Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE - How to Deal With Microaggressions & Unconscious Bias at Work & Tips to Become a Key Person of Influence

This week our guest is Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, the first female Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering,

Hayaatun shares with us exactly what led to her being seen as a key person of influence, offering tips and practical steps for listeners on how you too can increase your visibility at work.

It's clear she has worked incredibly hard to progress in her career and become a confident speaker, unafraid to use her voice to champion others, especially those from underrepresented groups in society. This passion for diversity and inclusion she has brought to the Royal Academy of Engineering.

During this discussion, she is extremely honest about the microaggressions and unconscious biases she has sadly been at the receiving end of throughout her career. Offering useful advice for others on how she copes with this day-to-day and why it's important to challenge this kind of behaviour.

She also shares openly what went through her head when she first went for the CEO role whilst her kids were still at Primary School, including how she makes things work for her young family.

Finally, we learn why we should talk more about self-care and less about balance, which should involve relaxing with some trashy TV!

This is certainly one of the most uplifting conversations we've had on the podcast and we really hope you enjoy the episode.

Find out more about the #ThisIsEngineering campaign at www.thisisengineering.org.uk.

Follow the Royal Academy of Engineering on Twitter @RAEngNews and Leaders Plus @leaders_plus

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This episode was recorded during the COVID-19 Lockdown.

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