The A Leader Like Me Podcast is for HR professionals, leaders, and communication experts who want to create truly inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive.
Hosted by Priya Bates (she/her) and Advita Patel (she/her), co-founders of A Leader Like Me, this podcast features candid conversations with inspirational leaders who are driving real change in the world of work. Through their insights, you’ll discover practical strategies to embed equity, diversity, and inclusion into leadership, workplace culture, and communication.
If you’re passionate about building belonging, enhancing employee engagement, and using strategic communication to foster inclusion, this podcast is for you.
🎧 Subscribe now and start leading with impact.
Find out more at aleaderlikeme.com
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S5 EP5 - The Real Risk of Exclusion: Janelle Benjamin on Building Safer, Stronger Workplaces
Episode 45
Thursday, May 1, 2025 • Duration 27:18
In this powerful episode of A Leader Like Me, we speak with Janelle Benjamin—award-winning DEI consultant, founder of All Things Equitable, and LinkedIn Top Voice—about her journey from workplace mistreatment to building an influential consultancy rooted in justice and inclusion.
Janelle opens up about life beyond the title: a dedicated single mum, a quiet changemaker, and a passionate learner committed to creating safer, more inclusive workplaces. She shares how her legal background sharpens her strategic lens and why humility, curiosity, and continuous learning are essential for truly inclusive leadership.
We explore:
What real inclusion looks like beyond policy and posters
The emotional cost of exclusion—and the power of turning pain into purpose
How her legal training helps her spot risks others miss
Practical steps for those who want to lead inclusively, even when DEI is being scaled back
The power of connection, community, and shared accountability in driving cultural change
Whether you're just starting your inclusion journey or you're deep in the work, Janelle’s story will leave you inspired, challenged, and ready to act.
Listen now to discover what it takes to build cultures where everyone is truly seen, heard, and valued.
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Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity
Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@aleaderlikeme.com
For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.
If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.
Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.
If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: info@aleaderlikeme.com.
If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/
S5 EP4 - “From Fear to Fulfillment: Building Inclusive Cultures with Curiosity and Courage
Episode 44
Thursday, April 17, 2025 • Duration 23:53
In this episode of A Leader Like Me, we sit down with Garry Clarke-Strange —founder of Think Inclusion and passionate inclusion consultant, who shares his inspiring journey from a traditional corporate career to running his own consultancy while living in Spain. Garry opens up about what inclusion really means, how respectful curiosity can be a catalyst for change, and why joy and humanity must be at the heart of workplace culture.
Together with co-hosts Advita Patel and Priya Bates, this honest conversation explores the emotional realities of leadership, the importance of community, and how internal communications can shape truly inclusive environments. If you're a communications or HR leader looking to drive meaningful change, this episode is not to be missed.
Priya and Advita.
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Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity
Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at
S4 EP3: Building a Culture of Diversity with Samantha Thomas-Berry
Episode 36
Thursday, June 13, 2024 • Duration 42:18
Creating an environment that empowers authenticity: Insights from Samantha Thomas Berry.
Join Priya Bates and Advita Patel, co-founders of 'A Leader Like Me', for another incredible discussion with special guest Samantha Thomas-Berry, VP of Global Talent and Chief Diversity Officer at Kellanova. – A pragmatic and authentic Human Resources leader with over 25 years experience across a range of industries including telecoms and aerospace. She is a strategic business partner delivering commercial success and her coaching approach to leadership ensures she gives the best of herself to, and gets the same in return from, those she is surrounded by.
Featuring personal stories and expert advice, this episode covers the incredible work that Sam is doing to build inclusive cultures across all areas of the global organisation.
If you are passionate about fostering inclusivity, diversity, and belonging in your workplace, this episode will provide all the necessary insights and inspiration.
If you want to transform your culture and build greater inclusion in your workplace, get in touch and let's have a chat on how we can support you: info@aleaderlikeme.com.
You can also follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up with the latest news.
