More Equality, Better Innovation

There is a perception that in order to make it to the top, you have to make sacrifices. But "sacrifice" is not the right word, according to Sally Russell, who makes the case for thinking of work-life balance as a series of choices and trade-offs that everyone can make throughout thair career in order to have a fulfilling life inside and outside of work.Sally is a senior leader (Global Water Lead at Mott Macdonald) with a vast number of teams and people under her leadership. Her role means she has to travel widely to meet with her teams across the UK and Europe and she shares her tips for putting boundaries in place.Sally is also a Mum, and in this episode she explains how she has found the approach that worked for her in terms of maternity leave and when and how to return to work.Hosts Perminder Atwal and Anna Kummelstedt (who sits in for Lila Thompson for this episode) share their insights and topics of discussion include:- How to avoid the trap of presenteeism and burnout- Why levels of job enjoyment can ebb and flow over a career and how to handle that- What the water sector can learn from other sectors in terms of culture, balance and retention of staff.Sally also gives her thoughts on where the water sector is on EDI as a whole, and why she feels she has had equal opportunities in her career. Beneath The SurfaceThrough powerful stories and real-life examples, Beneath The Surface highlights EDI topics in the water sector, sharing personal experiences and best practices that inspire change. It brings attention to the voices of under-represented groups, with a focus on attracting diverse talent and fostering a culture of inclusion. By connecting senior leaders and rising professionals from different backgrounds, it creates a space where ideas flourish, synergies are built, and the industry moves closer to becoming a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.Beneath The Surface is co-hosted by British Water's CEO, Lila Thompson, and Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland. Podcast Co-host- Lila Thompson, British Water, CEOLila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction, representing the interests of UK water and wastewater supply chain companies together with wider stakeholders across the sector, through the UK, Technical and International forums. The Water Industry Forum provides challenge-led, independent thought leadership, to tackle the challenges facing the sector. Lila was formerly responsible for British Water’s international services and led business development visits to a range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, and India. Lila has over 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in a variety of sectors.Podcast Co-host- Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & IrelandWith 18 years of HR experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and now the water industry, Perminder has developed a deep understanding of business and strategy, and her journey has also highlighted the critical role of company culture and psychological safety in driving engagement, business success, innovation, and development. Perminder is passionate about ensuring the accessibility of clean water for all. A trip to India in her early years revealed the harsh reality of limited and unclean water resources, particularly impacting children, which was heartbreaking. This experience fuelled her dedication to helping others and reinforced her commitment to working in a global organisation focused on the social value of water.

This episode is all about innovation and equality.Imad Ahmed is CEO and Founder of Nanolyse Technologies, an environmental tech company which has worked extensively with the water sector but also has strong links to academia, research and development and the wider innovation ecosystem.Imad has worked across different sectors, organisations and projects with innovation always at the core of his work. His experiences have led him to believe that more needs to be done to broaden EDI progress, beyond HR people policies (aiming to deliver basic human equality, diversity and inclusion) towards more specific actions that will help innovationInnovation and collaboration are two buzzwords at the heart of where the Water sector says it needs to go but Imad feels that not all is equal in terms of how innovators are valued (or even made to feel secure in their roles) and that more needs to be done to create a psycholgically safe culture for innovators to operate within.Anna Kummelstedt (Policy & Regulation Lead at British Water) sits in for Lila Thompson as co-host alongside Perminder Atwal. Beneath The SurfaceThrough powerful stories and real-life examples, Beneath The Surface highlights EDI topics in the water sector, sharing personal experiences and best practices that inspire change. It brings attention to the voices of under-represented groups, with a focus on attracting diverse talent and fostering a culture of inclusion. By connecting senior leaders and rising professionals from different backgrounds, it creates a space where ideas flourish, synergies are built, and the industry moves closer to becoming a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.Beneath The Surface is co-hosted by British Water's CEO, Lila Thompson, and Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland. Podcast Co-host- Lila Thompson, British Water, CEOLila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction, representing the interests of UK water and wastewater supply chain companies together with wider stakeholders across the sector, through the UK, Technical and International forums. The Water Industry Forum provides challenge-led, independent thought leadership, to tackle the challenges facing the sector. Lila was formerly responsible for British Water’s international services and led business development visits to a range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, and India. Lila has over 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in a variety of sectors.Podcast Co-host- Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & IrelandWith 18 years of HR experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and now the water industry, Perminder has developed a deep understanding of business and strategy, and her journey has also highlighted the critical role of company culture and psychological safety in driving engagement, business success, innovation, and development. Perminder is passionate about ensuring the accessibility of clean water for all. A trip to India in her early years revealed the harsh reality of limited and unclean water resources, particularly impacting children, which was heartbreaking. This experience fuelled her dedication to helping others and reinforced her commitment to working in a global organisation focused on the social value of water.

