The latest episode of #BITBPodcast is here, featuring the trailblazing and inspirational leader, Steve Forsyth—an episode you won't want to miss, filmed during South Asian Heritage Month.

In this powerful conversation, Steve sits down with our host, Monique Carayol, for an honest and insightful exploration of leadership. Steve opens up about the importance of leading authentically—staying true to your values, integrity, and who you are, even when navigating the most senior levels of leadership.

Steve shares his personal experiences, discussing how embracing his identity has been pivotal to his success and why he believes that true leadership comes from within. With a focus on the importance of representation, he reflects on how inclusive and diverse Boardrooms can better serve the communities and teams they represent.

Tune in to hear Steve's candid advice on how to create meaningful change in leadership, his vision for a more inclusive future, and the steps we can all take to turn the dial on creating Boardrooms that reflect the people they serve.

Turning the dial now on seeing Boardrooms more representative of the communities and staff they serve.

Sal Naseem is a renowned figure in the field of Policing and Inclusive Culture. As the trailblazing first South Asian and Muslim Regional Director for London at the Independent Office for Police Conduct, he has achieved remarkable recognition. His pioneering work has not only earned him numerous awards but also showcases his unwavering commitment to combating discrimination, addressing issues like stop and search, and eradicating racism while fostering an inclusive police culture.

This is a very candid and truly inspiring conversation in which Sal shares his journey and dedication to creating a more inclusive environment within the police force.

He speaks about not continuing to ‘admire the problem’ but how he’s navigated to being in the rooms where big decisions are made, so he can influence directly and advocate for others.

To kick off Black History Month and #SalutingOurSisters, we are releasing our latest #BITBPodcast episode where Monique Carayol is joined by Gabriella Otim-Oyet, Service Development Project Manager at Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and Chapter Lead for the Black Young Professionals (BYP) Healthcare Network. This episode is packed with gold, nuggets and gems galore! Gabi makes the complex simple and will inspire and encourage many with what she shares in this conversation. We wanted you to hear and learn from a colleague just starting their NHS journey and what her career progression looks and feels like right now.

Gabi speaks about:

• How she is using her knowledge, experience and influence to drive change – not just for herself and her organisation, but for others on a much wider scale and reach.
• How she checked herself when she wasn’t showing up as who she really was.
• How she embodies and looks for values-led behaviour in organisations and leaders.
• What she is doing to build her own career portfolio and how she has built her network.
• How she is using her skills and experience to lead for inclusion and diverse talent development on a big scale.
• Her experience of the NHS Graduate Management Scheme and how that has taken her to where she is now.

Connect with Gabi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-otim-oyet-35843a142/.

Discover more about BYP and stay up to date with their events: https://twitter.com/bypeershealth.

You can also find out more about BYP’s exciting new AI career advancement platform here: https://byp.network/introducing-javelin-byp-network-unveils-cutting-edge-career-advancement-platform-for-black-professionals/.

Monique Carayol is joined in this episode by Marimouttou Coumarassamy, also known as Coumar - Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, and Founder/Chairman of British Indian Nurses Association.

We believe this deeply inspiring conversation with Coumar will empower many.

Coumar shares:

• His career journey, challenges he’s faced, and what’s helped him overcome them.
• The impact of having a more diverse board and inclusive senior leaders.
• How real representation has helped him to attract more diverse talent.
• The different networks that are a key part of his support toolbox.
• Why he was driven to start BINA and its rapid growth and impact.
• Bringing people back together to challenge what more we can all do to help turn the dial now.

Connect with Coumar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marimouttou-coumarassamy-mba-msc-rmn-a06b4557/.

Discover more about BINA: www.binauk.org.

Monique Carayol is joined in this episode by Marcus Francis - Business Consultant at Enterprising Minds.

Marcus shares his journey and story about how he navigated his way into very senior leadership roles in the recruitment business at a fast pace. He’s widely recognised and respected as one of the best in the business.

Marcus is extremely humble but is committed to helping others to achieve success through sharing his experience and insights from his 20-year recruitment career. He speaks about:

• Being influenced by his parent’s work ethic.
• Securing his first recruitment role through sheer perseverance.
• Leading bravely = immense success for you and your teams.
• Staying grounded, and true to yourself and your values; the power of self-belief.
• Why representation and being relatable really matters – working for a black male CEO.
• Why having a diverse workforce and boardroom is absolutely key to continued success.
• Goal setting and thinking through your challenges.
• Maintaining balance and well-being.

Connect with Marcus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-francis-31672248/.

