‘Your business doesn’t function in a vacuum, it functions in a wider society to which you owe a responsibility.’ – Hashi Mohamed
We sat down with Hashi Mohamed, one of the UK’s top barristers, who focuses on Planning & Environmental law. He represents clients from across the country, including housebuilders and local authorities.
Hashi was born in Kenya to Somali parents, arriving in the UK as a young unaccompanied child refugee, educated in some of the worst schools in the country, and grew up exclusively on state benefits. He now finds himself in an opposite reality – a journey underpinned by resilience, grit, and discipline. The well-known author shares how his ‘remarkably unremarkable’ background shows up in his work and success, as well as how he ultimately ended up where he is today.
He discusses what organisations are getting wrong when seeking increased diversity and inclusion, noting the ‘contrived numbers game’ behind DEI agendas.
The ‘Realist’ also discusses social issues organisations are not being realistic enough about, specifically around social justice and equity within society. He also explores how the new UK government will impact social mobility in the coming years, specifically child poverty.
Hashi is a BBC Radio 4 documentary presenter, with recent work covering topics such as planning, politics, housing, the 20th anniversary of the Stephen Lawrence inquiry, as well as access to elite professions. He is also a regular contributor to prominent publications like The Times, The Guardian, and Prospect Magazine.
Video Timeline
- 00:16 – Who are you and what do you do?
- 01:21 – How does your background and upbringing show up in what you do?
- 02:50 – You’ve described your starting point as ‘remarkably unremarkable’. What role has it played in your success?
- 04:46 – What are organisations getting wrong when seeking increased diversity and inclusion?
- 07:38 – You’ve been described as a realist. What’s a social issue people aren’t being realistic enough about?
- 10:48 – How will the new UK government impact social mobility?
- 12:37 – What is your advise to corporations and leaders?
- 14:11 – What are the main questions audiences ask you?
- 16:16 – What is next for you?
Interested in booking Hashi Mohamed as a keynote speaker or boardroom advisor?
