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In Her Ellement


1 Navigating Career Pivots and Grit with Milo’s Avni Patel Thompson 26:18
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How do you know when it’s time to make your next big career move? With International Women’s Day around the corner, we are excited to feature Avni Patel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Milo. Avni is building technology that directly supports the often overlooked emotional and logistical labor that falls on parents—especially women. Milo is an AI assistant designed to help families manage that invisible load more efficiently. In this episode, Avni shares her journey from studying chemistry to holding leadership roles at global brands like Adidas and Starbucks, to launching her own ventures. She discusses how she approaches career transitions, the importance of unpleasant experiences, and why she’s focused on making everyday life easier for parents. [01:26] Avni's University Days and Early Career [04:36] Non-Linear Career Paths [05:16] Pursuing Steep Learning Curves [11:51] Entrepreneurship and Safety Nets [15:22] Lived Experiences and Milo [19:55] Avni’s In Her Ellement Moment [20:03] Reflections Links: Avni Patel Thompson on LinkedIn Suchi Srinivasan on LinkedIn Kamila Rakhimova on LinkedIn Ipsos report on the future of parenting About In Her Ellement: In Her Ellement highlights the women and allies leading the charge in digital, business, and technology innovation. Through engaging conversations, the podcast explores their journeys—celebrating successes and acknowledging the balance between work and family. Most importantly, it asks: when was the moment you realized you hadn’t just arrived—you were truly in your element? About The Hosts: Suchi Srinivasan is an expert in AI and digital transformation. Originally from India, her career includes roles at trailblazing organizations like Bell Labs and Microsoft. In 2011, she co-founded the Cleanweb Hackathon, a global initiative driving IT-powered climate solutions with over 10,000 members across 25+ countries. She also advises Women in Cloud, aiming to create $1B in economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Kamila Rakhimova is a fintech leader whose journey took her from Tajikistan to the U.S., where she built a career on her own terms. Leveraging her English proficiency and international relations expertise, she discovered the power of microfinance and moved to the U.S., eventually leading Amazon's Alexa Fund to support underrepresented founders. Subscribe to In Her Ellement on your podcast app of choice to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, business, and technology.…
The Expanding Worlds Podcast
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Content provided by Debra Caldow. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Debra Caldow or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
The Expanding Worlds podcast Shares Stories and Shares Solutions to expand what people believe is possible. We talk to individuals and organisations who are driving change to enable people with Additional Needs to live the independent lives they aspire to.
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196 episodes
Mark all (un)played …
Manage series 1402252
Content provided by Debra Caldow. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Debra Caldow or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
The Expanding Worlds podcast Shares Stories and Shares Solutions to expand what people believe is possible. We talk to individuals and organisations who are driving change to enable people with Additional Needs to live the independent lives they aspire to.
…
continue reading
196 episodes
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The Expanding Worlds Podcast

1 195 Believe In and Know Your Young Person Has Strengths, with Katherine Jennick from What’s Your Strength 17:24
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In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Katherine Jennick from What’s Your Strength about how a positive self-perception can have a genuine impact on young people with additional needs. Katherine offers practical strategies that you can adapt at home, and she argues we need more inclusive interview practices and better career discussions rather than focusing on just traditional academic achievements. https://whatsyourstrength.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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The Expanding Worlds Podcast

1 194 From Self-Awareness to Success with Katherine Jennick from What’s Your Strength 16:47
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In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Katherine Jennick from What’s Your Strength about the project she has developed to help young people translate their life experiences into strengths. She discusses how this evolved into packs of cards which are used by both families and professionals. Katherine also talks about why project-based learning is more effective and why everyone has a role to play in preparing young people for their futures in work. https://whatsyourstrength.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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The Expanding Worlds Podcast

1 193 Why Making Choices Is A Skill Worth Building with Debra Caldow 8:33
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In this episode, host Debra Caldow explores the crucial role of choice in the lives of young people with additional needs. She discusses the barriers that exist, such as low expectations, inadequate funding, and social policies that limit young people's choices. Debra also talks about the importance of family support and practical strategies to foster decision-making skills, supporting the shift from making decisions for young people to empowering them to make their own choices. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course - https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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The Expanding Worlds Podcast

