In this episode of Why Care?, Nadia sits down with Elliott Rae, founder of Music Football Fatherhood, creator of the Parenting Out Loud movement and one of the UK’s leading voices on fatherhood, modern masculinity and men’s mental health. Elliott reflects on his decade of work shifting workplace culture for dads, from challenging stigma around flexible working to building systems that support equal parenting.

Grounded in personal experience, including the trauma and transformation of early parenthood, Elliott explains why encouraging dads to speak up about their caregiving responsibilities is essential for gender equality, societal wellbeing and children’s development. His story blends purpose, vulnerability and activism, revealing how changing the way men parent can change the foundations of work and family life everywhere.

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by Kat Parsons, Group Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Centrica and co-founder of the All Female Design & Build Project, which she launched in 2023 with her wife. Kat reflects on her career across male-dominated industries, her passion for fairness and justice, and her drive to transform workplace cultures through empathy and education. She shares how her lived experiences as a lesbian, wife, and mother have shaped her approach to leadership, and why psychological safety and authenticity are central to inclusion.

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with comedian, author, and actor Samantha Baines. Samantha shares her journey of discovering she has hearing loss in her late twenties, embracing her deaf identity, and advocating for better access and representation in the arts. She discusses her books, her experiences navigating comedy and acting with deafness, and the importance of language in shaping identity. Samantha also reflects on finding out she has ADHD, barriers faced by women in comedy, and why inclusion and access coordinators are essential to transforming creative industries. A funny, honest, and thought-provoking conversation that blends advocacy, creativity, and resilience.

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with Geeta Sidhu-Robb, award-winning entrepreneur, political candidate, and the visionary founder of W Corp. Geeta shares her extraordinary journey from law and politics to building safer, more inclusive workplaces for women across the globe. She discusses launching W Corp at the United Nations, challenging CEOs with the Return on Investment of diversity, and her mission to reshape power structures for women leaders. Geeta also reflects on her Sikh upbringing, early experiences with racism, her resilience through having no money, and how she redefined her identity and leadership. A bold, honest, and empowering conversation on power, purpose, and creating change.

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with Ryan Panchoo, the Founder of Borough 22, a pioneering doughnut brand built on the principles of inclusion, representation and authenticity. From his early days balancing family needs with business ambitions to breaking into iconic retailers like Selfridges, Ryan shares his inspiring journey of resilience and innovation. He discusses why designing for the minority is true inclusion, how visibility matters as a Black Founder, and his mission to redefine what’s possible in the food industry. With reflections on representation, expansion, and creating treats everyone can enjoy, Ryan’s story is both uplifting and thought-provoking.

In this inspirational episode, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by Lavina Mehta MBE, wellness coach, TEDx speaker, and Founder of Feel Good with Lavina. Lavina passionately discusses her journey of normalising menopause conversations, especially within South Asian communities, and her commitment to promoting accessible health through her innovative ‘exercise snacking’ concept. From celebrating menopause publicly as a positive milestone to addressing workplace awareness, Lavina candidly shares her personal and professional experiences. The conversation also explores her groundbreaking work in making fitness inclusive, breaking cultural taboos, and empowering women to prioritise their health through practical lifestyle changes.

In this compelling episode, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with renowned photographer, Robert Taylor. Robert discusses his impactful journey from the RAF to becoming an acclaimed artist whose work champions black queer visibility and diversity. Robert shares insights about his pioneering, powerful project, "Permissible Beauty," exhibited at Hampton Court Palace, which creatively explored Black queer representation and challenged traditional beauty standards. Delving deeply into topics such as British identity, the transformative potential of art, and his contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy and women’s visibility in STEM and academia, Robert's story highlights the power of authenticity, courage, and creative expression in challenging societal norms and fostering inclusion.

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo sits down with the extraordinary Montell Douglas, a groundbreaking athlete known for her historic achievements as the UK's first woman to compete in both Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Montell shares her inspiring story of overcoming barriers, redefining success, and advocating passionately for equitable access to physical activity. She dives deep into issues of representation, resilience, and why she continuously pushes herself out of her comfort-zone, including her recent role as ‘Fire’ in BBC's Gladiators and as a 2024 contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. Montell’s honest reflections highlight the power of sport to drive meaningful societal change.

In this new episode of Why Care?, starting Season 6, Nadia talks with Christopher Kenna, CEO and founder of Diversity Media Inc. and Media Stream AI. Christopher shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood and life in the British Army to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur focused on diversity and inclusion. Learn how Chris uses AI to create personalised and inclusive media, why authentic representation matters deeply to him, and his vision for a more equitable media landscape. He also shares his challenging upbringing, navigating personal threats, and the relentless pursuit of positive impact through innovation.

