A Conversation With...Zing Learning Podcast
’A Conversation With’ is our Zing Learning podcast where we speak to real people doing incredible things in their careers, for other people or the world of inclusion. We will be sharing the ways in which they are enhancing awareness around important topics and get advice and suggestions from our experts in how to enhance inclusion, embed belonging and just generally make the world a better place.
Episodes

Saturday Mar 15, 2025
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
In this episode, we sit down with Irfaan Arif to explore how behavioural science can enhance diversity and inclusion efforts in organisations and society.
Irfaan explains how understanding human behaviour can help avoid common DEI pitfalls and why some diversity initiatives fail.
We delve into the power of incentives and decision-making strategies to promote equity and discuss practical ways to shift cultural norms using behavioural science.
Irfaan also explains "nudge theory" and shares real-life examples of its impact on embracing diversity.
Finally, we look at the future of behavioural science in DEI and how managers can lead inclusively through this approach.

Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
In this episode, we speak with Daryl McCollin about his journey in the film and media industry.
Daryl shares how he got his start, the challenges he’s faced as someone from an underrepresented background, and whether he’s seen improvements in diversity during his career.
He reflects on the importance of allies in his journey and offers advice for handling resistance and lack of support in the workplace.
Daryl also discusses what’s needed to create more diversity, equity, and inclusion in media, and how both individuals and organisations can make a difference.
A candid and insightful conversation about breaking barriers in the industry.

Saturday Oct 19, 2024
Saturday Oct 19, 2024
In this episode, we chat with Lauralee Whyte, the founder of Spectrum Speakers, a trailblazing agency promoting diverse voices in public speaking.
We explore why diverse representation is crucial, how it benefits both society and businesses and hear examples of the positive outcomes it brings.
Our guest shares tips for organisations looking to diversify their speaker lineups, handle client resistance to diversity, and predict future trends in the industry.
A must-listen for anyone passionate about inclusivity in events.

Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
In this episode, we explore the critical aspects of social impact reporting with a special focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Joined by Fathma Khalid, an expert in social impact measurement and DEI initiatives, we discuss what social impact work entails, methods for measuring it, and the integral role DEI plays in designing and implementing these projects.
We also address the challenges organisations face in quantifying the impact of their DEI initiatives, key metrics for evaluating success, and future trends that will shape DEI efforts and social impact measurement.

Thursday May 30, 2024
Thursday May 30, 2024
In this special Pride episode, the incredible Mario Bystriansky shares his personal and professional experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. 🌈Mario opens up about his journey, the lessons he's learned, and his dedication to advocating for others within the community. His story also highlights the power of stepping outside of our comfort zone and how it has shaped him into a better ally.Tune in to hear Mario's inspiring narrative and gain valuable empathy, support, and allyship insights.Let's celebrate Pride Month by learning more from history and each other's stories.

Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Welcome to our first episode of season 2. To kick us off this season, we have the incredible Michael Reid, DEI, learning and linguistic expert, sharing his valuable insight into why some DEI initiatives fail and what we can do as leaders and individuals to ensure our DEI work is not just based on a one perspective point of view.

Thursday Feb 16, 2023
Thursday Feb 16, 2023
In this podcast we speak with the extremely talented Rachel Long-Smith from Effekt and Narrate who brings her wisdom, passion and inspiration around everything design, web3, metaverse and mentoring.She will be helping us to understand how she connects these worlds, the positives of the industries and challenges that marginalised groups face in these spaces, and what she and others are doing to address this imbalance!

Thursday Aug 18, 2022
Thursday Aug 18, 2022
In this episode we talk with the INCREDIBLE Spiral Skills where we got chatting to Nicole and Wayne about the inspiring work they do to help create a bridge between young people and employers to help create meaningful work and exciting futures for young people in the South London area.
You'll hear some helpful tips and insights that break myths and help to support employers in creating space for their future talent and har new perspectives on how best to approach work experience as a HR leader or company leader.
We also discussed...
The challenges young people and employers face when it comes to finding work/finding future talent
The myths and misconceptions that employers have about young people
How underrepresented communities have been overlooked previously and how to bridge the gap
Ways to smash all of those invisible barriers down to create space for amazing young talent

Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking to Danielle and Ben, who are the co-founders of Found by Few is a fantastic recruitment agency that works within the creative field to place amazing talent into amazing businesses.
We talk about how they approach their recruitment, the way in which they support employers and of course, their candidates and how they do this whilst enhancing diversity in the creative space as well.
There's some really great tips for employers and some helpful insights and ways in we can all do to start to think about recruitment in a slightly more progressive way as we move forward through our great resignation period.

Friday Jun 24, 2022
Friday Jun 24, 2022
In today's podcast we talk to the incredible Jo and Bims from The Institution of Mechanical Engineers - one of our favourite clients to work with! In this episode we discuss what it’s like not just building a DEI strategy, what it is like to action it and what we've all learnt along the way. There's also some great advice they give to other organisations thinking of doing the same thing and some really interesting reflection moments, so grab a cuppa and settle in!