Rebecca Hawkins is a UK-based sculptor whose work celebrates human stories of strength and freedom. Public commissions have included 'the Gurkha' in Folkestone town centre (for which she was shortlisted for the Marsh award for excellence in public sculpture) and 'The Mother and Child', commissioned to raise awareness for a stigmatised group of Vietnamese women and children called the Lai Dai Han and now sited permanently in St James’s Square, London. Rebecca has the ability to use her art to give voice to the voiceless and represent the pain (and triumphs) of people affected by some of the harshest experiences in life. Particularly drawn to stories around women and water, she has collaborated with Frank Water (a British charity that provides vital access to safe water for communities in rural India and Nepal) creating a series of sculptures... one of which ('A Better View') host Lila came across at a water conference and felt moved to buy (despite never having bought art before). That connection between Lila and Rebecca's work opened the path to the fascinating and inspiring conversation you hear in this episode, which really gets across how art has a power to communicate on EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) in ways that traditional corporate policies and processes often cannot. Topic discussed include... Why Rebecca is drawn to stories of strength and freedom, often involving women and water What her sculptures have meant to the people whose stories they communicate Her methods for finding symbolism and what the complex process of creating a large scale bronze sculpture actually involves What happens when you use art as a workshop tool in everywhere from rural villages in Nepal to Merrill Lynch's corporate HQ How public art can speak to people in uniquely powerful ways For anyone involved in delivering EDI policies, this episode will open your eyes to potential new ways of delivering progress. For anyone listening, this is a rewarding glimpse into the processes and inspirations of a top level artist. To find out more about, and see, Rebecca's work, click here To find more about Frank Water, click here Beneath The SurfaceThrough powerful stories and real-life examples, Beneath The Surface highlights EDI topics in the water sector, sharing personal experiences and best practices that inspire change. It brings attention to the voices of under-represented groups, with a focus on attracting diverse talent and fostering a culture of inclusion. By connecting senior leaders and rising professionals from different backgrounds, it creates a space where ideas flourish, synergies are built, and the industry moves closer to becoming a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.Beneath The Surface is co-hosted by British Water's CEO, Lila Thompson, and Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland. Podcast Co-host- Lila Thompson, British Water, CEOLila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction, representing the interests of UK water and wastewater supply chain companies together with wider stakeholders across the sector, through the UK, Technical and International forums. The Water Industry Forum provides challenge-led, independent thought leadership, to tackle the challenges facing the sector. Lila was formerly responsible for British Water’s international services and led business development visits to a range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, and India. Lila has over 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in a variety of sectors.Podcast Co-host- Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & IrelandWith 18 years of HR experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and now the water industry, Perminder has developed a deep understanding of business and strategy, and her journey has also highlighted the critical role of company culture and psychological safety in driving engagement, business success, innovation, and development. Perminder is passionate about ensuring the accessibility of clean water for all. A trip to India in her early years revealed the harsh reality of limited and unclean water resources, particularly impacting children, which was heartbreaking. This experience fuelled her dedication to helping others and reinforced her commitment to working in a global organisation focused on the social value of water.