In this special #BITBPodcast episode, Monique Carayol is joined by Liam Molesworth and Sam Alsop-Hall - Co-Founders of Bravery in the Boardroom, as well as Co-Owners of Clive Henry Group: Bringing together Processes, People, and Technology, to enable real change in the delivery of healthcare.

Leading bravely in challenging times is needed now more than ever, but the big question is how? Liam and Sam share both their ‘how’ and their ‘why’ in this conversation...

• Why they co-founded Bravery in the Boardroom – building a movement.
• Recruiting differently and how that’s driven the success of their businesses.
• Identifying talent everywhere and developing diverse, dynamic teams and leaders.
• What equity means to them and how they seek to understand and remove barriers as business owners.
• Using their power, privilege and influence to drive change.
• The fear of performance allyship.

Connect with Liam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liammolesworth/.

Connect with Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthcaresam/.

Welcome to the #BITBPodcast!

Leading bravely in challenging times is needed now more than ever, but the big question is how? We know for leaders at any level, understanding how to embody and demonstrate brave, compassionate and inclusive leadership is all the talk right now...

Our founder Monique Carayol speaks with Emma Challans-Rasool, a senior NHS Executive Director and Founder and Chair of Proud2bOps - a national network for operational professionals from health and care providers.

Emma explains how she’s navigated her career across healthcare over the past 20 years to her current role of Executive Director of Organisational Development, Culture and Talent, NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and shares so much about the ‘how’ including:

• The tools used to progress her career and overcome challenges.
• Being vulnerable as a senior leader and building a support network.
• Understanding and optimising what fuels you.
• Building the Proud2bOps Network membership from 15 people to just under 1200.
• Identifying future talent and holding the mirror up on diversity, inclusion and cultural intelligence.
• How you can start a movement or lead a change when you don’t have the authority or title.

Connect with Emma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-challans-rasool-38764320/.

Discover more about Proud2bOps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/proud2bops-national-network/.

We’re so excited to release this episode and sending a big thank you to our amazing guest Dr Julie Hammond.

Julie is an award-winning Portfolio GP, Founder and CEO at Dr Hammond Aesthetics, NHS Clinical Entrepreneur, UN Women UK Delegate, Mental Health and Women's Health Advocate and Educator, co-Founder of the CURA-H Awards and so much more!

This is a very candid and truly inspiring conversation in which Julie shares how her painful experience of a stillbirth galvanised her into driving change and improving maternal health experiences for other women.

She speaks about not continuing to ‘admire the problem’ but how she’s navigated to being in the rooms where big decisions are made, so she can influence directly and advocate for others.

This is a must watch on:

- Using what you have and know to ‘be the change’

- Building a portfolio career

- The art of networking and bouncing back from a ‘no’

- How determination and focus can propel you forward

Julie is a real trailblazer and we know there’s so much more to come! We look forward to welcoming you back to hear more about your exciting developments!

Another great #BITBPodcast episode for you!

Nicola Ellis-Webb, Healthcare Services Director at Acacium Group, joined our host, Monique Carayol, on our latest episode and shared so many gems on her career journey, pivots and growing successful businesses.

We know you’ve told us you want to hear more from clinical leaders who’ve made the transition into senior leadership and wider organisation roles and Nicola has done this and so much more.

Nicola shares the how, why and what powerfully and simply in this great conversation. So many takeaways – 1 of our favourite bits of advice shared re what can support you in taking that next step or career pivot – Stack Your Skills.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-ellis-webb-762668111/

acaciumgroup.com

Monique Carayol is joined by Rishi Bhogal and Jamshaid Hameed, also known as the TechTwo. They are both early in their healthcare career journeys and have a brilliant conversation with Monique about:

- Facing and navigating unexpected challenges as they kicked off their careers

- Making brave, proactive decisions & using their support networks

- Understanding your transferable skills and doing your research when you need to pivot/transition - Why representation matters and what it really means to them

- Why representation matters and what it really means to them – shout out to APNA Network & Mahmud Nawaz

They share many insights - both for you if you’re just kicking off your career, but also for leaders, senior decision makers and business owners re what our emerging, dynamic and highly skilled diverse talent are looking for re career progression/development and being valued for the difference they bring.

Please share this episode with anyone you think will benefit from listening too and do let us know what resonates with you.

In this special episode, to commemorate the dual celebration of International Women’s Day and the #BITBPodcast's first anniversary, our host Monique Carayol welcomes back Emma Challans-Rasool, the Chair of Proud2bOps and our first-ever podcast guest, to the guest seat.

In this episode, they engage in an impactful conversation about their respective journeys and roles as women leaders and change agents.

Monique and Emma delve into the topics of:

- #InvestInWomen

- Their transition journeys

- How to lead as a woman

- The importance of holding the ladder for others.