S4:EP2: Diversity, and Belonging in the Workplace: Insights from Garry Clarke-Strange
Episode 34
Thursday, May 23, 2024 • Duration 43:23
Driving Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging in the Workplace: Insights from Garry Clarke-Strange
Join Priya Bates and Advita Patel, co-founders of 'A Leader Like Me', in an enriching discussion with special guest Garry Clarke-Strange – a talent acquisition expert passion-driven about inclusivity and diversity. Garry the previous Head of Inclusion and Diversity at Green King, sheds light on his journey and his vision to create workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Featuring personal stories and expert advice, this episode covers the transformative impact of initiatives such as a peer-on-peer support system and the Green King's 'I'm not prejudiced but...' campaign. The power of employee networks in propelling an organization's inclusivity efforts is also explored.
The episode also delves into the concept of 'allyship', the challenges of ensuring that the voices of these groups are heard, and the fatigue and burnout associated with continuous involvement.
If you are passionate about fostering inclusivity, diversity, and belonging in your workplace, this episode will provide all the necessary insights and inspiration.
If you want to transform your culture and build greater inclusion in your workplace, get in touch and let's have a chat on how we can support you: info@aleaderlikeme.com.
You can also follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up with the latest news.
S4:E0: Building a Culture of Inclusion with Priya and Advita (Bonus episode)
Episode 31
Thursday, April 11, 2024 • Duration 27:13
“We're focused on KPIs, we're focused on actually driving change, helping people through that change through the communications expertise. And it's really, it's all connected. And it's embedded,”
- Priya Bates
Welcome to a bonus episode of A Leader Like Me, where we launch our new season in which we'll be getting real about Building a culture of inclusion with the leaders who are making it happen.
In this bonus episode, Advita Patel and Priya Bates, Co-founders of A Leader Like Me, explore the challenges of sustaining inclusion in different organization.
Priya and Advita reveal A Leader Like Me's exciting new direction and how they can help bridge the gap between awareness and action.
Join us as we explore evidence-based strategies that drive real change.
Don't miss out! Tune in each Thursday for a new episode with a new guest and be inspired, empowered, and ready to make a positive impact.
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Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity
S3:E9 Beyond the pitch, crafting a game for all, Shruti Saujani with Priya and Advita
Episode 30
Thursday, December 21, 2023 • Duration 32:34
"I want sport to be more reflective of the world that we live in. So that is representation from a diversity point of view. But also, treating people as a whole. A person is not just a person of color. There's so many other characteristics and lived experiences that an individual brings. So it's about accepting a person as a whole, and really creating that belonging for them to be whoever they want in whichever sport they play. And hoping that we do reflect the society that we live in, and serve."
In the final episode of Amplifying Diverse Voices season 3, Advita Patel and Priya Bates, Co-founders of A Leader Like Me, were delighted to be joined by Shruti Saujani from the Football Association where she's the EDI lead Equity Diversity and Inclusion. Shruthi is super passionate about making sports for all.
Dive into the world of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in sports as Shruti shares her inspiring story and passion for making a difference.
Discover how she transformed her dreams inspired by "Bend It Like Beckham" into a reality, breaking barriers for South Asian women in the sports arena.
Join us as we explore Shruti's journey, her recognition as a sports industry next-gen leader, and the impactful initiatives she leads to empower underrepresented groups and reshape the industry of sports making it more inclusive and diverse.
Don't miss out! Tune in now to be inspired, empowered, and ready to make a positive impact.
Connect with Shruti to follow her inspiring journey:
S3:E8: Unmasking DEI: Dr. Jonathan’s Insights on Genuine Inclusion with Priya and Advita
Episode 29
Friday, December 15, 2023 • Duration 50:38
Inclusion work is not about flags, food, and fun. It's about execution, strategies, tactics, and most importantly, impact. Let's move beyond performative gestures and dive into the real conversations that drive change.
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In this episode, Priya and Advita, co-founders of A Leader Like Me are joined by Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey, a leading expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Dr. Jonathan is a speaker, broadcaster, and inclusion advocate, he holds a PhD from the London School of Economics, infusing academic precision into his work. Dr. Jonathan's evidence-based approach, fueled by captivating case studies and global perspectives, is the key to building inclusive organizations where everyone thrives.
Uncover the truth about unconscious bias training, the pitfalls of performative gestures, and the critical importance of evidence-based inclusion
During the episode, Dr. Jonathan highlighted the importance of evidence-based inclusion, emphasizing the need to move beyond generic solutions and understand how diversity uniquely matters to each organization.
