This episode is sponsored by ‘Deel: Your Forever People Platform’.

Managing a global team is complex. Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance—all in one place. That’s why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage teams worldwide.

See how Deel works: https://www.deel.com/nickday/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_nickday_podcast_hr-nickday-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_hr-preroll-h125script_en

What if the key to better DEI, culture, and leadership wasn’t external, but internal?

In this powerful episode of the HR L&D Podcast, Nick Day is joined by Aiko Bethea, leadership coach, equity consultant, and founder of RARE Coaching & Consulting, to explore why transformational leadership starts with self-awareness, rest, and deep curiosity.

Forget checking boxes, Aiko breaks down why DEI is an outcome, not a skill, and how HR leaders can drive real change by shifting their mindset and behaviors first.

Whether you’re a CHRO, people manager, or HR professional looking to build inclusive workplaces, this episode is packed with actionable strategies on:

How to lead with vulnerability
The coaching stance that transforms team dynamics
Rest and wellness as leadership tools
Critical curiosity and belief excavation
Creating psychological safety from the top down

If you're ready to move from surface-level inclusion to real, sustainable impact, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

RARE Coaching & Consulting Website: https://www.rarecoaching.net/

Connect with Aiko Bethea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aikobethea/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea

Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Thanks for listening folks – I look forward to bringing you the next episode of the HR L&D Podcast real soon!

(00:00) Meet Aiko Bethea & RARE Coaching

(03:45) Why DEI Is Not a Skill

(07:28) The Power of Self-Awareness

(11:06) Critical Curiosity and Excavating Beliefs

(14:39) The Coaching Stance: From Control to Curiosity

(18:01) Listening for Connection, Not Just Understanding

(21:15) Wellness, Rest, and the Leadership Equation

(25:06) Breaking the Hustle Culture in HR

(28:48) Anchoring Into Values and Accountability

(32:11) How Leaders Can Create Psychological Safety

(35:27) Internal Work Before External DEI Change

(38:04) Aiko’s Book: Anchored, Aligned, and Accountable

(40:50) Advice for HR Leaders and Organizations

How to Create a Workplace That Brings Ou...