Equal Inspired

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Dec 2025

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About the show

Welcome to Equal Inspired, the Inclusive Podcast, brought to you by Equal IT. Representation matters; we’re here to share empowering stories, career journeys, lessons learnt and advice to inspire others. Join us on our mission to create a diverse, inclusive and equitable universe.

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34 recent

December 17, 202556 min

033 | The Secret to Creating Workshops People Actually Remember w/Luisa Escalona

We are joined by the fabulous "Queen of Workshops", Engineering Manager, Luisa Escalona.Luisa is a Software Engineer and certified Encouragement Consultant, Positive Discipline Parent Educator, and Empowering People in the Workplace facilitator. She works as an Engineering Manager for a SaaS company based in Malmö, Sweden, where she blends technical expertise with a passion for empowering people. Since 2019, Luisa has delivered engaging talks and hands-on workshops that inspire teams and individuals to reach their full potential. In this chat, gain powerful insights into:• How a Positive Discipline Educator Training transformed Luisa's approach to facilitation• The secrets to creating meaningful “aha” moments that stick in workshops• How to protect focus time and set boundaries without conflict• The 3 non-negotiables for truly effective retrospectives• Tips for settling into a new country and building communityFollow Luisa's Important Work:Learn more about Luisa’s work: https://www.luisaescalona.com/Connect on LinkedIn for workshops, retrospectives, and facilitation insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisaescalona/

November 18, 202556 min

32 | Inclusive Leadership in Action: How to Build High-Performing Teams w/Anne Gretland

The incredible Anne Gretland joins us.Anne's tech journey started at Microsoft in 1998. Fuelled by a passion for people-focused and inclusive leadership. Rooted in empathy and a belief in technology as a tool of empowerment.Today, she is the CEO at Fotoware and under her leadership, Fotoware has:- Achieved close to 40% gender balance. - Built a multinational workforce- Quadrupled annual revenue. All while being recognised multiple times as one of Norway’s and Europe’s Best Workplaces by Great Place to Work!In this episode, learn Anne's pearls of wisdom on:- The real hiring bias most companies overlook- Practical ways to make job ads more inclusive- Hiring for potential vs. experience- How to create idea-safe cultures without ego or fear- Overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt- Turning mistakes into powerful learning experiences- Learning to say “NO” without guilt or over-explainingGain a deep insight into Anne’s personal journey. The highs, the lows, co-founding ODA Nettverk 20 years ago, when only 16% of IT professionals in Norway were women, and so much more.This is one you do not want to miss, a masterclass in inclusive leadership 💜

October 6, 202547 min

31 | Stop People-Pleasing: Lead with Intention, Trust & Radical Candor w/Deekshita Amaravad

The fabulous Deekshita Amaravadi joins us for a heartfelt discussion exploring the intersection of leadership, healing, and human connection. Bridging lessons from Buddhism with the realities of modern leadershipWe dive into:- Why asking for help is a superpower, not a weakness- How to balance trust and accountability in leadership- The role of intention and intuition in decision-making- How to give radical candor feedback without losing empathy- The key to overcoming people-pleasing and setting healthy boundaries- How to build psychological safety and high-performing teamsIf you want to let go of overthinking, trust your intuition, and create spaces where authenticity and empathy drive performance, this is the episode for you!

May 27, 202544 min

30 | From Civil Rights Lawyer to HealthTech Leader: AI, Mental Health & FemTech Breakthroughs

The incredible Viveka Rydell-Anderson joins us. A visionary leader with over two decades of experience in healthcare, law, and business. Who thrives at the intersection of strategy, technology, and innovation. Viveka is on a mission:To serve the underserved.To close the healthcare access gap.To reimagine what’s possible and who gets to benefit from it.In this deeply honest and powerful episode, she shares the mindset, moments, and mission driving her work to transform care for the communities who need it most.We dive into:- Biggest Challenges Shaking Up Healthcare- The Role Of AI In Accelerating Medical Breakthroughs- The Art Of Saying No & Managing Time As A Leader- Championing Mental Health As A Leadership Priority- Lessons In Career Reinvention And Gaining Tech Skills Later In Life- Building Resilient Teams Through Psychological Safety- Real Talk on Funding Gaps in FemTech- The 3 Must-Know Essentials Before Female Founders Scale Their Business- Crucial Questions To Ask Investors Before Signing Any Funding DealA must-listen episode if you are passionate about equity, innovation, and what it really takes to drive meaningful change in healthcare.