1 192 Sharing Ideas and Plans with Students from Brighton Forward 15:14
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In this episode, host Debra Caldow shares conversations she had with students from Brighton Forward. This is the chance to hear first-hand from the young people Brighton Forward works with about the support they receive, what skills they find valuable as well as their individual plans they have for the future. https://brightonforward.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course - https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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1 191 How Providing More Choices Leads To Better Outcomes with Laura Vallone from Brighton Forward 13:08
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In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Laura Vallone from Brighton Forward about how this project provides a nurturing and secure environment for young people who may have struggled elsewhere. She explains how their 3-year program works by focusing both on personal development and work skills. Laura also discusses the need for policy changes and highlights the significance of using the 'language of work' to encourage young people to aspire for more. https://brightonforward.co.uk/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course - https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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The Expanding Worlds Podcast

1 190 Social Isolation: Barriers and Solutions with Debra Caldow 11:24
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In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses the social isolation challenges faced by young people with additional needs. Debra explores the barriers that exist, including lack of confidence and lack of social skills, alongside external barriers such as geographic limitations and societal attitudes. She also talks about possible solutions, like the role of paid work and the importance of empowering young people to advocate for themselves so they become active in finding those social connections that work for them and reduce their social isolation. Find out more about Stay Up Late Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course - https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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The Expanding Worlds Podcast

1 189 Unlocking Potential: The Benefits of Social and Professional Skills with Bob Etzel from iSocial 15:55
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In this episode, host Debra Caldow continues her conversation with Bob Etzel from iSocial. Bob explains the different motivators for going on the program as well as the importance of having supportive peers and role models who reflect your experiences. He also talks about how iSocial provides a framework that enables individuals to leverage their unique strengths within a workplace. Bob also discusses why integrating neurodiverse individuals into an organisation can be beneficial not only for the bottom line but also provide a strategic advantage to the business. https://www.isocialskills.com/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course - https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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The Expanding Worlds Podcast

1 188 Creating Connections: The iSocial Approach with Bob Etzel 17:52
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In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Bob Etzel about how the iSocial program works, using a structured approach and the role of moderators in fostering confidence and social skills. He details the transformation of iSocial from a research program using avatars to a Zoom-based, real-world community. Bob also talks about the importance of matching people with common interests to lead to lasting connections and mutual support. https://www.isocialskills.com/ Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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The Expanding Worlds Podcast

1 187 Why Supporting Someone on a Supported Internship Means Trusting the Process and Stepping Back with Debra Caldow 7:58
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In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses her experience of supporting her daughter while she was on a supported internship. Debra explains the importance of trusting the internship process and why focusing on creating a supportive home environment provides the support a young person needs. She also talks about the challenge of letting go and learning to respect and trust the young person's growing independence. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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1 186 Preparing for A Supported Internship – Four Tips with Debra Caldow 12:09
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In this episode, host Debra Caldow shares four tips for getting your young person ready for going on a supported internship. Debra talks about the the importance of talking about work early, doing thorough research, building essential skills and attitudes at home, and seeking out work experiences. Check out our Independent Cooking Made Easy Course https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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1 185 Creating Inclusive Workplaces and Engaging Employers with Ellie Hedley-Dent from Team Domenica 16:32
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In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Ellie Hedley-Dent about the approach Team Domenica takes in engaging with employers to hire young people with additional needs. She discusses the importance of understanding employer preconceptions, maintaining an open conversation, and sharing other employer stories. Ellie also explains the importance of providing bespoke training and providing ongoing support. https://teamdomenica.com/ https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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1 184 Unlocking Potential: Team Domenica's Path to Employment with Ellie Hedley-Dent 14:40
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In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks to Ellie Hedley Dent, the Employer Partnership Manager at Team Domenica, about their employment program. Ellie explains their initial focus is on building foundational skills and providing work experience to prepare their candidates to move into a Supported Internship. Using an holistic approach, Team Domenica equips young people with the tools they need to succeed in their careers and beyond. https://teamdomenica.com/ https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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1 183 Why Both Attitude And Ability Determine What Happens Next with Debra Caldow 10:01
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In this episode, host Debra Caldow talks about the importance of helping our young people to develop the abilities and the skills they need in life. She emphasizes they must also develop those attitudes that make their success in whatever they choose to do much more likely. She also talks about how the type and level of support we give to our children will evolve as we give them the space they need to live their own lives. https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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1 182 Reflecting On The Transition Out Of School: Planning & Research with Debra Caldow 9:51
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In this episode, host Debra Caldow reflects on the challenges faced when supporting young people with additional needs to transition from school to the next stages of life. She discusses two key lessons she learned during the process: the need to plan far ahead beyond the immediate steps and staying open to various options by continuously researching. https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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1 181 From An Idea to Reality: A Housing Journey with Kay Laidler 17:48
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In this episode with parent Kay Laidler, Debra Caldow discusses how Kay is working with other families to create a housing solution for their young people. She discusses the ongoing process, why natural friendships between housemates are important, and the challenges they are facing in terms of finding the right funding and support. Kay also talks about the importance of planning and persistence in pursuing their housing objectives. https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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1 180 Navigating The Road To An Independent Life with Kay Laidler 14:20
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In this episode, I’m talking to Kay about her family's journey as she supports her son to move out of home and live his life. We talk about the challenges including the feelings of isolation and the impact that the judgments of others can have. But we also talk about the importance of community and how it sustains us in difficult times. We discuss how the focus changes as our children become young adults when issues like employability and housing become the focus of the future.…
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The Expanding Worlds Podcast

