Nothing Without Us

In these last few episodes of the year, Angie shares her insights and experiences from 2025. She reflects on the past year, discussing the challenges faced in equity work, the personal and professional changes she underwent, and the shift in public interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work. Angie narrates her journey towards developing deeper, more sustainable practices, including a focus on spiritual intelligence, redemptive practice, and the shift from impact to influence. She also discusses the evolution of her upcoming book 'Re Enchanted' and its focus on deeper aspects of equity work. Despite facing a difficult year, Angie provides an optimistic outlook for 2026 and leaves listeners with a practice to embrace the discomfort of unanswered complex questions.

In this episode Angie discusses the concept of joy as a form of relational literacy, emphasisng its importance in equity work. She elaborates on shifting from emotional intelligence to relational literacy, critiquing traditional frameworks and proposing a deeper, more somatic and interrelational approach. Angie breaks down four anchors of relational literacy: somatic awareness, emotional presence, positionality, and interrelational humility, providing actionable micro-practices for each. She stresses the ongoing practice of right relationship, maintaining dignity, and recognising the value of differing perspectives.

In this episode, Angie Browne discusses the importance of aesthetic literacy as a means of bringing joy and humanity back into institutional spaces. Angie shares her personal journey of enhancing spaces throughout her career in education, emphasizing the role of aesthetics in fostering dignity and equity. She contrasts two school building projects to illustrate how design decisions can impact the psychological and emotional well-being of occupants. The episode also explores the political nature of aesthetic choices and how social movements use aesthetic interventions to resist systemic oppression. Angie invites listeners to reflect on spaces in their own lives that evoke feelings of dignity and joy.

This week Angie explores the concept of joy as a form of resistance and praxis rather than mere performance or escapism. She delves into the role of joy in social justice work, emphasizing its importance as a political and communal tool. She discusses 'joy as praxis,' advocating for the deliberate recognition and integration of joy in daily life and leadership. The episode highlights how joy can disrupt dehumanising systems and serve as a powerful agent of change, calling on listeners to practice and share moments of joy as a means of collective resistance and humanity.

In this second episode, Angie Browne and Dr Claire Stewart-Hall discuss the aftermath and responses to a race hate crime Angie experienced. Angie shares her motivation for creating social media videos to document her feelings and the incident. She contrasts the differing responses from LinkedIn and Instagram users, noting the lack of engagement on LinkedIn versus the outpouring of care on Instagram. They also delve into the institutional challenges of recognizing and addressing racism, highlighting the problematic nature of excuses made for perpetrators. They emphasise the importance of documenting and speaking out about racism to acknowledge its horrors and drive societal and institutional change.

In this week's episode, Angie Browne discusses her recent traumatic experience of a race hate crime. Joined by Dr. Claire Stewart-Hall, a race researcher and friend, Angie explores the broader impact of such personal and institutional racism on Black women's lives. Angie describes receiving hundreds of aggressive, racist messages through her business website, perpetrated by an individual she briefly dated 17 years ago. She shares her frustration with the complex, ineffective process of reporting a hate crime to the Metropolitan Police and other organisations. As a Black woman and a professional in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Angie reflects on the emotional and administrative toll of the incident, the lack of institutional support, and the systemic racism embedded in these responses.

In this episode, Angie is in conversation with Sue Mulholland, Deputy Head Teacher for enrichment at the British International School of Ho Chi Minh City. They delve into Sue's journey from an art teacher to a leader in education, her experiences in different schools, and her work in equity, diversity, and inclusion. Sue shares her upbringing in Belfast, the impact of the Troubles, and her evolution in the teaching profession, emphasizing the role of creativity and art in fostering equity. They also discuss the importance of sustained EDI efforts in education and Sue's plans for advancing EDI initiatives at her school.

In this episode Angie delves into the complex terrain of despair faced by those engaged in equity work. Angie discusses the predictability of betrayal and retreat within equity movements. She references the work of thinkers like Audre Lorde and Leah Mani VIN to explain how capitalist patriarchy inherently demands the fragmentation and depletion of marginalized groups. Angie argues that DEI work often fails because it is reactionary and maintains power structures. She calls for a reimagining of equity work, emphasizing the importance of communal practices, resisting fragmentation, and creating spaces that honor diversity and collective well-being. By offering practical steps and encouraging reflection, Angie advocates for a generative and creative approach to equity that addresses structural exhaustion and fosters sustainable change. Find out more about Audre Lorde https://alp.org/about/audre and Leah Manaema Avene on her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/co_cu1tur3?igsh=b3p6emNiYTBwZHlz

"Like yoga, I need to keep showing up to the practice of humanising, of leaning in and toward things that are very difficult." In this episode Angie discusses the importance of relational and narrative intelligence, particularly in the context of engaging with those with whom we disagree. Angie explores her physiological and emotional responses to listening to a long-form interview with Tommy Robinson, a known far-right figure, and emphasizes the significance of somatic awareness, emotional presence, and positionality in equity work. Drawing from personal experiences and academic references, she advocates for humanising even those with extreme views to foster deeper understanding and systemic change. Find out more at https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/

"Equity work is everybody in the nobody out. And it means we need to be able to tolerate and hear and humanise the people whose views we oppose. Humanise them more, not less." Welcome back to Nothing Without Us and a new season of episodes. This time, Angie is exploring the concept of wilderness in these troubled times. Today's episode also includes a reflection on responses to the murder of Charlie Kirk.