April 17, 202540 min

29 | How to Regulate Your Nervous System at Work for Better Focus & Productivity w/ Emma Smedslund

The incredible Emma Smedslund, Engineering Manager, Spiritual Wellbeing Coach, Certified Agile Leader joins us!For a heartfelt chat packed with transformative insights to help you reconnect with your purpose, manage burnout, and take your career and life to the next level.Gain practical strategies for:- Leading with authenticity and intention- Combating your inner critic to grow confidence- Managing stress and burnout in high-pressure roles- Building self-awareness through mindfulness and rest- Navigating career transitions with clarity and self-compassionThis conversation offers the guidance you need to reclaim your power, regulate your nervous system, and lead with intention.

March 17, 202542 min

28 | How to Overcome Career Setbacks & Succeed in Tech w/ Ruchi Yadav

The amazing Ruchi Yadav, Integration Consultant at Avella AS joins us. Ruchi is recognised as Top 50 Women in Tech Norway 2024 | Board Member DevOpsDays Oslo | IBM Champion 2025 | 2024 | Microsoft MVP 2025 | IBM & Azure Certified Solutions Architect.In this inspiring interview, we explore how to overcome rejection and find success in the tech industry. Along with:- How to Personalize Networking - Building a Nonprofit from the Ground Up- The Power of Kindness and Empathy in Tech - Navigating Relocation & Finding Your Communities - The Journey to Become an IBM Champion and Microsoft MVPFrom facing countless job rejections to landing her dream tech career in a new country, Ruchi's journey is a must-watch for anyone breaking into tech.

January 30, 202541 min

027 | Christopher Klint - Director of Technology & Innovation

The amazing Director of Technology & Innovation, Christopher Klint joins us! Christopher's on a mission to build inclusive, high-performing teams that create innovation. With a deep commitment to amplifying diverse perspectives, he’s passionate about fostering a culture of belonging, collaboration, and growth. In this episode, we dive into: - How To Ask For, Receive, And Give Feedback That Actually Drives Growth - Why Skills-Based Hiring Beats "Gut Feeling" Every Time - How To Create A Culture Of Psychological Safety & Belonging -Allyship: Attending Women In Tech Events - The Power Of Vulnerability In Leadership - Game-Changing Questions To Ask In An Interview To Help You Stand Out "It’s easy to fall into the trap of hiring people who 'feel' right—people who mirror your own experiences and perspectives. But great teams aren’t built on gut feelings; they’re built on process and intention."

December 18, 202446 min

026 | Yosra Söderberg - HR Leader, Strategic HR & Organizational Development Expert

We’re wrapping up the 2024 season of our Equal Inspired Podcast, with a very special guest. An HR expert with two decades of experience in hiring, training, development and retention-promoting relationship building. The incredible Yosra Söderberg. Yosra's proven track record in scaling high-performing organizations and fostering meaningful relationships is just the beginning of what she brings to the table. In this episode, we dive into: - Design Thinking Recruitment - Building Synergy Between Tech & Hiring Managers - Culture Add Interviews over Culture Fit - Creative Writing in HR: Elevate Your Job Descriptions - Reducing Bias in Decision Making - How to Stand Out in Job Applications With unemployment in Sweden at 8.5%, it’s never been more important to create personal rejections and feedback, no matter the outcome. Your applicants deserve to be seen! If you’re ready to rethink your hiring processes, empower your team, and foster a culture that’s truly inclusive, this episode is for you.

November 28, 202448 min

025 | Scott Josephson - Sr. Engineer, Mentor, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Advocate

Senior Engineer, Mentor & DEIAB Advocate Scott Josephson joins us. Scott's passion for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging. Drives his mission to empower women from underrepresented communities. Through mentorship, he is helping others build confidence. Overcome challenges, and stand out in today’s competitive job market. In this episode, we delve into: - Unlocking Confidence - Turning Failure into Fuel - Networking with Impact: Building Authentic, Human Connections - Crafting a Standout Resume - Building Your Authentic Personal Brand: Showcasing the Unique YOU - Job Application Hacks: The 80/20 Rule - Gamifying Your Personal Growth - Mentorship: Building Trusted Relationships

October 30, 202443 min

024 | Gavin van Lelyveld - Senior Engineering Manager

Senior Engineering Manager, Gavin van Lelyveld joins us. Who is on a vital mission to transform the tech industry by empowering people from underrepresented groups to take on leadership roles. With a deep passion for building high-performing, inclusive engineering teams. Gavin has seen firsthand the incredible power of Diversity, Inclusion, Psychological Safety and Equity. In this episode, we delve into: - The Power of Genuine Listening - What True Inclusion Looks Like - The "Curb Cut Effect" for Hiring - Real Allyship vs. Performative Actions - Spotting and Stopping Bias in Meetings - TEAM - Gavin's Inclusive Interviewing Checklist - Self-Reflection and Challenging Assumptions