Hello and welcome to another episode of the Perception Podcast with me your host Caroline Partridge. In today's episode, I talk to the ISS or International Service Systems, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Kat Parsons about what diversity and inclusion really looks like in the world of work in the 21st Century. Kat talks openly and vulnerably about how her personal life and past employment experiences were a direct and significant influence on her groundbreaking policies for the workforce. We also look at box-ticking, toxic work role models and being unapologetic for bringing all of who you are to work. Please join me as we look at life through a different lens.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Outdated policies and bias meant that when Kat had a child, there wasn't a policy in place for her workplace to support her.  Kat created a menopause policy at work after struggling to support her wife, highlighting a major gap in workplace wellbeing. This led to her diversity and inclusion role. Talking openly about taboo topics like menopause makes others feel safe to share their experiences, creating an inclusive culture. People shouldn't hide parts of their identity at work. Bringing your whole self allows you to thrive and progress faster in your career. Toxic workplace cultures based on outdated stereotypes like aggressive male leadership styles are often perpetuated through unconscious bias and lack of diverse role models. Inclusive workplaces recognise every individual has unique needs. Customising support maximises employee productivity, ambition and happiness. Effective diversity requires fully inclusive culture change, not just ticking demographic boxes. Share examples of good workplace inclusion practices openly to create more supportive work environments industry-wide. BEST MOMENTS "I was having to work twice as hard as anyone else around me." "You have to be loud and be...there was, you know, situations where, you know, you had to slam your hand on the desk." "I shouldn't have to hide something that's natural, uh, that I'm struggling with." "It turned out that he actually was trans. He's a trans woman, but outside of work, trans woman, inside work, pinstripe suit." "The quality of the answer is entirely dependent on the quality of the question."  "Allow people to succeed by asking them the questions that they understand." "Things aren't wrong, they're just different." "Be who you are, become what you want, and be part of something bigger." ABOUT THE GUEST  Kat Parsons As the International Service System or ISS’s Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, Kat Parsons champions gender balance, pride, abilities, generations, culture, race and ethnicity as part of an inclusive and progressive workforce. Kat is not just a formidable leader, but somebody who holds diversity, inclusion very close to her heart. Since taking on the Head of DIB role she has shot into the spotlight after being awarded the Head of Diversity and Inclusion Award for both Diva Magazine (April 2023) and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Tech Awards (June 2023). She was recognised in the Pride Power list 2023, Women to Watch & Role Models for Inclusion in Hospitality, Travel & Leisure Index 2022, recognition in the RoSPA Inspiring Women in Health and Safety Awards, finalist for the IWFM Diversity award, and internal ISS Awards such as the Apple and Global ISS Inspire Awards. Kat ended the year by appearing on the Hive Learning Top 75 Most Influential DEI Leaders in EMEA. Kat’s experience and innovations have earned her a reputation across both the Facilities Management industry and among D&I experts. Links: https://vimeo.com/835796295/e234a61e11?share=copy https://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/content/news/nhs-england-encourages-employers-to-adopt-its-menopause-guidance/ https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/blog/the-menopause-is-a-not-an-illness-or-medical-condition-lets-talk-about-it/?utm_source=Mind&utm_medium=LI&utm_campaign=Menopa