In this last episode before the summer break, Angie shares a short extract from her forthcoming book. Look out for more episodes of the podcast in our new series from September onwards.

In this week's episode, we join Angie on a recent webinar exploring a framework for managing staff conduct issues in polarising times. Angie explores various issues such as the influence of Andrew Tate, UK race riots, Trump's re-election, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and gender definitions. She breaks down a framework of narrative intelligence, emotional intelligence, liberatory intelligence, and spiritual intelligence to help you navigate these issues in school. By listening, you will gain practical tools and exercises to foster responsible and empathetic leadership. Find out more about the short course, Leading Well in Polarised Times: Managing Conduct, Culture, and Community, starting 17th September here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leading-well-in-polarised-times-managing-conduct-culture-and-community-tickets-1340604838159?discount=WebinarAttendee

This week, Angie reads her open letter addressed to the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT). The letter criticizes the design choice of placing a pub at the center of the 2025 Inspiring Leadership Conference, highlighting its exclusionary impact on various marginalized groups, including Muslim educators, people in recovery, disabled individuals, and more. Angie discusses the response she received and uses this scenario to explore broader themes around equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership. Using the Being Luminary Framework, she explores how to create truly inclusive spaces. Listeners are encouraged to rethink their own practices and embrace a more expansive and inclusive design in leadership contexts.

I'm diving deep into individual experiences of working in the DEI space this month. This week, I'm talking to Dr Leslie Williams about her life and career, and how she is shaping an EDIB vision across the many schools in Nord Anglia's portfolio. Dr Leslie Williams is Nord Anglia’s Senior Programme Lead for Social Impact and Giving, and Chairperson for the Global Equalities Programme. She began her career in education in 2002 as an English teacher in both public and private schools before transitioning into the role of High School Director at Windermere Preparatory School in August 2013. During the summer of 2020, whilst High School Director, Leslie became the NAE Chairperson for Global the Equality Programme's Steering Committee, which is responsible for creating an EDIB Policy and an EDIB Vision with key organisational goals. She continues to lead the organisation’s efforts in ensuring everyone understands their role in creating inclusive environments that instil a sense of belonging in each community member. In July 2022, Leslie began her current role, which focuses on the NAE Social Impact Programme which supports UNICEF, Social Impact Grants, and Student Leadership. Through this role, she aims to connect with schools and to connect schools with one another as they work through the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Child Rights through the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and student leadership opportunities. Find Leslie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-leslie-williams-48a86965/ Find out more about the Being Luminary programme and the Excellence in Equity Award on my website https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/

I'm diving deep into individual experiences of working in the DEI space this month. This week, I'm talking to Charlotte McDowell from the British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) in Abu Dhabi, about how her own experience has shaped her work and her leadership of BSAK's DEI efforts. Charlotte McDowell is a highly respected Assistant Head Teacher at the British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) in Abu Dhabi. With extensive experience in primary education across both the UK and UAE, she brings a wealth of pedagogical knowledge to her role. Charlotte is a passionate advocate for inclusive practices, serving as a coach and lead for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) initiatives at BSAK. Beyond her professional commitments, Charlotte is a full-time working mother, having built her family through adoption. Her personal journey enriches her understanding of the diverse needs of students and families, further strengthening her commitment to creating a supportive and equitable school environment. Find Charlotte on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-mcdowell-070535b5/ Find out more about the Being Luminary programme and the Excellence in Equity Award on my website https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/

I'm diving deep into individual experiences of working in the DEI space this month. We begin with a conversation with Kamare El Khatib about her self, her career and what has shaped her work so far, but also how she has experienced training as she leads her school's DEI work. Kamare El Khatib is an educator with 13 years of experience in teaching and leadership across Sciences and Languages. As the DEI and Interculturalism Leader at the British International School Group (BISR), she leads the DEI Strategic Plan and works with her team to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout various aspects of school life. Kamare and her team also promote intercultural learning through the curriculum and events. She holds an MSc in Biology and an MA in Educational Leadership and Management. Find Kamare on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kamar-el-khatib-1ba35566 Find out more about the Being Luminary programme and the Excellence in Equity Award on my website https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/

In this last episode of my short May series, Microdosing Enchantment, I'm looking at Community. We cannot do equality work in isolation. Working in community saves the individual from shouldering all the burden, but it also creates better work. And talking of community, next month, I'll be returning with more conversations with friends and colleagues on this DEI journey with me.

You join me on a walk today, to discuss how connecting to nature and moving your body can not only benefit your mental and physical health, but also improved your leadership. This May, I'm offering a short series of five episodes about rest and connection. Each one will be a bit of a microdose of resistance, of re-enchantment.

