We often hear that we need to strive for a more diverse workforce. But what if just having diversity as your goal does more harm than good? In this Episode of 'all about business', James is joined by Dr. Heather Melville, OBE CMgr CCMI FCBI, to explore how inclusive business practices can drive growth, retain talent, and align organisational values with commercial strength. They shed light on understanding different needs and demographics within the workplace that go beyond mere diversity so you can make impactful cultural changes to help your business thrive.Heather is a Trustee and Senior Advisor, the Chancellor of York University and a Partner at Stork and May. She’s also the Chair and Non-Executive Director of CMI Women, where she empowers and develops women in leadership. In 2017, she was awarded an OBE for services to Business and Gender Equality, which is why she’s the perfect person to talk to us about building an inclusive business.02:25 Defining Inclusivity in Business03:58 Challenges and Misconceptions in Diversity06:55 Practical Steps for Inclusivity10:57 Leadership and Inclusivity17:09 The Cost of Ignoring Inclusivity22:59 Real-World Examples and Stereotyping26:23 Gender Pay Gap and Organisational Accountability27:33 Creating Fair and Equitable Workplaces27:59 Inclusive Hiring Practices29:23 The Importance of Leadership in Inclusion30:17 Employee Advocacy and Organisational Response31:00 Personal Experiences with Leadership36:12 Balancing Work and Personal Life44:45 Recruitment Strategies and Positive Action48:16 Looking Forward: Future Goals and Reflections50:45 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFollow Healther on Linkedin Follow Heather on XFollow James Reed on LinkedinAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.