The Ethnically Podcast

Season 1 Episode 15: Autonomy, Action & Aspirations with George Osei-Oppong Jr

In this episode of Ethnically, host Adarsh Ramchurn engages with George Osei Opong Jr., founder of HostHelp, to explore his entrepreneurial journey, balancing business growth with personal life, and the importance of autonomy and flexibility in modern workspaces. George shares his background in sales and IT, his motivations for starting his own business, and the lessons learned from his experience. The discussion covers his company's mission to support small businesses and ethnic minorities by providing affordable enterprise-level hosting solutions and free consulting services. George emphasizes strategies for managing work-life integration, the value of a supportive team, and offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on risk tolerance and starting a business while maintaining employment. Listeners are inspired to reflect on the evolving concept of 'heroes' and the significance of diversity and inclusion, with George leaving thought-provoking questions for future guests. 
 
01:12 Meet George Osei Oppong Jr.: Entrepreneurial Journey
01:49 Reflections on the Year: Personal and Professional Growth
03:41 The Drive for Entrepreneurship: Freedom and Family
13:45 Building HostHelp: From Vision to Reality
16:58 Supporting Startups: Tailored Services for Success
26:56 Mastering Weekly Workflow
27:23 Building a Strong Team
29:00 Switching Off from Work
32:24 Entrepreneurial Journey and Insights
35:51 Taking the Leap of Faith
36:46 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
42:25 Heroes and Inspirations

Season 1 Episode 14: Passions, Publishing & Performing Arts with Elliott Ajai-Ajagbe Daley

In this compelling episode of The Ethnically Podcast, host Adarsh Ramchurn interviews Elliott Ajai-Ajagbe Daley, a multifaceted artist, educator, and founder of Pyro's Publishing and Literary House. Elliott discusses his transformative journey from overcoming childhood struggles with reading and writing to finding his voice in the performing arts, inspired by his mother's career in theatre. He shares pivotal moments from his life, including his shift from top salesperson to spoken word artist, performing at the Olympics, and teaching drama and poetry to youth.
 
The episode delves into Elliott's creative process in playwriting, the significance of understanding historical narratives, and his mission to decolonise history through education.
 
Elliott emphasises the importance of accessibility in publishing for underrepresented writers and reflects on his personal experiences with racial biases and his passion for storytelling. Tune in for enriching discussions on creativity, resilience, and cultural legacy, and join our vibrant community dedicated to diverse voices and stories.
 
01:16 Meet Elliott: A Multi-Talented Artist
02:29 Elliott's Early Challenges and Inspirations
05:57 From University to the Stage: Elliott's Journey
09:41 Discovering Poetry and Teaching
12:21 Performing at the Olympics and Beyond
15:16 The Power of Writing and Publishing
18:04 Elliott's Creative Process and Teaching Philosophy
24:58 The Legacy of Words: Why Writing Matters
30:19 Inspirations and the Impact of Black History
35:45 Black History and Its Importance
37:43 Understanding Police Bias
45:51 The Power of Historical Knowledge
57:42 Heroes and Inspirations
 

Season 1 Episode 13: Unpacking Diversity & Inclusion with Karan Kapoor

In episode 13 of the Ethnically podcast, host Adarsh Ramchurn welcomes Karan Kapoor, a leading voice in Inclusion and Diversity with a background in renowned companies like Mars, Johnson & Johnson, and others.
 
The discussion delves into the importance of inclusivity in workplaces and how it naturally encourages diversity. Karan shares insights from his career, including the significance of managerial roles in fostering inclusivity and psychological safety. He talks about launching his own company, Vividh, to authentically address D&I challenges and promote inclusive work environments. Topics such as emotional intelligence, diverse hiring, and strategic D&I implementations are explored.
 
The episode emphasises making inclusion part of everyday business practices and highlights the ongoing journey in addressing D&I issues across various industries.
 
02:30 Karan's Journey: From IT to Inclusion
03:16 The Importance of Inclusivity Before Diversity
06:17 Impact of Managers on Inclusivity
11:55 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in D&I
15:36 Karan's Passion for D&I: From Corporate to Vivid
18:04 Challenges and Frustrations in D&I
28:41 Pressing D&I Challenges in Organisations
31:43 Future Trends & Strategies in D&I
39:39 Pursuing a Career in D&I
43:54 Future Aspirations in D&I
47:52 Reflecting on Gratitude and Change
 
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Season 1 Episode 12: Racism, Resilience & Runnymede with Shabna Begum

In Episode 12 of the Ethnically Podcast, host Adarsh Ramchurn sits down with Dr Shabna Begum, the CEO of the Runnymede Trust. Shabna shares her unexpected journey from a 23-year career in teaching to becoming a senior researcher and eventually the CEO at the UK's leading racial justice think tank.
 
The conversation delves into the impact of race and racism on her life, the challenges she faced during her career transition, and her work focusing on issues like police presence in schools, the cost of living crisis, and women's experiences in the workplace.
 
