Let’s face it: conversations about race make even the most fearless among us uneasy, awkward or just very nervous. In this episode of Fearless Diversity, Simon Fanshawe (Diversity Dissident) and Rachel Cashman (Fearless Facilitator) dive headlong into the silence, discomfort, and tiptoeing that surrounds race at work and in everyday life.Prompted to record this episode by the publication of Baroness Casey's 'National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse' and the associated headlines -defensive and offensive - Simon and Rachel felt it was time to talk about race. Ever found yourself tippexing out uncomfortable truths, dodging controversy, or simply holding back from fear of saying the unsayable? You’re not alone. Simon and Rachel unravel why so many of us, particularly well-intentioned liberals, get tied in knots over race. From performance management gone wrong to navigating everyday interactions loaded with uncertainty, they explore why good intentions too often lead to bad outcomes.Expect honest reflections, laugh-out-loud insights, and some genuinely uncomfortable moments (yes, they’re going there). But above all, prepare for a much-needed call to courage because if we don’t fill the conversational vacuum, someone far less helpful certainly will.Baroness Casey 'National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse': https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-audit-on-group-based-child-sexual-exploitation-and-abuseBaroness Casey Newsnight Interview: https://youtu.be/_1u7-dXwhs0People Management: https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1919974/black-employees-disproportionately-subjected-worker-surveillance-report-findsTen Years of Snowy White Peaks, Workforce Race Equality in the NHS: https://bmjleader.bmj.com/content/9/2/178Nazir Afzal Comment Piece in Observer: https://observer.co.uk/news/opinion-and-ideas/article/cowardice-and-inaction-left-children-to-be-abusedThe Good Ally by Nova Reid: https://amzn.eu/d/1l72wVlThe Power of Difference – Simon Fanshawe (stereotypes pp 114-115) https://shorturl.at/eiBgbWhat Casey Did - The real report, not the one in the papers by David Aaronovitchhttps://davidaaronovitch.substack.com/p/what-casey-did?utm_campaign=email-post&r=u6e8&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=emailFor more about Rachel: Who Is The Fearless Facilitator? - Fearless Facilitator For more about Simon: Who We Are – Diversity by Design Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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58:48
FAIL or First Attempt In Learning?
Join Simon Fanshawe, the Diversity Dissident, and Rachel Cashman, the Fearless Facilitator, as they boldly dive into one of everyone's least favourite topics: Failure! With wit, honesty, and plenty of personal anecdotes (Rachel fails daily, Simon hourly!), they tackle why failing isn't just inevitable, but essential for growth. From Edison’s famous quip about discovering "10,000 ways not to do it," to dramatic real-world examples including nuclear reactors and Broadway producers, Simon and Rachel explore how embracing failure can become a powerful force for learning and innovation. This episode unpacks practical questions leaders often wrestle with: How much failure is acceptable? What's our real tolerance for risk? And how can leaders build cultures where failure doesn't trigger shame, but instead sparks collective insight and adaptation? Expect laughter, levity, and serious wisdom as Rachel and Simon reveal why "Failure Fridays" could become your organisation's most valuable weekly meeting—and how learning to pivot well can transform setbacks into breakthroughs. Turn your failures into food for thought with Simon and Rachel, listen in and learn how falling flat on your face might just be the best thing you do all day!For more about Rachel: Who Is The Fearless Facilitator? - Fearless Facilitator For more about Simon: Who We Are – Diversity by Design Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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52:47
Free Speech or say nothing?
Get ready to tackle another hot topic with Simon and Rachel as they have the conversations you want to In this episode, they're diving deep into the question: What exactly do we mean by free speech, especially at work? From academic freedom and artistic expression to controversial workplace debates and social media snafus, Rachel and Simon fearlessly (and humorously) navigate the delicate dance of speaking your mind without breaking the office etiquette. Simon boldly explores how free speech can quickly turn chaotic without clear boundaries, while Rachel brings her trademark clarity, unpacking the mechanics and dynamics behind workplace conduct, speech, and silence, she has talked before about measuring it and today she majors on leveraging it and lessons from a silent retreat! Expect sharp wit, real-life scenarios (awkward comedy clubs, anyone?), and insightful tips as they tackle whether expressing your "authentic self" at work is a freedom or a potential landmine. With stories ranging from protest encampments to inappropriate office outfits, Simon and Rachel offer practical wisdom and plenty of laughs on managing tricky conversations, setting boundaries, and embracing the essential art of disagreeing well. Join Simon and Rachel as they redefine free speech at work where sometimes the bravest thing you can say is nothing at all!For more about Rachel: Who Is The Fearless Facilitator? - Fearless Facilitator For more about Simon: Who We Are – Diversity by Design Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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49:50
Employee or Activist?
