What Does EDI Really Mean in Practice?

In this episode of Talking Hospitality, Timothy R Andrews and Joe McDonnell are joined by Olajide Alabi, one of the UK’s most engaging voices in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion — and Co-Founder of SISU, the People Experience Agency.

Olajide breaks down what EDI really means in practice: how inclusion starts with belonging and psychological safety, why focusing on diversity alone misses the point, and what real leadership looks like when it’s human-centred and curious.

In this episode:

• Why inclusion and equity matter more than diversity targets
• The dangers of “tick-box” EDI approaches
• How psychological safety transforms culture and performance
• Why representation at the top still matters — and how to get there
• The business benefits of empathy, curiosity, and storytelling

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• TGI Fridays
• SISU
• Graphic Kitchen