We learn more about Alex Matheson (she/her) and her journey to her role as Deputy Director - Education at LGBT Foundation, a charity that works to improve health and well-being for the LGBTQ+ community.

Alex speaks about:

• Actively pursuing a role at the Foundation.
• Using her lived experience and passion to drive her career forward.
• Giving voice to those who feel unheard or don’t feel safe to speak up.
• Leading and driving change on a wider scale.
• Enabling and empowering underrepresented leaders; especially when they are ‘the first’.
• Building out the NHS Rainbow Badge Scheme to provide QA assessments and action support for organisations.

Alex also shares more on the inclusion support the Foundation provides and what it is we can all do to understand how to lead more inclusively as individuals, leaders and senior decision-makers.

Manjeet Garcha is a registered nurse and midwife with over 40 years of experience in the NHS and international health systems. She reached the position of Executive Chief Nurse in her NHS career and following retirement has built a credible reputation as a consultant service provider for service improvement, leadership, and transformation.

Manjeet’s career has spanned working in primary, secondary, and international health and social care systems. She also held roles in schools and higher education which have further complemented her experiences gained in the healthcare sector.

Manjeet is the Founder/Director of MKG Healthcare Solutions Ltd which operates globally across the UK, Canada, and UAE.

Peter is the Founder of Cambio, House of Social Change and holds a series of Board and leadership roles across both the private and public sectors.

In this insightful and honest conversation, Peter shares:

• His 15 years of experience in social entrepreneurship and what drives him.
• He uses his influence and privilege to speak up for others who may be underrepresented or feel excluded.
• His journey in leading and showing up authentically.
• Recognising the difference between being tolerated vs. accepted.
• The reality of navigating at Board level and speaking up when it is challenging.
• Being brave enough to step away from Board roles when values were not aligned.
• When inclusivity becomes exclusivity – avoiding this by building coalitions and coming together, without losing focus.
• The ability to listen to people that you may disagree with.

If this conversation inspires, energises or intrigues you, Peter welcomes you to get in touch for a conversation with him: peter@cambioconsultancy.uk 📧

Connect with Peter: http://linkedin.com/in/peter-ptashko-frsa.

Discover more about Cambio: https://cambioconsultancy.uk.

Asma Nafees is truly inspirational for her ability to use her skills to add value across a wide range of organisations in different professional sectors. Having started her professional life as a Commercial Solicitor in private practice, she subsequently carved a career in the NHS. She is the Deputy Customer Account Director for NHS Arden and GEM CSU; she is also a Non-Executive Director with Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, and a Trustee with Lisieux Trust (a Birmingham-based social care charity which supports adults with learning disabilities).

Asma's career path includes previous roles as Chief Analytics Officer; a secondment with NHS England looking at digital and workforce for Rehabilitation; Assistant Director of Contracting and Deputy Director of Intelligence, Planning and Performance within a CCG, and she has experience in contracting, transformation, planning, performance and business intelligence in healthcare. She is passionate about equality, diversity, and inclusivity at all levels and championing the need for culturally appropriate services. Asma is also the Co-Chair of the APNA NHS network. She was awarded the Equality-X Top 50 Influential Muslims in Europe Award 2023, last week.

The latest episode of #BITBPodcast is now live, featuring the inspiring Gilbert George, Executive Director of Corporate Governance at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, in honour of #BlackHistoryMonth2024! 🎙️

You don’t want to miss it!

In this conversation, Gilbert sits down with our host, Monique Carayol, for a deep dive into leadership, sharing his 20+ years of experience in public sector leadership. He reflects on the importance of staying true to your heritage, values, and authenticity, even while navigating senior leadership as a Black professional in the UK public sector. 💪🏽

Gilbert opens up about the impact of his St Lucian roots, how his upbringing shaped his leadership style, and the role of inclusive, merit-based leadership in the NHS. He also shares practical advice on breaking through glass ceilings, the power of mentorship, and fostering a more inclusive future for leadership. 🖤

Tune in to hear Gilbert's insights on leadership, representation, and creating Boardrooms that reflect the diverse communities they serve. 📣

Connect with Gilbert ➡️ https://bit.ly/3NDqjdt

Looking for more episodes of Bravery in the Boardroom? Visit ➡️ https://linktr.ee/BraveryInTheBoardroom

In this very special episode of the #BITBPodcast, we bring you Bravery In the Boardroom x Equity Charter. This is a conversation with Ayesha Rahim and Victoria Betton, who alongside Hassan Chaudhury, are the driving forces behind the Equity Charter!