This May, I'm offering a short series of five episodes. Each one will be a bit of a microdose of resistance, of re-enchantment. This week is all about journaling and features an extract from my book, Lighting the Way. You can buy Lighting the Way here https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/lighting-the-way-9781472972460/ and download my course, Finding Peace, here https://beingluminary.thinkific.com/pages/resources

This month, we'll be pressing pause on some of the topic based approaches that we've had on the podcast, because the work as it stands, DEI work, equity work, is designed almost perfectly to keep us spinning. I have this sense that news cycles are accelerating and there is a feeling about the urgency of our time, which feels like it is knocking and banging at the door and demanding that we do something about it. And maybe the way that we re-enchant equity work, is to resist the urgency. So I'm offering a series this May, five episodes, and each one will be a bit of a microdose of resistance, of re-enchantment. This week is all about wellness.

This week, I'm talking to Mandy Coalter, author, coach, HR professional, about why she is passionate about training school leaders to create inclusive workplaces. Mandy is the Founder of ‘Talent Architects’ with a simple mission; helping schools become great places for pupils to learn by being great places for adults to work. Her book ‘Talent Architects; how to make your school a great place to work’ was published in 2018. Mandy has previously worked in the NHS, Local Government, the Charity sector and with schools. She is also a very experienced Board Director and advisor on aspects of corporate governance. She is a Trustee/Director of the Diocese of Coventry MAT. Find Mandy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-coalter-484360a/?originalSubdomain=uk Buy her book and find out more about her work at https://www.talentarchitects.org.uk/ Mandy also mentioned Putting Staff First, by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley during our conversation https://www.amazon.co.uk/Putting-Staff-First-blueprint-revitalising/dp/1912906848 We'll soon be launching a recruitment and retention framework, which is going to be part of our excellence in equity award. Find out more about our Excellence in Equity Award here https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/excellence-in-equity-award Nothing Without Us is presented by Angie Browne from Being Luminary . It is edited and produced by Emily Crosby Media .

In light of the UK Supreme Court's ruling this week, re-defining what 'woman' means in UK law, this week, I'm re-issuing extracts from my conversation with Yee Won Chong. Yee Won is a strategist, trainer and speaker, and along with his partner, Brooks Nelson, created the film, Trans Dudes with Lady Cancer. We talk about the discussions the film has generated - about how we can make an effort to be more humane in the way that we intentionally create welcoming spaces for everyone, especially trans people. You can find out more about Yee Won on his website - http://yeewonchong.org/ See the film at https://www.transdudeswithladycancer.org/ We'll soon be launching a recruitment and retention framework, which is going to be part of our excellence in equity award. Find out more about our Excellence in Equity Award here https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/excellence-in-equity-award Nothing Without Us is presented by Angie Browne from Being Luminary . It is edited and produced by Emily Crosby Media .

Continuing our deep dive into recruitment and retention through the lens of DEI, this week we're looking at the CQ, the Cultural Quotient. Cultural quotient asks, what kind of culture are we inviting people into? What stories or rituals or values are we reproducing or are we disrupting through our recruitment? And are we bringing people in? Are we onboarding and inducting people nto a culture that welcomes them or are we bringing them on, onboarding them, inducting them into a culture that quietly asks them to adapt or assimilate or make themselves smaller? Find the downloadable pdf that accompanies this episode here We'll soon be launching a recruitment and retention framework, which is going to be part of our excellence in equity award. Find out more about our Excellence in Equity Award here https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/excellence-in-equity-award Nothing Without Us is presented by Angie Browne from Being Luminary . It is edited and produced by Emily Crosby Media .

This week, I'm talking to my good friend and colleague, Claire Banks, Deputy CEO of Olympus Academy Trust, about her career and work. Claire is Deputy CEO of Olympus Academy Trust. Before becoming Director of Education for The Olympus Academy Trust, a cross-phase multi-academy trust in north Bristol, Claire Banks was a head teacher for nine years in an inner-city primary school. Throughout her career she has been interested in social and emotional learning and school climate, which has led to her work on leadership culture. Claire now works on curriculum design and school improvement in a system leadership capacity, offering school-to-school support to school trusts. Find Clare on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-banks-0ba9b8160/ Read her book, A Curious Curriculum: Teaching foundation subjects well by Mick Waters , Claire Banks https://www.crownhouse.co.uk/a-curious-curriculum We'll soon be launching a recruitment and retention framework, which is going to be part of our excellence in equity award. Find out more about our Excellence in Equity Award here https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/excellence-in-equity-award Nothing Without Us is presented by Angie Browne from Being Luminary . It is edited and produced by Emily Crosby Media .

Continuing our deep dive into recruitment and retention through the lens of DEI, this week we're looking at the SQ, the Spiritual Quotient. It might feel like there's a bit of a question mark over whether or how spirituality might have anything to do with job applications or interviews, but I would like you to bear with me because I think this is one of the most important of all of the episodes in this series, but also it's one of the most important dimensions of the framework. We'll soon be launching a recruitment and retention framework, which is going to be part of our excellence in equity award. Find out more about our Excellence in Equity Award here https://www.beingluminary.co.uk/excellence-in-equity-award Nothing Without Us is presented by Angie Browne from Being Luminary . It is edited and produced by Emily Crosby Media .