Suki Sandhu: The journey of an entrepreneur championing inclusion
My Duvet Flip by Jack Parsons
Jack Parsons
4.2 • 5 Ratings
🗓️ 28 January 2025
⏱️ 41 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Episode Guest
Suki Sandhu, Founder of INvolve and Audeliss meets with Jack Parsons, UK's Chief Youth Officer.
Meet Suki Sandhu OBE – a trailblazer in the diversity and executive search scene for over 20 years. Suki isn't just about finding top talent; he's passionate about making sure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed in their careers. Back in 2011, Suki founded Audeliss, a global executive search firm with a mission. Audeliss levels the playing field giving women, people of color, LGBTQ+ and other diverse candidates a fair shot at executive and board roles.
Episode Timestamps
0:00 - Why is optimism so important for leaders? 2:10 - What are the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face? 4:03 - Do you really need a business plan to succeed? 6:02 - Should you take on investors or self-fund your business? 8:40 - What surprising experience did Suki have in a music video? 10:58 - How do you balance entrepreneurship with personal relationships? 13:05 - Is entrepreneurship portrayed authentically online? 15:59 - How can entrepreneurs protect their mental health? 18:53 - What does diversity and inclusion really mean in business? 21:16 - How do you handle online criticism and personal attacks? 23:47 - Can diversity and high performance go hand in hand? 26:26 - What’s the real business case for diversity and inclusion? 29:43 - Why is leadership representation still lagging behind? 32:20 - Should young professionals feel pressured to come out at work? 34:52 - How can young professionals stand out and succeed in their careers? 37:22 - Why is networking and relationship-building so crucial for success? 39:04 - What motivates Suki to keep driving change? 40:26 - Why is it important to never be complacent in diversity efforts?
Episode Partner
INvolve is a consultancy and global network that enables leaders and change makers to build more successful and empowering organizations where everyone can thrive and belong. Find out more at https://www.involvepeople.org/
Audeliss is an executive search firm specialising in diversity that is championing change from leadership level. Dedicated to levelling the playing field for diverse senior level talent, we challenge businesses to think more broadly about the leaders they are recruiting, always ensuring that talent comes before background. Find out more at www.Audeliss.com
Disclaimer
The content provided on My Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and My Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | If you're a leader, you have to almost be that eternal optimist. |
| 0:02.8 | You can't show up negative or miserable because you are effectively the culture carrier of that organization. |
| 0:08.1 | Everyone looks up to you. |
| 0:09.3 | For those who want to become entrepreneurs, what is it really like? |
| 0:13.2 | First of all, do you really want to do it? |
| 0:14.6 | Recognise that it's going to be really, really hard work. |
| 0:16.6 | Is it something that you're really passionate about? |
| 0:18.6 | There was a great quote, I think it was from Chrysler. |
| 0:23.1 | Enthusiasm is the secret to success. |
| 0:25.2 | If you're not enthusiastic about what you're doing, |
| 0:26.6 | why is anyone else going to be? |
| 0:28.9 | Are you going to be passionate about it on a cold day? |
| 0:30.8 | As an entrepreneur or CEO, you'll have two problems. |
| 0:32.3 | First one is people issues. |
| 0:38.3 | The second one are people issues that you don't know about yet. And that was just like, that's so true. |
| 0:44.3 | I'm Suki Sandu, the founder and CEO of Ordellis and Involved. We employ almost 50 people. |
| 0:46.3 | And this is my duvet flip. |
| 0:47.3 | Why diversity inclusion? |
| 0:49.3 | The reason why I'm really passionate about it personally is because I tick lots of boxes myself. I'm British Indian, I'm gay, I'm working class. |
| 0:57.5 | I'm really passionate about making sure that there's more representation of people like me, but also women, LGBT plus, black people. |
| 1:04.0 | You can't be what you can't see. People have to also feel like they belong. |
| 1:07.0 | If you're more inclusive for LGBT plus people, they're going to be 32% more productive, more engagement, more customers and clients and more revenues. |
... |
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