Hold on tight as Simon and Rachel tackle a red-hot question: Are your employees still just employees, or are they morphing into activists? From baked beans to workplace tussles about toilets (a subject that disproportionately is vexing employers and their staff right now!) and drag pantos at Christmas parties, this conversation has everything, and a few surprises.Find out why Rachel was kettled by the Metropolitan Police outside Miss World in her younger years, while Simon fondly remembers being “bullied” by bolshy feminists into joining activism life-changing, he insists! Together they dive headfirst into the messy business of workplace activism, staff networks, and how companies are struggling to balance societal debates with core business objectives.Expect insightful banter, playful disagreement, and a healthy dose of practical wisdom as they explore whether activism at work builds belonging or creates division, and why some issues spark genuine progress while others ignite polarisation. Is your CEO secretly terrified of town halls? Could your company accidentally silence the majority while amplifying a few loud voices? And just why are women’s networks sometimes named so awkwardly?Join Rachel and Simon as they fearlessly unpack this sensitive, complex topic with humour, empathy, and (of course!) courageous candour.For more about Rachel: Who Is The Fearless Facilitator? - Fearless Facilitator For more about Simon: Who We Are – Diversity by Design Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Supreme Court Ruling Part 2
In our second episode on the Supreme Court Judgement on the meaning of sex in the Equality Act, Rachel and Simon again explore the complexities. The re-statement of the law by the Court is crystal clear. But the reaction has ranged from the practical and sensible to the defiant and the downright defamatory. And from some people who should know better. Why did one of the leading law firms in the UK host a session where the Supreme Court Judges were described by a panellist to laughter as “f******g idiots”? Who shouted what insult at Simon on the bus? Why was Rachel’s conversation with a bricky on the train so surprising? What's the article with the best legal advice that we've found so far? Why should leaders be very cautious about them or their company grandstanding on the issues rather than remaining impartial and lawful and practical? Which is the best and most straightforward advice to be found for leaders navigating all this? More conversation and common sense from R&S on a subject to which we will undoubtedly returnLinks:Joanne Moseley - Irwin MitchellDo retailers have to provide single sex toilets and changing rooms for their customers and staff?https://www.irwinmitchell.com/news-and-insights/expert-comment/post/102kb9l/do-retailers-have-to-provide-single-sex-toilets-and-changing-rooms-for-their-custStrathclyde Uni Law Bloghttps://www.strath.ac.uk/humanities/lawschool/blog/genderdoesntmatter/ https://www.strath.ac.uk/humanities/lawschool/blog/gendermatters/Times Editorial: Opponents of trans ruling should put pragmatism over ideologySupreme Court judgement: For Women Scotland Ltd (Appellant) v The Scottish Ministers (Respondent)EHRC Statement: An interim update on the practical implications of the UK Supreme Court judgment | EHRCFor more about Rachel: Who Is The Fearless Facilitator? - Fearless Facilitator For more about Simon: Who We Are – Diversity by Design Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Leaders are faced with dilemmas every day that flow from human interactions at work. And they are so often disruptive, time-consuming, potentially create division among your staff and test you as a leader. You need time to reflect…..you need space in the morning to listen to Rachel Cashman and Simon Fanshawe eating these problems for breakfast. Fearless Diversity is the candid podcast that tackles the real dilemmas bosses, managers, and leaders face every day – around accountability, decision-making, workplace dynamics, conflict, and organisational culture and their people. Join Rachel Cashman and Simon Fanshawe — two of the foremost thought leaders in workplace diversity, leadership, and inclusion — as they dive into honest conversations that get to the heart of it. We have the conversations you want to have. Rachel brings real-world, high-level implementation experience - expertise that CEOs and managers can trust, learn from, and enlist when they need results and to ensure their teams perform at their best. Simon adds his clout as a highly respected broadcaster, author, and inclusion specialist. They don’t always agree — and that’s the point. Rachel and Simon argue, disagree, and explore different perspectives, and always with resolution and insight – modelling the difficult conversations leaders need to have. It’s a podcast for thoughtful leaders who want to reflect, rather than shout or be shouted at. Fearless Diversity is the place to think differently about today’s trickiest human issues at work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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