In this brilliant conversation, Ayesha and Victoria sit down with our host Monique Carayol, to dive into what the Equity Charter is and how it seeks to break down systemic barriers and create equity for all. They passionately discuss how we can get involved, amplify the Equity Charter, and continue to drive this movement forward!

The Equity Charter advocates for equity in digital health, dedicating all their energy and efforts to this movement, with the hope that other industries will listen, learn, and follow their lead.

Sign up to the Equity Charter here: https://www.equitycharter.digital

Looking for more episodes of Bravery in the Boardroom? Visit: https://linktr.ee/BraveryInTheBoardroom

#BITBPodcast featuring the brilliant and trailblazing Shajeda Ahmed, Chief People Officer at Black Country Integrated Care Board, is now live! 🎙️

A huge thank you to Shajeda for joining us and bringing such honesty, resilience, and authenticity to this deeply moving conversation. 🌟

In this episode, Shajeda sits down with our host, Monique Carayol, to reflect on her powerful journey as a Bangladeshi Muslim woman navigating leadership in the NHS. Starting her career in private sector HR within the manufacturing and retail industries, Shajeda has since spent over 25 years in NHS HR, and she shares how her upbringing, lived experiences, and values have shaped her brave, unapologetically authentic leadership style. 💬

From leading workforce wellbeing through the pandemic to driving equity, diversity, and inclusion strategies and mentoring future leaders, Shajeda is a passionate advocate for creating inclusive systems where everyone can thrive.

Tune in to hear how she’s challenging the status quo, building fairer workplaces, and paving the way for underrepresented professionals in healthcare leadership. 🖤

Connect with Shajeda ⬇️

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shajeda-ahmed/

Looking for more Bravery in the Boardroom?

Visit ➡️ https://linktr.ee/BraveryInTheBoardroom

#BITBPodcast featuring the insightful and inspiring Andy Callow, Chief Digital & Transformation Officer at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, is finally here! 🎙️

A huge thank you to Andy for joining us in our temporary podcast home and bringing such honesty, reflection, and thought leadership to this powerful conversation.

In this episode, Andy joins our host, Monique Carayol, to share his journey into proactive allyship - sparked by George Floyd’s death and reading White Fragility - and how it continues to shape his leadership approach today. 🧠

As Executive Sponsor of the Reach Network at NUH, Andy discusses creating space for underrepresented voices, including shadow committees, open office hours, and using WRES data to drive action. He also speaks about his collaborative and "expectant" leadership style and the importance of understanding privilege and leading with intention.

Tune in to hear how Andy is championing equity, inclusion, and Boardrooms that reflect the communities they serve. 🖤

Connect with Andy 👇🏼

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/andycallow.bsky.social

Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@andy_callow

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-callow-profile/

🔗 Links to items mentioned in this episode:

Read Andy's blog mentioned here

Further information on Yvonne Coghill's 7As of Allyship Model

White Fragility by Robin Di Angelo

To mark #RaceEqualityWeek2025 we had the privilege of welcoming Wallace Sampson OBE to the #BITBPodcast.

Wallace was one of very few Black local government chief executives when he joined Harrogate Borough Council as chief executive in August 2008 and served in that role until local government reorganisation in North Yorkshire in April 2023. Wallace was also awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2020 for services to business and the community in Yorkshire.

Since stepping back from his chief executive role, Wallace has developed a diverse portfolio of responsibilities supporting both public and private sector, higher education as well as non-government organisations including:

Non-Executive Director - Harrogate and District Foundation Trust Hospital

Chair- Middlesbrough Independent Improvement Advisory Board

Commissioner - Local Government Boundary Commission for England

Public Sector Advisory Board Member - Commercial Services Group Limited

Lay Governor - University of Leeds

Advisory Board Member - Local Government Centre for Digital Technology

Tune in to hear Wallace’s insights on leadership, representation, and creating Boardrooms that reflect the diverse communities they serve alongside how he progressed his career to CEO whilst leading authentically.

Connect with Wallace Sampson OBE ➡️ / wallace-sampson-obe-490a4713

#BITBPodcast is hosted by Monique Carayol, Co-Founder of the Bravery in the Boardroom movement, which focuses on seeing Boardrooms more representative of the communities and people they serve. Each episode features inspiring Senior Leaders and Changemakers sharing their insights and experience on what it takes to lead bravely at the highest level and drive large-scale change whilst building inclusive cultures.

For further information on Bravery in the Boardroom ➡️ https://linktr.ee/BraveryInTheBoardroom

As we mark National Inclusion Week, this #BITBPodcast episode dives deep into what it really takes to create inclusive cultures in our boardrooms and beyond. 🎙️

This week, Monique Carayol is joined by the brilliant Suzy Levy - bestselling author of Mind the Inclusion Gap, experienced board member, and trusted advisor to senior leaders navigating some of the most complex challenges in diversity and inclusion.