Dr Annalisa Contos is Principle of Atom Consulting in Australia. She's a highly experienced technical facilitator and award-winning risk manager in the water, environment and policy fields. She is also a passionate neurodiversity advocate. In this episode she speaks to hosts Lila and Perminder about her own story of getting diagnosed later in life with ADHD and dyslexia and how she has adapted her career. She also talks about her experiences being a mother to two children (now young adults) with autism and what she wishes was in place in order for them to be able to gain work experience and build a career. This is a very honest, touching and insightful episode including topics such as: How companies can create an enabling (not a disabling) environment for neurodiversity Her advice for anyone who is neurodivergent and not happy at work The unique skills and approaches that can be harnessed by embracing neurodiversity in the workforce How the vast majority of adaptations are either no or low cost Great examples of best practice where companies are reaping the benefits of a more neurodiversity-positive approach This is a must-listen for anyone wanting to build a neurodiversity-positive team, company or workplace. Equally it is of huge value to anyone who is neurodivergent themselves or, rightly, just wants to better understand neurodivergence. Beneath The SurfaceThrough powerful stories and real-life examples, Beneath The Surface highlights EDI topics in the water sector, sharing personal experiences and best practices that inspire change. It brings attention to the voices of under-represented groups, with a focus on attracting diverse talent and fostering a culture of inclusion. By connecting senior leaders and rising professionals from different backgrounds, it creates a space where ideas flourish, synergies are built, and the industry moves closer to becoming a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.Beneath The Surface is co-hosted by British Water's CEO, Lila Thompson, and Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland. Podcast Co-host- Lila Thompson, British Water, CEOLila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction, representing the interests of UK water and wastewater supply chain companies together with wider stakeholders across the sector, through the UK, Technical and International forums. The Water Industry Forum provides challenge-led, independent thought leadership, to tackle the challenges facing the sector. Lila was formerly responsible for British Water’s international services and led business development visits to a range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, and India. Lila has over 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in a variety of sectors.Podcast Co-host- Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & IrelandWith 18 years of HR experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and now the water industry, Perminder has developed a deep understanding of business and strategy, and her journey has also highlighted the critical role of company culture and psychological safety in driving engagement, business success, innovation, and development. Perminder is passionate about ensuring the accessibility of clean water for all. A trip to India in her early years revealed the harsh reality of limited and unclean water resources, particularly impacting children, which was heartbreaking. This experience fuelled her dedication to helping others and reinforced her commitment to working in a global organisation focused on the social value of water.

Are there enough women leaders in the UK water sector? The statistical and anecdotal evidence would seem to suggest not. Even though other countries may look at the UK, see a few women in high profile positions, and think the UK is leading the way in gender equality... ask women in the industry and you often get a different view.  So, what can be done to improve? Angela Booth (Head of Business Development: Energy and Utilities, WNS) is a powerful and passionate voice for gender equality in the water and utilities sector. Throughout her career she has championed women leaders and has been shaped by her own experiences of navigating the industry whilst progressing to more senior positions. Angela joins hosts Lila and Perminder to discuss the following issues: Why the UK water sector struggles to recruit and retain women How a few high profile appointments may not signify as much progress as some think How women can maintain balance whilst also progressing their careers Why the experience of women in the sector is relevant to wider equality, diversity and inclusion progress Hard-learned lessons on what really moves the dial on women climbing the career ladder What actions and processes could help the water sector recruit and retain more women leaders   Beneath The SurfaceThrough powerful stories and real-life examples, Beneath The Surface highlights EDI topics in the water sector, sharing personal experiences and best practices that inspire change. It brings attention to the voices of under-represented groups, with a focus on attracting diverse talent and fostering a culture of inclusion. By connecting senior leaders and rising professionals from different backgrounds, it creates a space where ideas flourish, synergies are built, and the industry moves closer to becoming a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.Beneath The Surface is co-hosted by British Water's CEO, Lila Thompson, and Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland. Podcast Co-host- Lila Thompson, British Water, CEOLila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction, representing the interests of UK water and wastewater supply chain companies together with wider stakeholders across the sector, through the UK, Technical and International forums. The Water Industry Forum provides challenge-led, independent thought leadership, to tackle the challenges facing the sector. Lila was formerly responsible for British Water’s international services and led business development visits to a range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, and India. Lila has over 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in a variety of sectors.Podcast Co-host- Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & IrelandWith 18 years of HR experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and now the water industry, Perminder has developed a deep understanding of business and strategy, and her journey has also highlighted the critical role of company culture and psychological safety in driving engagement, business success, innovation, and development. Perminder is passionate about ensuring the accessibility of clean water for all. A trip to India in her early years revealed the harsh reality of limited and unclean water resources, particularly impacting children, which was heartbreaking. This experience fuelled her dedication to helping others and reinforced her commitment to working in a global organisation focused on the social value of water.

