In this episode, Sadie and Gina Awad dive deep into the emotional landscape of dementia care, where compassion meets culture, and leadership shapes everything. They explore the barriers that silence families, the everyday interactions that build trust, and the systems that must evolve to protect autonomy.

This conversation is rich with advocacy, emotional intelligence, and the raw honesty of lived experience. Gina opens up about vulnerability, continuity, and the inspiration behind her new book When Time Aligns. It’s bold, heartfelt, and a call to reimagine the future of care.Resources

https://www.tide.uk.net/gina-awads-united/

https://amzn.eu/d/03PLcR7F

In part one of this conversation, Sadie is joined by Lyric Rivera (they/them), a late identified autistic and ADHD consultant, strategist, writer, and creator. Together they explore what a rights based approach to neurodiversity looks like in practice, why emotional safety matters, and how inclusion depends on trust, dignity, and being believed about your own needs.Lyric shares how workplaces and communities can move beyond policy language into real cultural change by making room for autonomy, reasonable accommodations, and authentic self expression. The conversation also highlights the importance of curiosity, compassion, and asking people what they need instead of assuming everyone experiences the world the same way. #AskingAutistics

Resources:NeuroDivergentRebel.comhttps://www.routledge.com/Autism-Identity-and-Me-A-Practical-Workbook-to-Empower-Autistic-Children-and-Young-People-Aged-10/Duffus-Rivera/p/book/9781032832548

https://books2read.com/Weight-of-Normal

Part 1 - Tri - Conversation with Sadie & CWC

In this episode, Sadie engages with Annie Alexander and Olivia Firth to explore the intricate dynamics of care work, focusing on rights-based care, the importance of culture, and the need for meaningful relationships in the sector. They discuss the realities of care work, the significance of valuing care workers, and the impact of everyday interactions on autonomy and inclusion. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of recognizing care workers as professionals and the importance of asking questions to foster meaningful engagement and relationships in care settings. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of engaging care workers in system design, addressing barriers in the care sector, and the role of emotional intelligence in high-pressure environments.

https://thecareworkerscharity.org.uk/

In this conversation, Sadie and Baroness Claire Gerada explore the concept of 'Fearness Medicine,' focusing on the importance of compassionate care, the cultural conditions that foster safety and dignity in healthcare, and the role of leadership in shaping a positive organizational culture. They discuss the significance of everyday interactions in building trust and inclusion, and the necessity of being present and attentive in patient care. In this conversation, Clare Gerada discusses the importance of kindness and emotional intelligence in healthcare, the barriers that prevent meaningful patient care, and the role of leadership in navigating challenges within the healthcare system. She emphasizes the need for reflection, understanding, and hope for the future of healthcare, advocating for a supportive environment for both patients and healthcare professionals.

References:

https://www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/

In this episode, Sadie speaks with Mary Bruce, a dementia specialist with over 40 years of experience, about transforming dementia care through education, leadership, and system change. They explore how understanding dementia deeply impacts care quality and the importance of empowering staff and families.

Keywords:

Dementia care, dementia education, leadership in healthcare, system change, caregiver support, dementia awareness, healthcare training, emotional footprint, person-centred care

Resources:

http://www.demed.co.uk/

In this conversation, Sadie and Julie Burton explore the evolution of care systems, the importance of leadership grounded in humanity, and the need for relationships in care. Julie shares her journey in health and social care, emphasizing the significance of lived experiences over compliance. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on care practices and the necessity of teamwork and community support. The dialogue highlights the challenges leaders face in balancing compliance with genuine care and the importance of understanding individual staff needs to foster a supportive work environment. In this conversation, Julie Burton shares her insights on leadership in the care sector, emphasizing the importance of supporting teams, the human cost of complexity, and the need for choice and agency in care. She reflects on her extensive experience, highlighting the role of humanity in leadership and the necessity of adapting to change while maintaining a focus on the people involved. The discussion also touches on lessons from other industries and the ripple effect of care on families and communities.

Links:

https://twinglobe.co.uk/

In this episode, Sadie welcomes Professor Jon Glasby, a standout leader in health and social care — for a powerful conversation about what integration really means. Together they explore person‑centred systems, shared power, and the role of trust and relationships in genuine reform.

Beyond the Bio:Jon isn’t just an academic name — he’s someone who has shaped national thinking, challenged systems to be braver, and inspired leaders across the UK to put people at the heart of care.

This is a special guest and a standout conversation — full of clarity, honesty and the kind of insight that stays with you. Trust me, you do not want to miss this one!This conversation is one of those special ones — the kind that shifts perspective.

Resources:

James Reason - Swiss Cheese Model - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_cheese_model

Website

https://impact.bham.ac.uk/

University Profile

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/social-policy/glasby-jon

Linkedin (Improving Adult Social Care Together)

https://uk.linkedin.com/company/impadultcare

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/people/Improving-Adult-Care-Together/61584391136234/

Bluesky:

@impadultcare.bsky.social

In this conversation, Sadie and Isaac Samuels delve into the intricate relationship between leadership, inclusion, and community power. Isaac shares his journey into disability advocacy, emphasizing the importance of lived experience in shaping effective leadership. They discuss the concept of co-production, highlighting its role in redistributing power and fostering genuine collaboration. The dialogue also explores the significance of creating safe spaces for dialogue and the need for systems to be designed with the people they serve in mind, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and equitable approach to care and leadership. In this conversation, Isaac Samuels discusses the importance of empowering relationships over rigid systems in social care. He emphasizes the need for community involvement and the role of personal experiences in shaping effective leadership. The dialogue explores patterns of resilience in individuals and communities, the significance of co-production, and the hope for a more equitable future through collective action and shared knowledge.