1 179 Why This Podcast Talks to People From All Over The Globe with Debra Caldow 7:40
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Knowledge is built on the sharing of ideas. That’s certainly something I believe in strongly, and in this week’s episode, I talk about why I share ideas from wherever in the world I find them. By listening to others we can quickly identify what’s worked, and what hasn’t, and ensure we don’t make the same mistakes. By doing that we can accelerate progress in so many areas like employment, housing, and inclusive communities. https://www.youtube.com/@RedGiraffeSolutions…
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1 178 Finding the Balance Between Independence and Support with Will Hoermann from Marbridge 15:03
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In this second part of a conversation with Will Hoermann from Marbridge, we explore the evolving expectations that drive what an organization like Marbridge does and how that looks different for each person they support. Will also shares his insights on the importance of planning from both a financial and emotional perspective and provides some useful tips drawn from his experiences working with families. https://www.marbridge.org/…
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1 177 The Journey and Vision Behind Marbridge with Will Hoermann 17:39
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The housing options available have changed as people’s expectations have changed. A good example of this is Marbridge, and in this episode, Will Hoermann, Director of Admissions for Marbridge, explains how Marbridge started as a working ranch over 70 years ago and has now grown into a community that supports multiple levels of assisted living. Will discusses the admissions process and the opportunities provided by having links with the local community. He also discusses the importance of researching all the options early so that the transition into somewhere like Marbridge is made easier. https://www.marbridge.org/…
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1 176 Why Independence Starts With Choice with Debra Caldow 8:30
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In this episode, I’m talking about the importance of giving young people with additional needs more choices to foster independence. We already know about the lack of choice in areas like employment, housing, and care, and the impact that has. But often there are missed opportunities around choice and I’m sharing my personal experiences on how to encourage choice-making at home, and why it is part of the gradual process of letting go and allowing our young people to learn from the choices they make so that they develop the skills they will need in the future. Independent Cooking Made Easy Course Free Recipe and Introduction to our method…
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1 175 Building Better Neighbourhoods: A New Vision with Rosie Barnes from Satsuma Neighbour 12:41
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In this episode which is the second part of my conversation with Rosie Barnes from Satsuma Neighbour, we talk more about the vision of how the project will look and why projects like this are so important in enabling independent living with the right kind of support available when it is needed. We also talk about the role that housing plays in reducing segregation, promoting connection, and reducing isolation. https://www.satsumaneighbour.org/…
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1 174 Creating Urban Inclusive Spaces: The Satsuma Neighbour Model with Rosie Barnes 14:43
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In this episode, my guest Rosie Barnes shares her journey as a parent, from writing a book 'Understanding Stanley, Looking Through Autism' to helping her son find a housing solution that’s right for him. Rosie discusses the challenges faced by families looking for inclusive housing options in their communities. She talks about the radical concepts behind 'Satsuma Neighbour', a project she started which will create an urban community that fosters inclusivity and neighbourliness. https://www.satsumaneighbour.org/…
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1 173 Independent Cooking – Our Successful Solution with Debra Caldow 10:31
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In this episode, I’m talking about our approach to supporting our daughter to learn to cook for herself without the need for any support or supervision. Our solution involved discarding conventional cooking techniques that didn't work and looking for new options. In our case, it’s meant using an air fryer a slow cooker, and five-ingredient recipes. By adapting recipes for the food she wanted to make, this approach has enabled her to cook independently. To find out more about the course we have developed based on our experiences visit https://bit.ly/independentcooking…
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1 172 Why The Earlier We Start Transition Planning The Better with Julia Wright from Ken’s Krew 11:14