Andy Bampton first got involved with the suicide prevention charity Andy's Man Club when his own son had thoughts of taking his own life. He took his son along to a group (where weekly, free peer-to-peer support is offered) and then eventually got involved in running the organisation himself, having seen the transformative power of peer-to-peer support. In this fascinating episode, Andy joins hosts Lila and Perminder for a very insightful and honest conversation, including these themes: Why men feel under pressure and often unable to talk to people about their thoughts and feelings How culture, society, religion and workplace contexts can make speaking up harder and not easier (and how to change that) Why peer-to-peer support is especially effective for men The crucial roles of validation, respect, equality and confidentiality in getting men to speak The role of women in men's mental health What negative media and public perceptions of the UK water sector could be doing to mental health in the industry What leaders must do to help people in their organisations (and themselves) make progress You can find out more about Andy's Man Club at andysmanclub.co.uk Warning - themes of suicide are talked about in this episode, though it is not the main theme of the episode. Beneath The SurfaceThrough powerful stories and real-life examples, Beneath The Surface highlights EDI topics in the water sector, sharing personal experiences and best practices that inspire change. It brings attention to the voices of under-represented groups, with a focus on attracting diverse talent and fostering a culture of inclusion. By connecting senior leaders and rising professionals from different backgrounds, it creates a space where ideas flourish, synergies are built, and the industry moves closer to becoming a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.Beneath The Surface is co-hosted by British Water's CEO, Lila Thompson, and Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland. Podcast Co-host- Lila Thompson, British Water, CEOLila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction, representing the interests of UK water and wastewater supply chain companies together with wider stakeholders across the sector, through the UK, Technical and International forums. The Water Industry Forum provides challenge-led, independent thought leadership, to tackle the challenges facing the sector. Lila was formerly responsible for British Water’s international services and led business development visits to a range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, and India. Lila has over 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in a variety of sectors.Podcast Co-host- Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & IrelandWith 18 years of HR experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and now the water industry, Perminder has developed a deep understanding of business and strategy, and her journey has also highlighted the critical role of company culture and psychological safety in driving engagement, business success, innovation, and development. Perminder is passionate about ensuring the accessibility of clean water for all. A trip to India in her early years revealed the harsh reality of limited and unclean water resources, particularly impacting children, which was heartbreaking. This experience fuelled her dedication to helping others and reinforced her commitment to working in a global organisation focused on the social value of water.

