UNBiased

Humans or Technology? Humans AND Technology... What happens when a changing generation meets an unchanging mindset? In this episode of UNBiased, I'm joined by Holly Cope — ex-lawyer turned global legal innovator and founder of the Global AI Skills Summit for Lawyers. We’re at a fascinating crossroads in the legal profession. We’ve got a new generation of lawyers who won’t settle for the same pressures we once accepted, but who are still ambitious in their own way. We’ve got new technologies designed to free us from the late nights and heavy workloads. And yet… we seem stuck in a cycle of curiosity, cynicism, and resistance to change. Holly calls it one of the biggest transformations the industry has ever seen, not just in tools, but in mindset and culture. We explore: 🔹 The clash between generational expectations and traditional firm structures 🔹 Why the biggest barrier to AI adoption isn’t tech — it’s trust 🔹 How law firms can evolve without losing their human core 🔹 The power of community and conversation in shaping what comes next If you’ve ever wondered how to balance innovation with identity or how to lead through uncertainty, this conversation is for you.

Meeting People Where They Are – While Not Losing Sight of Where You're Going. Continuing the theme of productivity and new approaches to it, I’m joined on UNBiased Podcast by Anne Rayner. Anne is a seasoned panel moderator, public speaker, and presenter, sharing her insights on the future of work & productivity. As the founder of Productivity Bargain, she spearheads innovative approaches to modern workplace productivity. Leveraging her extensive leadership expertise, Anne helps businesses structure work for sustainable high performance With over two decades of experience in the Insights industry, Anne served as the Chief Solutions Officer for Kantar APAC, as well as Managing Director of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Myanmar, leading business transformations in all three markets. She led Inclusion & Diversity across APAC, and launched Lean In Girls in Singapore. Anne challenges the old master–servant mindset of the workplace and asks us to see productivity and inclusion not as separate, but deeply connected. When we shift focus from hours to outcomes, we create equity, unlock innovation, and redesign work for both people and performance. We explore: 🔹 Why the four-day work week is the ultimate vision and why resistance remains despite overwhelming evidence of its benefits 🔹 The tension between control and trust in debates like return-to-office mandates 🔹 How valuing time differently can close equity gaps, including the gender pay divide 🔹 Practical steps leaders can take to balance pressure for results with the needs of their people. If you’ve ever wondered how work could be both more effective and more human, this conversation is for you.

We’ve normalised “powering through.” But what if joy wasn’t just a nice-to-have—what if it was the strategy? In this episode of Unbiased, I speak with Simi Rayat, award-winning business psychologist, executive psychology coach, and author of Productivity Joy. Simi has spent over two decades helping leaders shift from survival mode to sustainable impact. In her new book, she shares a science-backed 5-minute daily ritual that reframes productivity not as output, but as energy, clarity and connection. We explore: 🔹 The real reason so many professionals feel stuck or burnt out 🔹 How Simi’s 5Qs Formula helps interrupt reactive patterns 🔹 The cost of ignoring joy in leadership 🔹 How motherhood, identity and lived experience shape her work 🔹 What a joyful and inclusive workplace looks like—and how to start building one If you’re someone who’s done all the things but still feels depleted, this episode is for you.

On this latest episode of UNBiased, I’m welcoming Carolin Barr to talk bias and sustainability. Carolin is a passionate and driven entrepreneur and sustainability advocate.  In 2020, Carolin founded susGain, a B-Corp certified, social enterprise on a mission to connect eco and socially conscious stakeholders in a way that creates mutual value. And they do so through a reward-based mobile app designed to help drive sustainable behavioural change within communities through plug-&-play engagement campaigns whilst measuring the impact created. Before setting up susGain Carolin worked in an HR consulting and change management firm, and it’s at the intersection of sustainability and change management that I came across Carolin late last year when she delivered a TedX talk in Singapore and the theme was overcoming cognitive bias in sustainability. And so much of what she shared joined dots between topics covered with previous guests on this podcast when it comes to how we address and overcome some of the biases that stop us from being the best version of ourselves.

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by the incredible Mishma Kumar-Jonson — an extraordinary storyteller and therapist, Mish is the founder of The Iceberg Foundation — a mental health charity for BIPOC, queer and neurodivergent humans and is the principal practitioner at Niram, a BIPOC focused EMDR practice. Together, we explore: 🔹 What it means to come home to the body in a world that teaches disconnection — especially for those navigating trauma, marginalisation, or burnout. 🔹 How storytelling can reconnect us when history, systems, and experiences have divided us. 🔹 How safety isn’t something we “earn” by conforming, but something we can build through relationships, storytelling, and slowness. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to shrink yourself just to belong, this conversation is a gentle call back to your own truth.

