19/
X: https://twitter.com/Otermans_Edu
TeddyAI:Website:https://www.teddyai.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teddyai_official/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teddyai_official
Keywords: AI, equity, global talent development, personalised learning, employability, Edge AI, data privacy, AI bias, AI literacy, neurodiversity, future of work.
Intro Music: Powerful Stylish Inspiring instrumental | Trend Track. Alex-Productions
In this thought-provoking episode of AI for Equity, Jenny Garrett and Leah Garrett chat with Rod Brown about how artificial intelligence and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) can work together to shake up the workplace for the better.
Rod draws on his time at Xerox and his current work in AI and DEI to introduce the idea of AI as a cognitive partner – a kind of thinking sidekick that helps organisations better recognise people’s contributions and build more human-centred ways of managing performance.
They dive into the ethics of AI tracking, why contributive value matters, and how tech can drive inclusion when guided by the right values. Rod explains how AI can boost creativity, improve workplace safety, and support growth – helping to make work more meaningful and fair for everyone.
Whether you’re in tech, leadership or working in DEI, this episode’s packed with fresh ideas and real-world insight into the future of work.
Keywords: AI, DEI, diversity, performance management, human valuation, organisational growth, ethics, workplace innovation, contributive value, technology and inclusion.
Connect with Rod:
linkedin.com/in/rodney-a-brown-7442404
In this episode, Leah and Jenny, along with Erica Farmer dive into the evolving role of AI in the workplace, exploring how it can empower—not replace—human intelligence. They unpack the gender disparities in AI adoption and the barriers faced by women and non-binary individuals, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and empathy in tech-driven environments. From dispelling common AI misconceptions to highlighting its potential in supporting mental wellness, the conversation centers on creating equitable and human-centric workplaces. Whether you're curious about AI's impact on job security or how organizations can better engage employees in digital transformation, this episode offers insightful, practical guidance for shaping the future of work.
Erica Farmer LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericafarmer/
Erica's TedX Talk - Reforming Education with a Digital First Mindset - https://youtu.be/DpPw1LjVAfU?si=WgEAB_p3SbE185aV
AI upskilling services - https://quantumrise.co.uk/services/ai-for-the-average-joe/
AI blogs and thought leadership - https://quantumrise.co.uk/thought-pieces/
AI for the Average Joe podcast show on YouTube - https://quantumrise.co.uk/ai-for-the-average-joe-podcast/
What happens when neurodiverse perspectives shape the future of AI? In this episode of AI for Equity, Jenny and Leah sit down with Twan Wildeboer—speaker, technologist, and TED Talk storyteller—to explore how AI can be a powerful tool for workplace inclusion and neurodiverse empowerment.
Twan shares his personal journey with autism and ADHD, offering insight into how neurodiversity intersects with technology and creativity. The conversation dives into the biases baked into AI, how to build more inclusive systems, and why diverse teams lead to better tech outcomes.
Whether you’re working in AI, passionate about equity, or simply curious about how technology can promote empathy, this episode is for you.
Contact Twan here: linkedin.com/in/twanwildeboer
In this episode, Jenny and Leah sit down with Aarti Samani to really dig into deep fake technology. They explore how it's making fraud more complex and highlight the weak spots it's revealing in organisations.
The conversation covers some fascinating ground, from how our culture shapes who we trust, to the headaches deep fakes create when you're trying to hire new talent. They also dive into why building a psychologically safe workplace is so crucial for fighting off these threats.
Aarti stresses that we all need to be more aware and think critically – both in our personal lives and at work – if we're going to navigate the risks that deepfakes throw our way.
Contact Aarti on:
hello@shreempartners.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aartisamani/
Welcome to AI for Equity, a podcast dedicated to exploring how artificial intelligence can be designed, deployed, and governed to promote justice, inclusion, and equity across sectors and societies. Join us for future episodes where we unpack why equity must be central in the development of AI technologies, who the key voices are in this space, and what’s at stake if we get it wrong.
Join us on this journey to make AI not just smarter, but fairer.