In our first episode (around a year and a half ago) we talked about what it's like to be a woman working in the UK water sector. With a significant amount of time having passed, we ask whether progress is being made on gender equality. Sarah McMath (CEO, MOSL) and Anna Kummelstedt (British Water) join to give their perspectives from senior leadership and new joiner / young professional standpoints, respectively. Sarah also tell us about the plans that Women in Water have to make the upcoming IWA Congress in Glasgow, the most inclusive conference experience ever for women attending.   Beneath The SurfaceThrough powerful stories and real-life examples, Beneath The Surface highlights EDI topics in the water sector, sharing personal experiences and best practices that inspire change. It brings attention to the voices of under-represented groups, with a focus on attracting diverse talent and fostering a culture of inclusion. By connecting senior leaders and rising professionals from different backgrounds, it creates a space where ideas flourish, synergies are built, and the industry moves closer to becoming a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.Beneath The Surface is co-hosted by British Water's CEO, Lila Thompson, and Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland. Podcast Co-host- Lila Thompson, British Water, CEOLila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction, representing the interests of UK water and wastewater supply chain companies together with wider stakeholders across the sector, through the UK, Technical and International forums. The Water Industry Forum provides challenge-led, independent thought leadership, to tackle the challenges facing the sector. Lila was formerly responsible for British Water’s international services and led business development visits to a range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, and India. Lila has over 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in a variety of sectors.Podcast Co-host- Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & IrelandWith 18 years of HR experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and now the water industry, Perminder has developed a deep understanding of business and strategy, and her journey has also highlighted the critical role of company culture and psychological safety in driving engagement, business success, innovation, and development. Perminder is passionate about ensuring the accessibility of clean water for all. A trip to India in her early years revealed the harsh reality of limited and unclean water resources, particularly impacting children, which was heartbreaking. This experience fuelled her dedication to helping others and reinforced her commitment to working in a global organisation focused on the social value of water.

What we call EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) here in the UK, is more commonly known as DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) in the States. In the current political climate in America, DEI is under pressure. Yet the water sector has many projects in place aiming to increase diversity in an effort to secure the workforce of the future that it needs. So, what is the current situation? And how do the challenges, opportunities and state-to-state contexts differ on the other side of the Atlantic. Are there things we can learn from the US situation? Are there different approaches to bigger picture patterns such as AI and climate change? Karen Frost is Executive Director at The Water Council, which is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin... but operates across the US and globally too. The Water Council is a similar "hub" sector organisation to British Water, so Karen is perfectly placed to give valuable insights and analysis. Anna Kummestedt (a young professional and recent joiner at British Water) stands in for usual co-host Perminder Atwal for this episode. Anna joined the conversation from a conference so there is some background noise on her contributions. Beneath The SurfaceThrough powerful stories and real-life examples, Beneath The Surface highlights EDI topics in the water sector, sharing personal experiences and best practices that inspire change. It brings attention to the voices of under-represented groups, with a focus on attracting diverse talent and fostering a culture of inclusion. By connecting senior leaders and rising professionals from different backgrounds, it creates a space where ideas flourish, synergies are built, and the industry moves closer to becoming a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.Beneath The Surface is co-hosted by British Water's CEO, Lila Thompson, and Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland. Podcast Co-host- Lila Thompson, British Water, CEOLila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction, representing the interests of UK water and wastewater supply chain companies together with wider stakeholders across the sector, through the UK, Technical and International forums. The Water Industry Forum provides challenge-led, independent thought leadership, to tackle the challenges facing the sector. Lila was formerly responsible for British Water’s international services and led business development visits to a range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, and India. Lila has over 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in a variety of sectors.Podcast Co-host- Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & IrelandWith 18 years of HR experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and now the water industry, Perminder has developed a deep understanding of business and strategy, and her journey has also highlighted the critical role of company culture and psychological safety in driving engagement, business success, innovation, and development. Perminder is passionate about ensuring the accessibility of clean water for all. A trip to India in her early years revealed the harsh reality of limited and unclean water resources, particularly impacting children, which was heartbreaking. This experience fuelled her dedication to helping others and reinforced her commitment to working in a global organisation focused on the social value of water.

