Is your organisation truly inclusive, or just ticking boxes?
In this episode of the Inclusive Growth Podcast, Toby Mildon introduces new associate Dr. Christopher Owen - an expert in intersectional systemic oppression and founder of the consultancy Coliberate. Together, they explore what it really means to drive equity, diversity, and inclusion from the inside out.

Christopher shares insights drawn from his lived experience and academic background, challenging traditional approaches to inclusion that stop at internal metrics. Instead, he advocates for a shift towards co-liberation - building workplaces that support both internal culture and external community.

Key takeaways:

• Why true inclusion must consider the world beyond your office walls.
• How systemic oppression affects recruitment and workplace equity.
• A practical mantra to build resilience in EDI work: What is true, what is right, what is next.
• The importance of questioning “what are we including people into?”

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If you're enjoying this episode and looking to boost equity, inclusion, and diversity in your organisation, my team and I are here to help. Our team specialises in crafting data-driven strategies, developing inclusive leaders, designing fair recruitment processes, and enhancing disability confidence. With a blend of professional expertise and lived experience, we're ready to support you on your journey. Reach out to us through our website.

If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

Discover how inclusive leadership unlocks hidden potential in the workplace.

In this episode of the Inclusive Growth Podcast, Toby Mildon sits down with Cynthia Fortladge, global award-winning consultant and new associate at Mildon. Cynthia shares her deeply personal journey from the C-suite to becoming a prominent voice in gender diversity and inclusive leadership.

Through candid conversation, Cynthia and Toby explore:

• The distinction between management and true leadership
• The impact of unlocking discretionary effort in employees
• Cynthia’s philosophy of “acceptance without understanding”
• The emotional journey of redefining success and identity
• Practical advice on challenging bias and fostering inclusion

Learn how Cynthia’s lived experience and business acumen help her empower leaders to cultivate inclusive workplaces that foster trust, empathy, and authenticity.

Send us a message

If you're enjoying this episode and looking to boost equity, inclusion, and diversity in your organisation, my team and I are here to help. Our team specialises in crafting data-driven strategies, developing inclusive leaders, designing fair recruitment processes, and enhancing disability confidence. With a blend of professional expertise and lived experience, we're ready to support you on your journey. Reach out to us through our website.

If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

Is your organisation truly accessible – or just meeting the bare minimum?

In this episode of the Inclusive Growth Podcast, Toby Mildon has a compelling conversation featuring Luis Canto E Castro, a disability inclusion and accessibility consultant and new Associate at Mildon. Luis shares his journey from South Africa to the UK, the personal and professional experiences that shaped his advocacy, and the non-traditional recruitment story that brought him into Toby’s network.

Key takeaways:

• Why accessibility must go beyond compliance
• Digital exclusion in recruitment – and how to fix it
• The difference between the medical and social models of disability
• How to lead authentically on disability inclusion
• Practical advice to improve your organisation’s accessibility

Tune in to discover how Luis is redefining what it means to create equitable spaces and why investing in inclusion is more than just good intentions.

Send us a message

If you're enjoying this episode and looking to boost equity, inclusion, and diversity in your organisation, my team and I are here to help. Our team specialises in crafting data-driven strategies, developing inclusive leaders, designing fair recruitment processes, and enhancing disability confidence. With a blend of professional expertise and lived experience, we're ready to support you on your journey. Reach out to us through our website.

If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

What if love, not fear, was the foundation of your workplace culture?

In this enlightening episode, Toby Mildon is joined by Simon Phillips - founder of The Change Maker Group and co-host of the Love Lead Change Podcast - to explore the transformative concept of a love-based organisation. They unpack the difference between love- and fear-based cultures and why empathy, psychological safety, and human-centred leadership are vital for inclusive growth.

Simon introduces the LACE Framework - Listening, Accountability, Collaboration and Empathy - and how it’s helping organisations shift from compliance-driven environments to high-performing, human-focused cultures. With references to Google’s Project Aristotle and Renee Smith’s research, Simon brings compelling evidence to back the business case for cultural change.

Key takeaways:

• What defines a love-based organisation—and why it matters
• Real-world data linking empathy and performance
• The core principles of the LACE Framework
• Practical tips for being a change-maker
• Why active listening is tougher—and more important—than we think

Guest Highlights:
Simon Phillips, Change Leadership Expert
🌐 Website: https://thechangemakergroup.com/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonphillips/

🔗 Resources:

• Renee Smith's work: https://www.reneesmithspeaks.com/writing
• Love Lead Change Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/love-lead-change

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If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

What happens when inclusion efforts stall at awareness?

In this compelling episode, Toby Mildon sits down with experienced EDI practitioner Emma Underwood to explore why equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is facing what Emma calls a “global earthquake.” Together, they unpack the current challenges in the sector, the ethical tensions at play, and the need for a more skilled, credible EDI profession.

