Star Wars is a religion that I could possibly subscribe to having grown up being influenced by the cult phenomenon. In fact, my claim to fame was chaperoning my younger brother when he was invited by his close school friend Anthony McPartlin - one half of Ant & Dec - to watch Return of the Jedi in 1983.
Over the last 25 years I have built up a steady and significant amount of Star Wars paraphernalia. As I am one of the hardest people to buy a gift for and someone, somewhere, had mentioned Star Wars or overheard me doing so, and so this spiralled. I could probably open up a Star Wars Museum. Although I must admit one of the coolest things I possess, is a Darth Vader lightsabre and helmet signed by Darth Vader himself.
Star Wars, amongst numerous other interpretations, demonstrates the power of, and challenges with, inclusion. Illustrating with powerful conviction the fight between good and bad. How regardless of what you look like there is a place and space for you across the universe.
Considering it first came to our screens in 1977, incredibly ahead of its time, Star Wars showcased little green beings that everyone loved and admired, White and Black Superior Races, hair covered 10ft Wookie’s and every unimaginable figure you couldn’t think of. Roll forward to current time, I would argue that Star Wars has never been more relevant from an inclusion perspective.
Over the last few weeks, I have been humbled by invitations to contribute to a series of women focused activities and initiatives, including speaking at an event hosted by Newcastle University as part of International Womens Day, and being shortlisted as a Levelling up Leader at the Power Women Awards in Manchester. As I am a long-term devout supporter and advocate for women, I was delighted at being asked.
The most inspirational person in my life was my late mother, and I have been immensely fortunate to be surrounded by so many amazing women, not to mention my Saintly wife, who enables and encourages me to do all I can to help make a difference. Consequently, I have done all I can to help tackle barriers and create platforms where women can rightly and justly be acknowledged and appreciated for all they do.
From launching a range of inclusive programmes, to #Inclusionbydefault and Asian Women Enterprising (AWE)some Campaigns, I have found it extremely important that non-female individuals take responsibility in helping tackle inequalities.
However, when it comes to asking or inviting people and organisations to have conversations about inclusion, it is astounding to see how uncomfortable people get. I can somewhat understand why this is and that is why I have started to encourage the use of innovation as an approach to get out of comfort zones.
As innovation is a positive and powerful tool, everyone seems better engaged and interested in getting involved. With Yohlar – our Innovation Ignition methodology – we have a proven approach in helping fix things or make them better. The results are transformative and inspire others to join forces.
Leading to more and better Justice, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, we can all sign up to use the Innovation Force and become JEDIs. Making the world a healthier, happier and more just place.
May the Force be With You!