On this latest episode of UNBiased I'm joined by Sudhir Tiku. Sudhir is a Technical philosopher,Automation expert and a Certified Futurist, based out of Singapore, where he also works as Vice President for Asia Pacific and China at Bosch Singapore. Sudhir is member of IEEE  (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and also a badge  holder of AI Ethics from London School of Economics. He is a regular at TEDx circles in Asia Pacific on  topics of AI and its impact on humanity. He is also a blogger, author and a climber. Sudhir is the first technologist that I had encountered personally who showed the same depth of knowledge, care and understanding for the nuances around AI that extended beyond what the technology can actually do to history, ethics, law, culture and more. Through his optimistic and intersectional lens, Sudhir tempered my impatience with the ability for society and regulation to keep up with change with some reminders on where we currently are in the life cycle of this new revolution. We explore AI’s evolution to date – how it’s moved from infancy toward a more complex, nuanced understanding of the world through generative and agentic AI. From historically skewed image datasets that underrepresented entire populations to the growing push for fairness in AI, progress is happening.  This conversation is for anyone who cares about the future of technology, equity, and the responsibility we all share in shaping AI for good.

In this episode of the UNBiased Podcast, I’m joined by Bilal Mahmood – a senior lawyer, politician, thought leader in the world of diversity and inclusion, and the first Convenor of the City Muslim Network, fostering allyship and connection across London’s financial hub. We dive into the complexities of representation - that representation alone isn’t enough unless it’s coupled with environments genuinely open to transformation. Bilal reflects on the last five years as an inflection point, where conversations about inclusion have become more visible, but so has the resistance. As societal tensions rise, they highlight the risk of complacency: that without sustained pressure, the momentum for change could be lost, or worse, weaponised against those fighting for equity. This is a powerful conversation for anyone who has ever felt the push and pull between making an impact and making it through the door.

The road to inclusion is paved with authenticity, understanding, and curiosity. In this week’s episode of the UNBiased Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Shawn Lim - a passionate advocate for representation and authentic inclusion. Shawn is a seasoned media and editorial consultant with over a decade of experience in journalism, specialising in the intersection of business, technology, media, and advertising. As the author of Human Algorithm, a newsletter that explores the convergence of technology, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Shawn leverages sharp insights and thought leadership to uncover the strategies shaping a more equitable and sustainable future for brands and industries.  We dive deep into the challenges of breaking free from traditional gender roles, the importance of supporting neurodiversity, and why representation matters—especially in media. In this episode, Shawn shares: The importance of amplifying voices and challenging gender norms, neurodiversity, and stereotypes, especially outside of awareness months like Pride or International Women’s Day How media and advertising can shape consumer trust and build meaningful, long-term societal change His personal journey and how it’s shaped his commitment to inclusivity and allyship Practical steps for becoming an ally – starting with simple actions like using pronouns and reaching out to someone who has lived the experiences you want to support Subscribe to Shawn's Human Algorithm Substack: https://humanalgorithm.substack.com/ Follow and connect with Shawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mediumshawn/

So a theme I’m keen to explore with my guest today is the power of community, particularly today when we are more and more disconnected in person, but hyperconnected online. How do we get the best of all worlds, and is this possible. Joining me on this week's UNBiased to explore the power of community and how we can hit the sweet spot of integrating online and offline worlds, is my guest, Rohan Bilimoria. Rohan is an international lawyer whose career has spanned the globe with market leading Magic Circle and US law firms and Fortune 500 companies across London, Moscow, New Delhi, Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney.  He is the Founder of Law Ninjas, a global community for lawyers which started as a what’s app group with 10 in-house lawyers back in 2017. Today it has transformed into a community for thousands of lawyers and law students around the world. Law Ninjas has conducted free workshops for over 60 law schools, received Businessworld’s Legal Entrepreneur of the Year Award, launched a new platform at lawninjas.co, hosted 9 General Counsel Summits in India, Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom, and is continuing to grow at an exponential rate. In this episode, Rohan shares: The significance of aligning career choices with personal purpose and navigating professional transitions with intent How hybrid work and networking is reshaping the future of law and why adaptability is key to thriving in this shift His personal journey, trials and triumphs and how they’ve influenced Rohan’s approach to success and personal growth, and how his learnings can help all of us on our own trajectories. Learn more about Law Ninjas here: https://lawninjas.mn.co/

