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The Changing Role of White Men in the Workplace | DEI, Meritocracy & Fairness at Work

What does fairness in the workplace really look like today?
Has diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) corrected historical imbalances — or created new tensions?

In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the changing role of white men in the corporate world, the impact of DEI policies, and the complex questions surrounding meritocracy, opportunity, and discrimination in modern workplaces.

Drawing on my background in human resources, this conversation looks at how organisations are navigating DEI targets, legal challenges, and cultural change — and what this means for employees across generations, including young white men entering the workforce today.

I’m joined by:

• Dr Jonathan Marshall — psychologist and former professor (Stanford & Harvard graduate)
• Simon J. Littlewood — journalist, business advisor, author, and BBC World Service contributor
• Sameer Kothari — fund manager with global executive search experience

Together, we discuss:
• Whether DEI is correcting imbalance or creating unintended consequences
• Meritocracy vs quotas in hiring and leadership
• Why DEI has become legally and culturally contentious
• How identity, education, and opportunity shape career outcomes
• The “pendulum effect” in workplace culture
• What fairness at work could look like moving forward

This is a challenging but necessary conversation about power, opportunity, inclusion, and how organisations can balance compassion with competence in an evolving world of work.

At Ella Podcasts, the aim is not agreement — but understanding. We believe difficult conversations can be explored thoughtfully, respectfully, and without losing humanity.

🎧 If you’re interested in workplace culture, leadership, HR, DEI, equality, and the future of work, this episode offers a wide-ranging perspective.

Editorial Note

The views expressed by guests in this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect my personal opinions or those of Ella Podcasts. This conversation is intended to explore a complex topic, not to endorse specific viewpoints.

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Why do political differences feel more divisive than ever?

Have you ever lost a friendship - or felt one strained - because of politics, social media, or differing worldviews?

In this episode of Ella’s Podcasts, we explore why politics divides relationships, how identity and belief systems shape our reactions, and what it takes to retain friendships across political differences — even in an increasingly polarised world.

I’m joined by:

Dr Jonathan Marshall, psychologist and former professor (Stanford & Harvard graduate)

Simon J. Littlewood, journalist, business advisor, author, and BBC World Service contributor

Sameer Kothari, fund manager with global investment experience

Together, we unpack:

• Why political identity feels so personal

• The psychology behind polarisation and group think

• How social media amplifies outrage and division

• Why disagreement now feels like rejection

• Whether empathy can rebuild fractured friendships

• How to disagree without dehumanising one another

This is a thought-provoking, wide-ranging conversation about freedom of speech, emotional identity, empathy, and how to stay connected in a world that increasingly rewards conflict over understanding.

At Ella’s Podcasts, we don’t shy away from difficult conversations - but we believe it’s still possible to talk, listen, and disagree without losing our shared humanity.

🎧 If you’ve ever felt afraid to speak honestly, lost a friend over politics, or want to better understand why this is happening - this episode is for you.

Note from Ella:

This episode explores a wide range of perspectives on a complex and often sensitive topic. The views shared by guests are their own and are not intended to represent my personal beliefs or positions. The aim of this conversation is exploration and understanding, not endorsement.

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When IVF Fails & Motherhood Eludes You - Ella is joined by Dr Jonathan Marshall (top psychologist and former professor, Stanford and Harvard graduate), Echo Wu (leadership and mental toughness coach) and Grace Arthur (Social Worker and Human Rights Activist). They discuss the devastation of not becoming a mother, how to manage your immense sadness and face the future.

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Alone for Christmas & New Year - Ella is joined by Dr Jonathan Marshall (top psychologist and former professor, Stanford and Harvard graduate), Echo Wu (leadership and mental toughness coach) and Kara Bensley-Austin (founder of The Wyld Shop). They discuss being alone versus being lonely, how to get through festivities and staying upbeat and resilient.

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Ella is joined by Dr Jonathan Marshall (top psychologist and former professor, Stanford and Harvard graduate), Echo Wu (leadership and mental toughness coach) and Victoria Toy (former practising lawyer, Oxford graduate).

They discuss how to cope with the stress and demoralisation of losing your job.

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Ella is joined by Dr Jonathan Marshall (top psychologist and former professor, Stanford and Harvard graduate), Mary Soo (Founder of Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter) and Victoria Toy (former practising lawyer, Oxford graduate).

They discuss how to cope with the heartbreaking loss of your beloved pet.

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