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In this second part of my conversation with Julia Wright from Ken’s Krew, we discuss the importance of work experience in transition programs and the improvements that have taken place in these programs which are enabling more young people to be work-ready. She also offers advice to families about how to plan ahead and why planning is so important because it makes that move from education to employment much more likely to happen. https://kenskrew.org/ https://www.facebook.com/kenskrewjobs/…
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1 171 Ken’s Krew Empowering Young People Through Employment with Julia Wright 13:47
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In this episode, we learn about Ken's Crew, an organization co-founded by parents through a partnership with Home Depot. Julia Wright from Ken’s Krew shares how they facilitate meaningful employment for young adults with additional needs through partnerships with a variety of organizations providing intensive training and ongoing support. Julia also discusses some of the challenges faced, such as communication skills and parental concerns, and the importance of sensitivity training for colleagues. https://kenskrew.org/ https://www.facebook.com/kenskrewjobs/…
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1 170 Supporting Young People Into Work: Practical Tips with Mel Simmonds, from Hidden Gem Services 15:09
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In this second part of a conversation with Mel Simmonds, from Hidden Gem Services, we focus on what we can do at home to help make the transition into paid work smoother for our young people. When they go into their first job, they will have lots of new information to take in and skills to learn. However, the transition will be made easier if we have already helped them build transferable skills they can use at work. Mel provides some practical examples of how to do this as well as explaining the role we can play in developing their confidence by discussing their daily work experiences and encouraging independent decision-making. She also touches on the potential pitfalls of parents acting as job coaches. https://www.hiddengemservices.co.uk/…
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1 169 Supporting Employment: How Job Coaches Make The Difference with Mel Simmonds from Hidden Gem Services 18:02
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In this episode with Mel Simmonds from Hidden Gem Services, we dive into the world of job coaching, outlining the importance of support, understanding, and adaptability in creating successful employment options for young people with additional needs. Mel discusses the challenges faced, including inconsistencies in job roles and management as well as the positives that come from the cultural shifts that can occur within organizations. https://www.hiddengemservices.co.uk/…
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1 168 From Fear to Trust: My Bumpy Journey with Debra Caldow 7:25
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In this episode, I share my journey of navigating parental fears and learning to trust my daughter's abilities. Despite her successful year in her job, my unspoken concerns about her future surfaced, impacting her more than I realized. This episode reflects on how difficult it is not to let our fears limit our children’s potential. I also talk about the importance of giving my daughter the dignity of risk, respecting her independence, and planning for a future where she can thrive, even when I’m not around.…
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1 167 Unlocking Potential: The Crucial Role of Families, Schools, and Job Coaches with Laura Davis from BASE 16:12
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Every journey starts somewhere, and for most of us, it starts at home with those closest to us, encouraging us, and believing in us. In this week’s episode with Laura Davis from BASE we discuss the important role families play in shaping the future outcomes of children. We discuss the challenges of navigating the support available and the role of school in better preparing young people for work. We also talk about the enormous impact that specialized job coaches can have and how employment enhances life expectancy. https://www.base-uk.org…
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1 166 Transforming Inclusive Employment: The Role of BASE In Changing Attitudes With Laura Davis 17:25
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Collaboration can speed up change, but it requires coordination and management to make that happen. This week’s guest Laura Davis, Chief Executive of the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) knows all about this. In this episode, she not only shares her personal journey but also discusses the pivotal role BASE plays in championing employment opportunities for everyone. She also talks about the role of BASE in developing best practice standards around supported employment to enable their members to better serve the people they work with. Laura also discusses the need for a systemic change, driven by collaboration between employers, government, and supported employment services to create meaningful employment opportunities and foster inclusive workplaces. https://www.base-uk.org/home…
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