Joining me on the latest episode of UNBiased is personal trainer and co-founder of More Than Muscle Ltd, Natalie Pilides. Natalie's mission is to get a barbell in the hands of every woman, and it's her goal to make strength and fitness as accessible and enjoyable for as many as possible. And she focuses predominantly today on women in their 40s and 50s to help them feel as strong and as fit as they've ever felt before.  Nat is called upon to deliver workshops across the country and called on regularly by corporate organisations to support staff health and wellness programs. In this conversation we go beyond the gym floor and discuss everything from breaking gym stereotypes to how strength training can empower women, and we tackle the mindset shift needed to embrace challenges, whether in the gym or in life.

In this episode of the UNBiased Podcast, I sit down with Imogen Short – a thought leader who champions the power of storytelling in leadership. We talk about the obstacles leaders face and how storytelling paired with emotional intelligence can help you tackle them. From creating purposeful narratives to reframing mundane tasks, Imogen shares practical techniques that will challenge how you think about leadership. If you’re ready to rethink what it means to inspire and connect, this episode is for you. Imogen is Asia Pacific Managing Director for Write the Talk, a creative agency that makes transformation work brilliantly for people and their organisations. As part of this, Imogen delivers CPD-accredited narrative training programmes for leadership teams that empower them to influence, engage and inspire more authentically. You can learn more about Write the Talk and Imogen here: https://writethetalk.com/bio-imogen-short/

In this latest episode, we’re uncovering the untold power of weak ties and how they shape the future. In today's fast-paced world, we often look to networks for opportunities, but are we making the most of those connections outside our close circles? It's not just about having strong ties, but leveraging diverse connections to build new ideas, solve problems, and create lasting impact. Exploring these topics with me is Jeyanti Yorke, a passionate advocate for social mobility, curiosity-driven leadership, and the power of connection. Jeyanti has built a dynamic career at the intersection of community building, leadership, and social impact. Born in London, Jeyanti began her professional journey there working in corporate partnerships at the Prince's Trust and the Challenge, where she honed her skills in creating impactful collaborations including  Starbucks and HSBC. In 2015, she co-founded Oikos, a pioneering platform that developed community apps for schools, churches, and political parties, helping these institutions strengthen their internal and external connections. Now living in Singapore, Jeyanti has continued to expand her influence on a global scale. She co-founded Leaders.org, an exclusive community designed to help influential leaders cultivate "weak ties" in a safe and inviting environment.  Balancing her professional achievements with her personal life, Jeyanti is a devoted mother of two young children and passionately advocates for the integration of people, advocacy, and the belief that leadership begins at home. Learn more and connect with Jey here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeyanti-yorke-58901114/ https://www.leaders.org/#/ Find out more about Design Your Life here: https://designingyour.life/#

Joining me this week is Founder and Global CEO of Trinity P3, Darren Woolley. Darren has been leading the marketing management consulting industry for over 20 years, helping marketers and advertisers maximize the value of their marketing budgets. With a background in science, advertising, and creative direction, Darren has a unique perspective and expertise in marketing strategy alignment, marketing procurement, marketing sustainability, marketing technology, media transparency, and agency selection and management. Darren works with more than half of the top 100 advertisers, as well as global clients across Asia, Europe, and North America, to deliver measurable results and competitive advantages. Darren also commits an increasing amount of his time advocating for corporate inclusion as a business necessity in today's world where consumer engagement is key. Darren adds his perspective today on the debate on whether DEI needs a rebrand, and if so what that would look like. In the world of corporate diversity and inclusion biases are vulnerable to override data when it comes to taking action and remaining accountable for DEI outcomes. We don’t always do what we should even though we know it’s the right thing. We are human. Darren and I talk DEI against the backdrop of our own human nature and work through new ways to motivate ourselves towards change for good in our workplaces.