Shabna also discusses the importance of confidence, the need for better support systems in schools, and how societal and political narratives shape racial justice. This episode is a candid and powerful exploration of resilience, leadership, and the drive to create a more equitable society.
 
01:16 Introducing Shabna Begum: CEO of Runnymede Trust
01:54 Shabna's Journey: From Teaching to Runnymede Trust
09:20 Challenges and Triumphs: Women of Colour in the Workplace
15:52 Policing in Schools: A Deep Dive
21:16 Supporting Young People: Policy and Personal Insights
31:08 Addressing Racism: Pressing Challenges and Solidarity
41:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Season 1 Episode 11: Diet, Culture & Holistic Health with Victoria Torrealba

In this episode of Ethnically, host Adarsh Ramchurn introduces Victoria Torrealba, a holistic health coach and Ayurvedic practitioner. Victoria shares her personal journey from Venezuela to the UK, her transition from the corporate world to holistic health, and the foundational principles of Ayurveda. She elaborates on the importance of personalised approaches to health, gut health, and the integration of local and seasonal foods.
 
The episode also delves into how processed foods impact our health, practical tips for integrating healthier habits, and the importance of addressing the root causes of health issues. Victoria provides insights into making gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes and the value of understanding one's unique body type. For anyone keen on holistic health and sustainable wellness practices, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
 
02:06 Victoria's Journey: From Venezuela to Holistic Health
05:20 The Impact of Culture and Corporate Life on Health
09:02 Tailored Coaching for Ethnically Diverse Clients
15:01 The Importance of Investing in Your Health Early
20:40 Understanding Ayurveda: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Health
29:58 Navigating Health Information Overload
33:37 Misconceptions About Veganism and Environmental Impact
36:51 The Importance of Local Food Sources
43:53 Making Conscious Food Choices
48:36 The Impact of Processed Foods on Health
54:13 Practical Tips for Healthier Eating
56:03 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts
 
https://www.instagram.com/vicholistichealth/ - Victoria's Instagram
https://www.victoriaholistichealth.com/  - Victoria's Website
 
 

Season 1 Episode 10: Ignition & Inclusion with Sofia Azam

In Episode 10 of the Ethnically podcast, Adarsh interviews Sofia Azam, founder of Ignite Quals, EduEco+ Skills for Startups. Sofia, a leader in equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and entrepreneurship, shares her journey and passion for advocating EDI, from her early experiences with World Vision to her current initiatives. The episode covers Sofia's insights into creating inclusive educational environments, supporting diverse entrepreneurs, and the importance of soft skills like communication and emotional intelligence. Sofia offers advice for new startup founders, emphasising resilience, adaptability, and maintaining unique, value-driven business models. The discussion also explores challenges within her cultural background, the significance of belonging, and strategies for fostering inclusive workplaces.
00:00 Introduction to Episode 10
00:46 Sofia Azam's Background and Early Influences
04:00 Journey into Education and Social Impact
08:36 Founding Ignite Quals and Its Mission
09:59 The Importance of Soft Skills and EDI
34:43 Challenges and Resilience in Entrepreneurship
39:37 Constructive Criticism and Cultural Reflections
43:47 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations
Thank you for listening to the Ethnically Podcast, Episode 10! If you are interested in sponsoring the Ethnically Podcast, please email adarsh.ramchurn@ethncally.co.uk to enquire. 
Make sure to follow Ethnically on all social media platforms: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethnicallypodcast/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ethnicallypodcast 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ethnicallynetwork 
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Season 1 Episode 9: Animating Change with Nathan Addai

Join us for a captivating conversation with Nathan Addai, a talented animator, mental health advocate, and the founder of Mental Roots. In this episode, we delve into Nathan's journey, exploring his passion for animation, his experiences with mental health, and his mission to promote diversity and inclusivity in the media.
Discover how Nathan's personal experiences inspired him to create Mental Roots, a multimedia platform dedicated to highlighting the mental health experiences of young Black individuals. Learn about the challenges he faced in breaking into the animation industry and his commitment to using his art to make a positive impact.
From discussing the importance of representation in media to sharing his insights on mental health and well-being, this episode offers a thought-provoking and inspiring conversation. Don't miss it!
Make sure to check out Mental Roots below! 
https://www.mentalroots.org/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentalrootspod 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mentalrootspod 
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mentalrootspod 
Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-addai/ 

Season 1 Episode 8: Sustainability & Social Justice with Saima Rasool

In this episode of The Ethnically Podcast, Adarsh Ramchurn dive into the intersection of sustainability and social justice with Saima Rasool, a recognised young leader and sustainability specialist. Saima shares her journey, from working in the energy sector to becoming a COP28 UK youth delegate. We discuss the importance of diversity in climate action, the challenges faced by underrepresented communities, and the role of faith in driving sustainable change. Saima also introduces her involvement in the organisation Two Billion Strong, which aims to harness the power of faith to promote climate action among Muslims worldwide. Tune in to learn more about sustainability, social justice, and the inspiring work of Saima Rasool.