Gemma inspires with bold insights on the future of work, challenging conventional thinking and championing a truly global perspective on equity. Drawing on her experience within a Japanese organisation, she reflects on one-size-fits-all approaches, revealing the power of cultural exchange to unlock innovation and drive progress.

Gemma highlights the urgent need to tackle ageism and build intergenerational collaboration as workplaces evolve to meet shifting demographic realities. She shares how weaving equity into the fabric of everyday business (not relying on top-down mandates) has successfully advanced women into leadership roles. Reflecting on pressures in balancing career and family life, Gemma offers practical strategies for family-friendly workplaces and spotlights how the financial services sector is embracing inclusivity as a clear commercial imperative.

Her closing message is a rallying cry: speak truth to power as the foundation for real change. Gemma calls on HR leaders to step forward with courage, start the brave conversations - even when the answers aren't yet clear - and lead transformation with honesty and impact.

Thank you to Kin&Co for sponsoring this episode  

What makes an organisation thrive in today’s complex world? It’s not just about strategy or financial results - it’s about culture.  

This episode is sponsored by Kin&Co, a certified B Corp and female-owned consultancy on a mission to make work better for 10 million people by 2030. Kin&Co believe that the most impactful organisations will cultivate thriving, human-centred cultures where people are motivated by purpose, resilience, and empowered to perform at their best. 

Drawing on cutting-edge behavioural science and an inclusive approach, Kin&Co help global organisations transform their cultures, sparking lasting behaviour change that drives measurable impact on strategy, people, and performance. Their new model for organisational change is shaped by deep experience in culture transformation. 

If you’re intrigued, Kin&Co invites you to explore your own organisational culture with their free Thriving Cultures Diagnostic - a simple, insightful tool backed by behavioural science and inspired by nature. It provides a clear snapshot of your current culture and suggests practical actions to drive better behaviours, strategic shifts, and stronger organisational performance.  

To learn more and take the diagnostic, click here: Kin&Co 

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Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work? 

Each month we recommend a book that challenges, motivates and uplifts, every pick is selected to spark meaningful conversations and personal growth. 

Our June Book of the Month is The Joy of Work: 30 Ways to Fix Your Work Culture and Fall in Love with Your Job Again by Bruce Daisley. Who, wonderfully, is alumnus on this very podcast!  

Bruce offers a refreshing and radical rethink of how we can transform our workdays - a guide packed with energising, evidence-based ideas that show how small changes can reignite joy, connection and purpose in our everyday working lives.  

Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab a copy, and we hope you enjoy this month’s Uplifting Book!