Lee Chambers is the CEO of Male Allies UK. Lee was awarded the Freedom of the City of London for services to equality in business and outstanding contribution to gender equity at work, as well as being the 2023 UN Women Changemaker of the Year for his work on male allyship and gender equity. In this fascinating interview with hosts Lila and Perminder, Lee explains how allyship is something that can make a huge difference to individuals and organisations alike. It starts with curiosity and a desire to embrace difference as opposed to feeling threatened by it. Topics included in this episode include: How male allyship can benefit both men and women How so many business terms (like "soft skills") are actually problematic language in terms of equality and gender bias Why the power of the social media algorithm can lead to us being more closed off (and how to challenge this) The effect that "the world we grew up in" has on our attitudes and behaviours without us realising A debate on the value of targets and quotas in progressing diversity How groups that often get banded together as one unit (e.g middle-aged men) can have vast differences within them Why well-intentioned EDI campaigns can land badly at different levels of organisations Find out more about Lee and Male Allies UK here. Beneath The SurfaceThrough powerful stories and real-life examples, Beneath The Surface highlights EDI topics in the water sector, sharing personal experiences and best practices that inspire change. It brings attention to the voices of under-represented groups, with a focus on attracting diverse talent and fostering a culture of inclusion. By connecting senior leaders and rising professionals from different backgrounds, it creates a space where ideas flourish, synergies are built, and the industry moves closer to becoming a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.Beneath The Surface is co-hosted by British Water's CEO, Lila Thompson, and Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland. Podcast Co-host- Lila Thompson, British Water, CEOLila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction, representing the interests of UK water and wastewater supply chain companies together with wider stakeholders across the sector, through the UK, Technical and International forums. The Water Industry Forum provides challenge-led, independent thought leadership, to tackle the challenges facing the sector. Lila was formerly responsible for British Water’s international services and led business development visits to a range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, and India. Lila has over 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in a variety of sectors.Podcast Co-host- Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & IrelandWith 18 years of HR experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and now the water industry, Perminder has developed a deep understanding of business and strategy, and her journey has also highlighted the critical role of company culture and psychological safety in driving engagement, business success, innovation, and development. Perminder is passionate about ensuring the accessibility of clean water for all. A trip to India in her early years revealed the harsh reality of limited and unclean water resources, particularly impacting children, which was heartbreaking. This experience fuelled her dedication to helping others and reinforced her commitment to working in a global organisation focused on the social value of water.

Lacey Carlyle is a Service Excellence Coach at CCW (Consumer Council for Water). Alongside her existing role, Lacey launched and leads on EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) at her organisation. Lacey also has fibromyalgia - constant chronic pain - which is a non-visible disability.In this episode, Lacey shares her expertise and experiences in a fascinating interview with host Perminder. Topics discussed include:What non-visible (or hidden) disabilities are and how organisations can support staff membersThe varying reactions that people with non-visible disabilities get in work and outside of workWhat it's like to live with a non-visible disability and what employers get wrong (and right)How to start EDI policies and processes from scratchThe challenges and opportunities of delivering EDI at a smaller organisationThe current state of EDI in the water sector, where progress has been made and where more can be done Beneath The SurfaceThrough powerful stories and real-life examples, Beneath The Surface highlights EDI topics in the water sector, sharing personal experiences and best practices that inspire change. It brings attention to the voices of under-represented groups, with a focus on attracting diverse talent and fostering a culture of inclusion. By connecting senior leaders and rising professionals from different backgrounds, it creates a space where ideas flourish, synergies are built, and the industry moves closer to becoming a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.Beneath The Surface is co-hosted by British Water's CEO, Lila Thompson, and Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & Ireland. Podcast Co-host- Lila Thompson, British Water, CEOLila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction, representing the interests of UK water and wastewater supply chain companies together with wider stakeholders across the sector, through the UK, Technical and International forums. The Water Industry Forum provides challenge-led, independent thought leadership, to tackle the challenges facing the sector. Lila was formerly responsible for British Water’s international services and led business development visits to a range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, and India. Lila has over 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in a variety of sectors.Podcast Co-host- Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem UK & IrelandWith 18 years of HR experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and now the water industry, Perminder has developed a deep understanding of business and strategy, and her journey has also highlighted the critical role of company culture and psychological safety in driving engagement, business success, innovation, and development. Perminder is passionate about ensuring the accessibility of clean water for all. A trip to India in her early years revealed the harsh reality of limited and unclean water resources, particularly impacting children, which was heartbreaking. This experience fuelled her dedication to helping others and reinforced her commitment to working in a global organisation focused on the social value of water.