Bringing change-makers to the UNBiased podcast is what we’re all about, and this week’s guest, Charu Srivastava, is redefining how we see DEI in the workplace. A true advocate for meaningful change, Charu brings her wealth of experience in public policy, consulting, and DEI strategy to our conversation, sharing why DEI isn’t just a matter of policy but a game-changer for any organisation’s future. Charu is a co-founder at TriOn & Co, a strategic communications consultancy, where she is Chief Strategy Officer and Corporate Affairs Lead. She is also the Chair of the inaugural PRCA APAC Equality, Diversity & Inclusion committee. Charu brings with her over 15 years of experience in corporate and government affairs locally, regionally and internationally. Over the years, Charu has led her teams to multiple wins and shortlists at the PRCA APAC Awards, PRISM Awards, PR Awards, SABRE awards. She was awarded Outstanding PR Mentor at the PRISM awards 2021. She regularly speaks at industry events and conferences and is sought for her opinions on communications issues and trends. Are you ready to rethink what DEI can truly mean? Listen to Charu’s invaluable insights!

We love a multi-hyphenate on UNBiased podcast and our guest this week, Helen McGuire, is mum of 3, entrepreneur, exited founder, certified Reiki master and photographer. Helen’s own lived experience in the corporate communications industry as a new mother in the workplace led her down a startup path to create a world first AI-driven DEI platform, Diversely.io with her co founder Hayley Bakker in January 2020, culminating with the acquisition of Diversely.io by world leading software company, The Access Group at the end of 2023. She now adds author to her list of titles, and her first book, “The Female Founder Formula” is coming soon. Her passion underpinning the book is driving profit with purpose, and that’s just one of the topics that we get stuck into in our conversation. Helen's book will be out soon. Connect with Helen, find out more about launch date and her services here: https://helenmcguire.co.

Khayshie Tilak Ramesh, a fierce advocate for multiculturalism and intersectional gender equality, board director, Multicultural Youth Commissioner of Victoria, Australia between 2019 and 2021 and Australia’s representative at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York for the past 2 years running joins me once again to kick off a new season of UNBiased podcast. We dive deep into how biases shape our decisions, influence our sense of belonging, and even impact burnout. We explore the power of system 1 (automatic) and system 2 (deliberate) thinking, and how they drive everyday choices – from job interviews to picking a toothpaste brand!

Late last year I challenged myself to making 2024 a year of doing less and being more. First part of that challenge – figuring out what that means to me in practical terms. Turns out, "doing less and being more" is easier said than done!  That's also why my beloved podcast is taking a short break. At 50 episodes strong, it felt like time to hit refresh. I'm diving deeper, uncovering new themes, and lining up inspiring guests to explore:  How our biases sculpt the world around us  The tricky (and often unhelpful) role of labels  And what it even means to be "normal" anymore  In the meantime, stay curious, stay tuned, and maybe find your own way to hit the slow button. More insights from UNBiased will be back from Q2 2024.

Wrapping up 2023 with a commitment to bid farewell to burnout in 2024! Joined by DEI expert Khayshie Tilak Ramesh, who shares both her personal experiences with burnout as well nuggets from her tried and tested programmes for getting from burnout to balance. But Khayshie's systemic approach goes beyond quick fixes, addressing the energy drain faced by underrepresented groups in demanding systems, and we explored the need for systemic change alongside the personal.    ✨ For any of you who feel the need for permission to slow down and rest, please take this episode as all the permission you need.     🌟 Quote stuck on Khayshie's laptop:   “Instead of asking 'have I worked hard enough to deserve a rest? ', I've started asking, 'Have I rested enough to do my most loving, meaningful work? '” – Nicola Jane Hobbs. 

Joining me on the latest episode of UNBiased is Siang Lu.  Siang is the award-winning author of The Whitewash, the co-creator of The Beige Index and the creator of #dumbbookstagram. The Whitewash won Audiobook of the Year at the 2023 Australian Book Industry Awards and the Glendower Emerging Writer Award at the Queensland Literary Awards, and was shortlisted at the NSW Premiers Literary Awards. In our conversation we delved into The Whitewash in all its punchy, poignant, entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny glory. Siang also shared openly about his own personal journey that led him both to writing (he quit his law degree pretty early on in favour of literature), and targeting representation in so many forms to build visibility of important issues in novel ways. The Whitewash is a mockumentary addressing Asian representation in Hollywood. This led Siang to co-create The Beige Index - the Bechdel Test for race, exploring ethnic representation in the IMDb Top 250 Films. Can't wait to read more from Siang. Learn more about Siang here: https://www.siang-lu.com/ Check out the Beige Index here: https://thebeigeindex.com

Rounding off a series of episodes exploring cognitive biases that I uncovered through my own journey in private practice before studying bias itself – this week highlighting some of the biases that keep us tethered to the status quo. Overcoming biases begins with understanding. Identify and unlock a new way of thinking to discover the unknown unknowns.