From being outed by the press in the 1990s to becoming one of the UK’s leading voices in equality and culture change, Jacqui Gavin BEM has lived through the headlines, the backlash, and the breakthroughs, and turned it all into purpose.Honoured by Her Late Majesty the Queen for services to gender equality, Jacqui has spent her career transforming inclusion across the UK Civil Service and beyond. But her story started long before that - as a young trans woman navigating prejudice, resilience, and a determination to be seen for who she truly is.In this episode, Jacqui joins Ben to talk about humanity, not labels. She reflects on her journey through the public eye, the painful experience of being “outed” without consent, and how she rebuilt her life to help others feel safe in theirs. From the weaponisation of diversity to her call for a return to respect and empathy, this is a conversation about truth, courage, and what inclusion should mean today.🎧 Listen as we discuss… (00:00) – Receiving the British Empire Medal for services to gender equality (03:00) – What “inclusion architecture” really means and why DEI needs rebuilding (05:00) – The good, the bad & the ugly of 20 years in diversity work (08:00) – Why “weaponising” inclusion is dividing us instead of uniting us (11:00) – The lost art of respectful debate and authentic conversation (13:00) – Humanity over characteristics: why everyone must be in the conversation (17:00) – Building equality in the UK Civil Service after the financial crash (21:00) – Finding belonging through service after years of feeling like an outsider (25:00) – The devastating workplace experiences that shaped Jacqui’s resilience (31:00) – Turning trauma into purpose: the press intrusion that changed everything (38:00) – Rebuilding after public humiliation and helping drive legal reform (43:00) – The danger of extremes and why balance is the only way forward (47:00) – The evolution of diversity: from awareness to humanity (51:00) – Breaking echo chambers and rejecting identity competition (55:00) – Why respect must be earned - not demanded (59:00) – “You matter”: Jacqui’s final message on hope, humanity & rebuilding trustKEY TAKEAWAYSDiversity isn’t broken - people are disconnected. We’ve forgotten how to talk, debate, and respect difference.Weaponisation divides. True inclusion means bringing everyone into the conversation - not boxing people out.Resilience is a daily act. The hardest experiences can become your greatest contribution if you stay open.Humanity first. Titles, traits, and identities matter less than empathy and shared responsibility.You matter. Every person has a story, a voice, and a right to be heard with dignity.GUESTJacqui Gavin BEM - Cultural strategist, inclusion architect, and speaker. Honoured by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to gender equality, Jacqui helps organisations build cultures of trust, truth, and humanity. Former UK Civil Service diversity leader, author, and lifelong advocate for fairness and respect.Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn Follow Jacqui on ⁠Instagram⁠

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