Welcome to our latest episode of Listen.Better, where I had the pleasure of sitting down with Zahoor Ahmed, Head of Social Mobility, Inclusion and Belonging at the Co-operative.
Zahoor shared his insights and expertise on the important topic of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Driving diversity and inclusion in the workplace will continue to be a key theme 2023. A diverse workforce brings a range of perspectives, leading to increased creativity, improved problem-solving, and better decision-making. Inclusion ensures everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background, and have an equal opportunity to succeed. Diversity allows for more innovative solutions, as it brings a wide range of ideas and experiences to the table.
Companies with diverse workforce can better cater to the needs of all customers, leading to improved satisfaction and loyalty. Inclusion also leads to more engaged and motivated employees, which can lead to improved performance and productivity. Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion attract and retain top talent, which can lead to improved financial performance in the long term. They are better positioned to compete and succeed in an increasingly diverse and global economy.
With this in mind, I relished the opportunity to find out more from Zahoor about his experience, approach and views.
In this 25 minute interview we asked:
Q1. Can you paint a picture of the culture at the Coop?
Q2. How do you lead a diverse team? Can you elaborate on a comment you made to me about there being a lack of blueprint for organisations wishing to change?
Q3. What are the baby steps an organisation needs to take if and when if becomes aware of institutionalised racism and sexism?
Q4. How would you describe your approach to leadership and what have been your highlights and lowlights, if any?
Q5. Who have been the major influences in your life? How so? What sustains your motivation, hope and positive energy?
Bio
Zahoor Ahmad is Head of Social Mobility, Inclusion and Belonging for the Co-op group with over two decades of experience in equality, diversity and inclusion practice garnered across and range of industries, including the public, private and charitable sectors. As a graduate of psychology, he fosters a behavioural approach, and has been instrumental in pioneering approaches to tackling non-inclusive behaviours and structural inequalities. He has led D&I teams in the MoD, the finance sector and emergency services. He led the return to work of the UK’s first amputee firefighter and was the founding member and Chair of the Asian Fire Service Association, an equalities campaigning and educational group. He is a specialist inclusive coach and mentor.
His interests include post-imperial literature and has begun recent years with the aim of reading 52 books in 52 weeks. He currently lives in Worcester with his wife and three children.
If you are a business owner or leader in an organisation and you would like to be interviewed for the Q&R Listen.Better vodcast series in 2023 please do get in touch for an initial chat: tellmemore@questionandretain.co.uk