In this special episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo sits down with Blair Imani, historian, educator, and author of Read This to Get Smarter. Known for her viral Smarter in Seconds series, Blair breaks down complex topics in an accessible and engaging way. In this conversation, Blair shares her journey as an advocate, the role of education in driving change, and the importance of challenging misinformation. She also discusses her experiences in activism, the impact of storytelling on social justice, and how we can all contribute to making the world more inclusive.

In this season finale of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by bestselling children’s author Robin Stevens, best known for the internationally renowned Murder Most Unladylike series, to explore how literature can shape young minds and create lasting change. Robin shares her journey as an author, the personal experiences that influence her writing, and how her neurodivergence, identity, and lived experiences have shaped the stories she tells. They discuss the importance of representation in children’s books, the impact of subtle acts of exclusion, and how stories can help young readers navigate diversity, identity, and belonging. This episode is an inspiring look at how books can spark meaningful conversations and challenge the status quo.

In this episode of Why Care?, host, Nadia Nagamootoo, has an inspiring conversation with the Permalloo Sisters - Shelina Permalloo, MasterChef winner and celebrated chef, and Pamela Permalloo Bass, a diversity, equity, and inclusion expert with extensive experience in the NHS. Together, they share stories of their Mauritian heritage, navigating identity as British Mauritian women, and breaking barriers in their respective industries. From exploring the richness of Mauritian cuisine to advocating for inclusion in the workplace, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of family, culture, and leadership.

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with Michael Gunning, an elite swimmer and trailblazer for diversity and inclusion in sport. Michael shares his incredible journey from becoming one of the few Black swimmers to compete internationally, to using his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and equality. He opens up about navigating labels, breaking barriers, and the importance of representation in sports and beyond. Michael also discusses his recent projects, including the Swim United campaign, his work with Pride House, and his new, groundbreaking TV series, Beneath the Surface. This conversation clearly demonstrates his resilience, purpose, and the power of sport to drive societal change.

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo sits down with Claire Collins, a coach and Henley Business School Professor of Leadership, to discuss the impact of toxic work environments. Claire shares her journey from a biomedical career to becoming a law firm chief executive and, following a highly successful academic career, finding her purpose in coaching professionals who are dealing with workplace bullying. This conversation delves into identifying toxic behaviours, understanding the effects of gaslighting, and building resilience. Claire provides invaluable insights into navigating such environments, regaining confidence, and fostering better organisational cultures for all.

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with Tarek Kamil, a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Cerkl. Tarek shares his fascinating journey, from leaving a stable career in software engineering to launching multiple tech ventures aimed at making the world a better place. They dive deep into how AI is transforming workplace communication, the importance of personalised experiences for employees, and the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech. Tarek also emphasises the value of taking risks, minimising regret, and embracing discomfort to drive personal and professional growth.

IIn this episode of Why Care? host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with Sarah Mulindwa, who has uniquely combined her background in nursing with her passion for fashion, to become an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sarah shares her journey from the healthcare sector to the fashion industry, highlighting the challenges and rewards of such a significant career transition. She also discusses her work in sexual health education and the importance of representation and diversity in both fashion and healthcare. This episode is a must-listen for leaders wanting to find out what more they can do to make sexual health more widely spoken about, and how to make menopause part of normal conversation.

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo welcomes Rosie Nixon, former Editor-in-Chief of HELLO! Magazine and author of three novels - The Stylist, Amber Green Takes Manhattan and Just Between Friends - plus the Be Kind book, all about showing different types of kindness. 

Rosie shares her journey from the glamorous world of magazines to facing burnout and ultimately finding a new path focused on empowering midlife women. They discuss her innovative Reinvention Retreats, the importance of taking a pause, and how to redefine success in midlife. Rosie also opens up about the pressures of maintaining a public persona and the pivotal moment that led her to prioritise her wellbeing and personal fulfilment.

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo welcomes Denise Hamilton, a leading DEI practitioner and author of Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences Into a Stronger Future. Denise shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a sought-after DEI consultant, emphasising the importance of practical application and the human side of diversity, equity, and inclusion work. They discuss her innovative approach to DEI, the necessity of evolving language and practices, and how to navigate the discomfort that comes with challenging long-held beliefs. Denise also delves into her impactful charity initiative, Good Givers, which redefines how we think about giving and supporting communities in need.

In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo welcomes Dr. Sandra Upton, an esteemed DEI expert and author of Make It Last. They dive deep into Sandra's journey, from academia to consulting, and explore her eight-step DEI Propel framework designed to create sustainable and impactful DEI strategies within organisations. Sandra shares her insights on overcoming resistance, building effective DEI governance, and ensuring long-term success through practical application and continuous learning.

Welcome to the Season 5 premiere of the Why Care? podcast! In this episode, host Nadia Nagamootoo sits down with the incredibly talented Tegan Summer, a distinguished writer, producer, and lyricist whose work has graced Broadway and the West End. Get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about the transformative power of theatre and the importance of diversity and representation in the arts.