If I Had One WISH

Daniel Hewitt is an award-winning British journalist and Investigations Editor at ITV News. He previously served as a political correspondent and has become known for major investigations into social care, housing, public services, and government policy. His reporting has received significant industry recognition and contributed to public debate and policy scrutiny. He began his career with ITV regional news before moving into national reporting.In this episode, Crystal Hicks interviews Daniel about the critical issues in social housing, focusing on gendered experiences, policy failures, and the urgent need for increased social housing development. They explore how journalism can amplify these issues and what systemic changes are necessary.

Lee Chambers is the CEO and founder of Male Allies UK, an organization focused on engaging men in gender equity and inclusive workplace cultures. A business psychologist, speaker, and entrepreneur, he is widely recognized for his work on allyship, positive masculinity, and inclusion. He has received numerous honours, including Freedom of the City of London and UN Women Changemaker of the Year recognition. He also serves on several advisory and governance boards related to business and equality.In this episode, Crystal Hicks interviews Lee about male allyship, gender equality, and creating inclusive workplaces. Leigh shares his personal journey, insights on systemic biases, and practical ways to foster allyship for a more equitable society.

Ian Wright is the Founder and CEO of the Disruptive Innovators Network (DIN). He has more than 20 years of senior executive experience, including leadership roles in housing-sector performance and innovation organisations. His expertise includes organisational culture, leadership, customer experience, innovation, emerging technologies, and cross-sector collaboration. Through DIN, he helps housing and public-sector leaders learn from innovation practices across industries.In this episode, Crystal Hicks interviews Ian about innovation, equity, and the future of social housing. They explore how data, storytelling, and inclusive leadership can transform the sector.

James Carss is the Founder and Chief Executive of Castle Peak Group, an executive search and diversity-focused recruitment consultancy. With more than two decades of experience in executive search, he has worked internationally, including senior leadership roles across Greater China. He leads client engagements personally and is known for his focus on diversity, inclusion, leadership recruitment, and executive assessment.In this episode, Crystal Hicks interviews James Carss about diversity, equity, inclusion, and the role of men as allies in social housing and the broader sector. They explore strategies for increasing female leadership, the importance of authentic allyship, and how organizations can foster inclusive cultures.

Richard Blakeway has served as Housing Ombudsman for England since September 2019. Prior to this role, he was Deputy Mayor of London for Housing, chaired the Homes for London Board, and served as a non-executive director of Homes England. He is recognized for his work on housing policy, homelessness, tenant rights, and improving standards across the social housing sector. Under his leadership, the Housing Ombudsman Service has expanded its focus on accountability, complaint resolution, and resident protection.In this episode, Crystal Hicks interviews Richard about gender equity, tenant advocacy, and the role of male allyship in social housing. They explore how organisational culture, communication, and leadership can drive positive change and address biases

In this episode, Crystal Hicks interviews Jeff Joseph about social value, gender equity, and community-led regeneration in social housing. They explore how data, empathy, and innovative programs can create meaningful impact for women and communities.

In this episode of the If I Had One Wish podcast, host Crystal Hicks speaks with Polly Neate, former chief executive of Shelter, about the complexities of homelessness, particularly as it affects women. They discuss the challenges women face in homelessness, the importance of language in addressing these issues, and the need for a shift in public perception. Polly shares insights on the role of social housing and the progress made in the sector, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges and the need for data-driven solutions to better understand and meet the needs of women in housing.

In this episode of the If I Had One Wish podcast, Crystal Hicks and Jen Radcliffe engage with Laura Wood, founder of Invisible Creations, to discuss the importance of inclusive design in housing. Laura shares her personal journey and the inspiration behind her work, emphasizing the need for dignity and safety in home adaptations. The conversation explores gender perspectives in housing design, the blind spots in traditional approaches, and the impact of proactive design on women's lives. Laura advocates for a shift in the housing sector towards mainstreaming accessibility and inclusive design as standard practice.

In this episode of the If I Had One Wish podcast, host Crystal Hicks engages in a profound conversation with Tracy Downey, CEO of Women's Pioneer Housing. They discuss the historical context and mission of Women's Pioneer Housing, emphasizing the importance of a gendered approach in housing design and policies. Tracy shares insights on the challenges faced by women in the housing sector, the significance of women's voices in shaping policies, and the need for organizations to address women's health and wellbeing in the workplace. The episode culminates in a wish for a more gender-focused lens in housing development to enhance safety for women and the community at large.

In this episode of the If I Had One Wish podcast, host Crystal Hicks speaks with Hannah Underwood, founder of How Might We and vice chair of the Virgin Money Foundation. They discuss the importance of applying a gendered lens to data in social housing, the need for curiosity in decision-making, and the role of community engagement in understanding tenant satisfaction. Hannah shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities within the housing sector, emphasizing the need for better data practices and collaboration to improve outcomes for women and marginalized groups.