Welcome to the ted Learning Podcast page, where real conversations meet real change.
Here, we bring our drama-based approach to life through honest chats, expert insights, and behind-the-scenes moments from the world of learning and development.
From leadership and inclusion to emotional intelligence and brave conversations, we explore what really works when it comes to people-focused training. Whether you’re a curious learner or a seasoned L&D pro, listen in for practical ideas, inspiring stories, and fresh perspectives that make learning stick – and stand out.
In our latest series of podcasts we are delighted to be joined by Diane Ricketts and we’ll be exploring her lived experiences of being a black woman in 2024 and what Black History Month means to her.
We explore the impact of microaggressions and hear Diane recount a story from over 30 years ago that still triggers her today. She also talks about the need for black men to be ‘actors’ to ensure they aren’t seen as angry and the constant challenge of being seen as aggressive when she is being confident or assertive. Plus she talks about the continued obsession with her hair and how this is a common theme for black women.
About Diane Ricketts
Diane has worked for over 44 years in both the corporate and educational space, now retired she supports both her parents.
In our latest series of podcasts we are delighted to be joined by Justine and Chris and we’ll be exploring their lived experiences from both an educational and work perspective. We explore what we mean by neurodivergent and the conditions this covers. Chris and Justine talk about some of the assumptions and judgements that people make about autistic and neurodivergent people and how this impacts the way you can be treated in work and education. We also explore how we can be more understanding, accommodating and compassionate towards people who are neurodivergent, and the positive steps that can take place in Education but not always within the workplace. Both our guests give first hand positive experiences and talk through how they felt when they were formally diagnosed as neurodivergent.
About Chris Bonello
Chris Bonello is an autistic advocate, award winning writer and international speaker, also a novelist and special needs tutor. In 2015, he launched Autistic Not Weird, to share his insights from both a personal and professional perspective.
About Justine Baylis
Justine Baylis is a recent graduate from the University of Arts London, where she studied fashion, PR and communications. She’s passionate about advocating for neurodivergent individuals and her final year project was dedicated to this part of her identity, centred around her own business idea to better support Neurodivergent staff.
In our latest ted Learning ‘lived experiences’ podcast, Justin from ted Learning speaks to Simon Pinnell and Dave Bracher from the Spinal Injuries Association about their lived experience of being wheelchair users.
We find out what caused their spinal injuries and how it affected them both in the early days of becoming wheelchair users. We also explore the daily challenges they both face in accessing services and environments that non-disabled people don’t have to grapple with, how the heart of UK Government isn’t wheelchair friendly and the message this might be sending out to the wider business world, and how non-disabled people can be better allies.
About Spinal Injuries Association
Every four hours, a person’s life is changed when they sustain a spinal cord injury. The aim of the Spinal Injuries Association is to be the go-to place for everyone affected by spinal cord injury (SCI), so that we can quickly connect them to the vast network of people, organisations and services they need.
Both Simon and Dave work full-time at the Spinal Injuries Association, an amazing charity that supports people affected by spinal injuries in rebuilding their lives. www.spinal.co.uk
About Simon Pinnell
A van hit Simon Pinnell in 2010 as he crossed the road, resulting in a T8 injury, which put him into a wheelchair. He is the Advocacy Manager at the Spinal Injuries Association
About Dave Bracher
Dave Bracher was rushed to hospital in 2012, where he ended up in a coma before suffering locked-in syndrome after suffering a rare combination of Guillain Barre Syndrome and ADEM, which attacked his nervous system, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. Dave is the Head of People & Operations at the Spinal Injuries Association.
In this episode of the ted Learning podcast, Justin Smith-Essex engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Sarah H Gordon, our recruitment expert and lead facilitator for the Consciously Inclusive Recruitment course. Together, they explore the essential steps employers should take to develop more inclusive recruitment processes, ensuring fairness and accessibility at every stage. From crafting inclusive job adverts and writing clear, bias-free job specifications to conducting equitable interviews and implementing thoughtful onboarding practices, this discussion highlights how organisations can attract and support diverse talent.
In addition to providing actionable insights for employers, Sarah also shares valuable advice for job seekers, offering practical tips to help them navigate the recruitment process with confidence. With a particular focus on virtual interviews, Sarah addresses key considerations for candidates, including how to prepare effectively, make a positive impression, and adapt to the unique challenges of online recruitment.
Whether you’re an employer looking to transform your hiring practices or a job seeker aiming to stand out in the application process, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and tools to help you foster inclusivity and success in the modern workplace.
About Sarah H Gordon
Sarah H Gordon has over 20 years experience in the recruitment industry and over 3 years training experience. She has seen first hand the skills that make exceptional recruiters and utilises this to deliver engaging learning to our clients.
She also adores reading and amateur dramatics (we all suspect she really wants to do the acting on our courses too!) and can be regularly found on stage in various plays and musicals in and around Croydon!
Justin is the Group MD of Squaricle Group & the founder of ted Learning .
He specialises in designing and delivering training in customer service, equality and diversity, management fundamentals, team building & presentation skills.
Justin is the key account manager across our portfolio. He works with our clients to ensure the programmes we deliver are tailored to their specific needs and are dramatically different, engaging and fun. He works with the fantastic team at ted Learning to ensure everything we do is on brand and delivers what our clients and learners need.
Discover more about how we can transform your workplace with our engaging, drama-based training solutions. Explore our full range of courses, from bite-sized learning to immersive programmes, creating lasting behavioural change.
Don’t miss out—download now and take the first step toward a more inclusive, high-performing workplace!
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