Such an insightful morning where we focused on all things inclusive. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and discuss how we can continue to build more inclusive spaces, both in the workplace and society at large. Special thanks to Newcastle Building Society for the opportunity to share my views on the vital work that Asian Business Connexions (ABC) has been doing over the last 15-20 years, led by our founder Ammar Mirza CBE.
Over the years, ABC has evolved into a leading force for diversity and inclusion across various sectors. We’ve worked tirelessly to empower underrepresented communities and promote the importance of inclusion in all walks of life. We are the voice of minority businesses in the North. One of our key initiatives I talked to the 180+ people in the room, is the INCLUSION BY DEFAULT (#IBD) campaign, which challenges organizations to make inclusion not just a policy but a default mindset—something that is deeply embedded in the fabric of every workplace and organization, I talked about how our #Yohlar training workshops have been instrumental in equipping businesses across the country with the tools and knowledge to create truly inclusive environments. Our conference in Jan 2024 was a brought together over 120 organisations in the North East together to talk about Inclusion. Please reach out if you would like to know more about our 2025 Inclusion Conference.
Back to the event, It was definitely a morning of highs and lows. On one hand, we had the privilege of hearing Azeem Rafiq talk about his journey in professional cricket—a conversation that was both deeply upsetting and profoundly moving. Hearing Azeem’s story really hit home, as his experiences of racism in the sport were not just heart-breaking but incredibly relatable. In many ways, I couldn’t help but think, “That could have been me.” The painful reality of how easily such experiences could happen to anyone who is not part of the dominant group was stark. His words were a stark reminder of the barriers faced by people from ethnic minorities, not only in cricket but in many areas of life.
Azeem Rafiq’s book, It’s Not Banter, It’s Racism, pulls no punches in exposing the deep-seated racism within the world of cricket. What Rafiq experienced wasn’t the occasional offhand comment that some might dismiss as “banter.” It was an ongoing, systemic issue, one that affected him mentally and emotionally, and made him question his place in the sport he loved. His courage in speaking out has helped shine a much-needed light on the racism that exists in cricket—something many players have suffered in silence. The “banter” that Rafiq refers to in his book was never innocent; it was rooted in years of disregard for the experiences of ethnic minorities, who were expected to endure microaggressions and abuse simply to fit in. This is a reality that many have faced, not just in sports but in workplaces and communities across the globe.
Rafiq’s bravery in speaking up has sparked a much-needed conversation about how racism is often dismissed, even in environments that are supposed to foster teamwork and camaraderie. It’s been a tough but necessary awakening for the world of cricket, and hopefully, it’s a step toward systemic change. We can no longer allow toxic environments to be cloaked in the guise of tradition or “locker room talk.” As Rafiq has shown, real change comes when we take a hard look at the cultures that allow such behavior to continue unchecked. . If you haven’t ready Azeems book, I really do suggest it, even if you aren’t a critct fan. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Its-Not-Banter-Racism-Crickets-ebook/dp/B0BLSB9CWX
On a more uplifting note, Cynthia V. Davis CBE graced us with her powerful stage presence, captivating us with her insights on why Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) must remain a priority. Her words were a reminder that despite the challenges, we must continue pushing for change. The work is far from over, but with leaders like Cynthia, we’re constantly reminded of the importance of prioritizing ED&I in everything we do. It’s not just about making people feel welcome; it’s about creating a world where everyone can thrive without fear of discrimination or exclusion.
I also never imagined that I would turn up that day and end up talking about The Traitors, but Rohan M. articulated exactly what I’ve been saying all season long. Using words and slides, he connected the roles and dynamics of the contestants to those I’ve encountered in my professional life. It was an unexpected but compelling analogy that made me reflect on how often the dynamics we see in reality shows mirror the complexities of human behaviour in real-life work environments. It’s a fascinating way to look at the traits and challenges we all navigate in the workplace—where loyalties, strategies, and relationships are constantly tested.
Steve Beharall from the Newcastle United Foundation, winner of the 2024 ABC Awards IBD Award, also shared some inspiring work that their team has been doing. From creating impactful initiatives to touching lives across their community, their commitment to making a real difference is clear. It was heartening to hear about how their efforts have not only impacted those who directly benefit from their programs but also contributed to fostering a culture of inclusion and support.
As I reflect on the incredible conversations of the morning, I’m reminded of two famous Indian lines that I’d like to share, translated as follows:
“I started this journey alone, but people started to join, and we became a team.”
“Never be afraid to walk alone, start something new. Look next to you, I’m there walking with you.”
These words resonate deeply with the journey we’ve been on at ABC and the work we continue to do. When Ammar Mirza founded ABC, he took that first step alone, but as we’ve seen, the work of one can inspire the efforts of many. Now, more than ever, we are a team committed to changing the narrative around diversity and inclusion. It’s easy to feel like an individual voice can get lost, but the truth is, every step we take together makes a difference. Whether we’re fighting against racism in cricket or working to improve inclusive practices in business, we are never truly alone. Our strength lies in the unity we build, one conversation at a time.
Let’s continue walking forward, side by side, toward a future where inclusion is the default in every space we occupy. Together, we can create change.