Emma draws from her varied background in public policy, students’ unions, and consultancy to outline the critical difference between performative allyship and meaningful change. She also tackles the need for professional standards in EDI roles and explains how legal developments are reshaping the field.

Key takeaways include:

• Why awareness without action benefits only the ally.
• The need for professional standards and regulation in EDI roles.
• How to navigate the clash between legal rulings and ethical convictions.
• Practical ways to keep progressing despite political and economic pushback.

Guest highlights:

Emma Underwood – EDI Practitioner

Connect with Emma on LinkedIn

Send us a message

If you're enjoying this episode and looking to boost equity, inclusion, and diversity in your organisation, my team and I are here to help. Our team specialises in crafting data-driven strategies, developing inclusive leaders, designing fair recruitment processes, and enhancing disability confidence. With a blend of professional expertise and lived experience, we're ready to support you on your journey. Reach out to us through our website.

If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

Is your organisation missing out on a powerful and overlooked talent pool?
In this episode of the Inclusive Growth Show, Toby Mildon speaks with Dr Andrew Jenkins, an expert in employment and age discrimination, to explore why older workers could be the key to solving the UK’s persistent hospitality staffing crisis.

With insights from Andrew's extensive research and real-world examples - including B&Q’s game-changing recruitment strategy the episode dismantles common myths about older employees and reveals the untapped potential of a multi-generational workforce.

Key takeaways include:

• The damaging impact of age-based stereotypes in hiring
• Why older workers are a viable solution to post-Brexit staffing gaps
• How flexible recruitment strategies can attract talent over 50
• The business case for a multi-generational workforce
• Practical steps for building age-inclusive workplaces

Guest Highlights:
Guest: Dr Andrew Jenkins
Title: Lecturer in Management
Institution: University of Cumbria / University of Huddersfield

Resources mentioned:

• CIPD 2022 report: Understanding Older Workers
• Centre for Aging Better: Employer Guide
• Personnel Today article by Mary Bright
• Age UK: Ageism at Work

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If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

Menopause and mental health: why silence in the workplace is no longer an option.

In this compelling episode of the Inclusive Growth Show, Toby Mildon is joined by Haley from Menospace and Victoria from Minds That Work to explore the powerful intersection of menopause and mental health in the workplace.

Haley shares her personal and professional journey into menopause advocacy, while Victoria reflects on her mental health work and how their collaboration emerged from a shared passion. Together, they highlight the often-overlooked impacts of perimenopause on psychological wellbeing and the urgent need for inclusive organisational support.

Key takeaways include:

• Why perimenopause symptoms are often mistaken or ignored.
• How menopause intersects with mental health and performance.
• The business case for supporting midlife employees.
• Practical steps for HR leaders to create psychologically safe workplaces.
• How awareness, training, and policy can drive cultural change.

Guest Highlights:

• Haley, Founder of Menospace: Website | LinkedIn
• Victoria, Founder of Minds That Work: Website | LinkedIn

Don't miss their specialist course Breaking the Silence, an accredited training on menopause and mental health.

Send us a message

If you're enjoying this episode and looking to boost equity, inclusion, and diversity in your organisation, my team and I are here to help. Our team specialises in crafting data-driven strategies, developing inclusive leaders, designing fair recruitment processes, and enhancing disability confidence. With a blend of professional expertise and lived experience, we're ready to support you on your journey. Reach out to us through our website.

If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

What if flexible working wasn’t just a perk, but a pathway to inclusive growth and business success?

Toby Mildon is joined by Molly Johnson-Jones, co-founder and CEO of Flexa, to unpack the real story—and real research—behind flexible careers. From being unfairly dismissed due to a disability to launching a platform that empowers over 3 million professionals, Molly shares her inspiring journey and vision for the future of work.

We dive into the benefits of flexible working for individuals and businesses alike, including improved productivity, better hiring outcomes, and economic gains beyond major cities. But we also tackle the tough stuff—like common misconceptions, cultural barriers, and why binary thinking (remote vs. office) holds organisations back.

Key takeaways:

• Flexible working boosts engagement, retention, and access to diverse talent.
• Inclusivity isn’t just remote work—it’s creative policies that meet employee needs.
• Hybrid working requires intentional culture design and leadership trust.
• Flexibility can—and should—be tailored even in frontline or shift-based roles.

Guest Highlight: Molly Johnson-Jones, CEO of Flexa—driving transparency and inclusivity in flexible careers.

Send us a message

If you're enjoying this episode and looking to boost equity, inclusion, and diversity in your organisation, my team and I are here to help. Our team specialises in crafting data-driven strategies, developing inclusive leaders, designing fair recruitment processes, and enhancing disability confidence. With a blend of professional expertise and lived experience, we're ready to support you on your journey. Reach out to us through our website.

If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.