Fighting Fire, Facing Discrimination, and Driving Positive Cultural Change: ‘Fear Less, Do More’ with Michael Nicholas MBE (S2:E6)

Join our host Gill Hunter in a fascinating conversation with Michael Nicholas MBE as she delves into his nearly three decades of dedicated service in the London Fire Brigade. Michael's relentless advocacy for equality and diversity has challenged discriminatory and racist cultures within the fire service, earning him the distinguished honour of an MBE for his contributions to both the brigade and the Black and Ethnic Minority communities in London. Presently, Michael serves as the Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Northumbrian Water Group, residing in the North East.In this episode, Gill and Michael talk about: Michael’s diverse career journey The unexpected path that led him to pursue a career in the fire service Michael’s experience as one of the first black individuals in the London Fire Brigade Challenging the discriminatory culture prevalent in the 1990s fire service Contrasting cultural differences observed by Michael: North East vs London Michael’s advice to those seeking to drive positive cultural change within their own workforce Reflecting on the struggles he faced during his tenure at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Insights into Michael's decision to join Northumbrian Water, despite retirement Michael’s current aspirations, including staying fit and healthy as he enters into his sixties