Pause. And Rewind... with Asad Dhunna | Unmistakable. Different. Challenging.

“Don't forget luck. I think everyone feels like they're in control, and they can do it all. And if you just slog it out hard enough it will come to you. Sometimes, it’s just luck. Let go and see what comes.”

Calling your company ‘The Unmistakables’ is a bold move but when it’s grounded in science & rigour plus a touch of cheekiness with a truly innovative leader in charge, it just makes sense. It was founded by this week’s guest Asad Dhunna (he/him) back in 2018 and as consultancy specialising in DEI, it boasts an incredibly committed & skilled team doing transformational work when it comes to creativity, culture & positive change.

I’m a fan of both Asad & his work so I was so thrilled when Asad said yes to appearing on ‘Pause. And Rewind…’. We chat a lot about the story behind The Unmistakables and what makes it just that. We explore his mischievous side & how he’s learned to harness that over the years which really is evident in what he puts out there.

Coming out was a challenge and his first time in a gay venue - the iconic Ghetto which I used to go to weekly - was a conflicting experience of ‘I’m going to hell’ vs ‘This is fun’ running through his mind.

Asad shares he is still finding his destination in inclusion and his work has evolved as the DEI industry has shifted. His insistence on ‘trading off lived expertise vs lived experience’ and being able to back that up are all part of his deep insights, leadership & skills.

We dive into the difference between secrecy & privacy and how as queer people we often play a role that can undermine our seriousness - a point in the conversation that really stuck with me.

I loved getting to know Asad more & I am sure you will too. Plus there’s exciting stuff coming up from The Unmistakables so stay tuned!