In this honest and insightful conversation, Suzy shares her journey from management consulting to becoming a leading voice on inclusion. She unpacks why inclusion is a skillset, not just a trait, the difference between being “nice” and being truly inclusive, and the practical framework leaders can use to drive real change: knowledge, empathy, and action. 💡

Suzy also reflects on her own experiences in boardrooms, the challenges of navigating cultural and gender norms, and how leaders at every level can build the confidence and skills to influence inclusive decision-making.

This episode is packed with powerful insights, real-life stories, and practical advice that leaders can put into action straight away. It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to be part of creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.

📖 Explore Suzy’s book Mind the Inclusion Gap, which has a brand new prologue in the edition released this month:

Policy Press: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/mind-the-inclusion-gap Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/mind-the-inclusion-gap/suzy-levy/9781447379287

🔗 Connect with Suzy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzylevy/

At Bravery in the Boardroom, we believe that inclusive leadership requires bravery. We’re building the Bravery in the Boardroom movement to increase diversity in senior leadership, so that boardrooms are more representative of the communities and staff they serve.

Looking for more Bravery in the Boardroom? ➡️ https://linktr.ee/BraveryInTheBoardroom

This special Sports Edition of the #BITBPodcast brings you an honest and powerful conversation about leadership, crisis management, and representation in the world of rugby. 🎙️🏉

We’re joined by Simon Massie-Taylor, CEO of Prem Rugby, who opens up about leading through unprecedented turbulence, balancing the needs of fans, clubs, investors, and government, and why diversity in boardrooms is key to the sport’s future.

In this inspiring and candid episode with our host, Monique Carayol, Simon reflects on:

🖤 Steering Prem Rugby through the challenges of the pandemic and club administrations.

🖤 Why transparency and openness matter most under public scrutiny.

🖤 The emotional reality for fans who see their club as part of their identity.

🖤 Lessons in resilience, communication, and avoiding an insular leadership mindset.

🖤 Why representation in rugby leadership is both a social and commercial priority.

From becoming the youngest board member early in his career to stepping into the CEO role during one of rugby’s toughest chapters, Simon’s reflections shine a light on what brave leadership really looks like when every decision is under the spotlight.

At Bravery in the Boardroom, we believe that inclusive leadership requires bravery. We are building the Bravery in the Boardroom movement to increase diversity in senior leadership, so that boardrooms are more representative of the communities and staff they serve.

Looking for more Bravery in the Boardroom? Visit ➡️ https://linktr.ee/BraveryInTheBoardroom

Connect with Simon ⬇️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-massie-taylor-a4015119/

As we near the end of South Asian Heritage Month, we're continuing to spotlight and celebrate senior leaders of South Asian heritage. Bringing you the latest #BITBPodcast episode, which features the insightful and purpose-driven Nabil Jamshed in an honest and thought-provoking conversation. 🎙️

A huge thank you to Nabil for joining us and sharing such clarity, wisdom, and honesty in this powerful episode.

In this conversation with our host, Monique Carayol, Nabil takes us through his inspiring journey - from arriving in the UK as an immigrant and graduate, to overcoming early career challenges just to secure his first NHS role. He shares who and what helped him along the way, the pivotal advice that shaped his path, and how his specialist expertise in risk management and corporate governance led him into the boardroom. 💬

With over 20 years of board-level experience in public health and social care internationally, Nabil has a proven track record in embedding governance frameworks that strengthen transparency, accountability, and organisational resilience. At the time of recording, Nabil was about to step into his new role as Director of Corporate Governance at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Nabil’s reflections are not just about governance as a system, but governance as a force for fairness and inclusion because, as he says, “Governance matters the most - at least to me.”

📄 Explore Nabil’s thought leadership:

Recovering Risk Management – Good Governance Institute: https://www.good-governance.org.uk/publications/insights/recovering-risk-management

Governance & Wicked Challenges in Healthcare – Better Boards: https://better-boards.com/governance-wicked-challenges-in-healthcare/

Defining Health Management – EHMA: https://ehma.org/defining-health-management-article/

Connect with Nabil ⬇️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nabiljamshed/

At Bravery in the Boardroom, we believe that inclusive leadership requires bravery. We are building the Bravery in the Boardroom movement to increase diversity in senior leadership, so that boardrooms are more representative of the communities and staff they serve.

Looking for more Bravery in the Boardroom? Visit ➡️ https://linktr.ee/BraveryInTheBoardroom