Join us as we challenge the norms and explore the real impact of diversity initiatives.
Read also: So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport.
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Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity
S3:E7: The power of inclusive leadership, David Blackburn with Priya and Advita
Episode 28
Thursday, November 16, 2023 • Duration 46:47
"Your DEI strategy should not be some separate thing that sits over here, it should be a light. It should be through the center of your business strategy. It should be touching every single bit of what your business is doing. It should be central to your mission and your vision.
- David Blackburn
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In this episode, Priya and Advita, co-founders of A Leader Like Me are joined by be inspiring, David Blackburn, a senior manager executive with over 25 years of experience in leading all aspects of human resources. David has a diverse career background including financial services, IT, manufacturing, retail and social housing.
Discover how to navigate the challenges of ownership, build strong partnerships, and create an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive. David's thought-provoking insights will leave you inspired to lead with kindness, empathy, and a commitment to unlocking the potential of those around you.
Listen in to learn about the ever-evolving landscape of diversity, equity and inclusion, how it impacts organizations across different sectors, and why this journey might be longer than we initially thought.
Did you know? you can now order Priya and Advita's new book Building a Culture of Inclusivity
Order from
S3:E6: The Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks with Priya and Advita
Episode 27
Friday, October 27, 2023 • Duration 53:23
"Yes, we want equality, but the world is not equal. For us to get to equality, you need to go through equitable practices."
- Nene Molefi
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In this episode, Priya and Advita are joined by the three co-authors of The Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks: Standards for Organizations Around the World, Nene Molefi, Julie O’Mara, and Alan Richter, PhD
Listen in to learn about the ever-evolving landscape of diversity, equity and inclusion, how it impacts organizations across different sectors, and why this journey might be longer than we initially thought.
Don't miss this opportunity to understand the driving force behind the GDEIB and the ongoing push for inclusive excellence.
Dive into a captivating conversation that unveils the powerful journey towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In this enlightening dialogue, our guests discuss the value of the Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB) and their impact on organizations worldwide. They explore why the GDEIB has gained significant recognition and how it serves as a pivotal tool for assessing DEI strategies.
Tune in to be inspired and informed!
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GDEIB is a phenomenal guide for what could be the greatest systemic transformation of work in this century.
S3:E5: Breaking barriers, on equity and inclusion, Sharon Amesu with Priya and Advita
Episode 26
Thursday, October 19, 2023 • Duration 39:06
"'When we know our why, then we feel less the how.' If I know why this is important, why it's important for my organization, when I can connect, sit not simply with the business imperative, which is clear and proven, but also the moral imperative, when I know why, there is nothing that will stop me, I will find a way through."
- Sharon Amesu
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In this episode, Priya and Advita are joined by Sharon Amesu, an exceptional advocate for inclusion with a background as a successful criminal barrister for 16 years.
Sharon, a multi-award-winning motivational speaker, executive coach and leadership enthusiast, shares insights into the challenges leaders face in creating more inclusive workplaces and offers a compelling perspective on equity versus equality.
Her work with "She Leads for Legacy," a community focused on accelerating black women into leadership positions, highlights the importance of allies in driving positive change.
Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation on the why behind inclusion and the path to a more equitable world.
For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.
If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to post on social media. Don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.
Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.
If you want to transform your culture and build better inclusion then get in touch and let’s see how we can work together: info@aleaderlikeme.com.
If you’re curious about inclusive cultures and want to understand what needs to happen in your organisation to cultivate belonging so you and your colleagues can thrive, you can purchase our book: https://aleaderlikeme.com/book/
The book is available in most online stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Indigo etc… and in some physical ones as well.
Don't miss out. Get your copy of the book now and be part of the DEI conversation.
Have any questions? Would you like to book Priya and or Advita for a speaking event? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@aleaderlikeme.com
For our latest updates, continue to follow our LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @aleaderlikeme.
If you read our book and would like to give us your honest review, feel free to head to social media and don't forget to use the #ALLME and tag us.
Thank you for your continued support as we drive global DEI/EDI conversations forward.
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