Foreign.

Welcome to Inclusion Bites, your sanctuary for bold conversations that spark change. I'm Joanne Lockwood, your guide on this journey of exploration into the heart of inclusion, belonging and societal transformation. Ever wondered what it truly takes to create a world? Remember, everyone not only belongs, but thrives. You're not alone. Join me as we uncover the unseen, challenge the status quo and share storeys that resonate deep within. Ready to dive in? Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or winding down after a long day, let's connect, reflect and inspire action together. Don't forget, you can be part of the conversation too. Reach out to jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk to share your insights or to join me on the show.

So adjust your earbuds and settle in. It's time to ignite the spark of inclusion with Inclusion Bites. And today is episode 200 with the title what's With Difference? And I have the absolute honour and privilege to welcome Dr. Khutso Madubanya. Khutso is a South African born change catalyst and inspirational speaker who helps people and organisations embrace difference and transformation with courage and authenticity. When I asked Khutso to describe her superpower, she said that it is helping and empowering people through change and cultural understanding. Hello, Khutso. Welcome to the show.

Thanks so much for having me, Jo. I'm so honoured to be Guest number 200.

Number 200. I know, I can't believe it.

Yeah, talk about synchronicity. I feel honoured, truly honoured.

Who'd have thought when I started this five and a half years ago that I'd still be going today and maybe in another five and a half to and a half years I might be up to episode 250 or even 500. So, yeah, it's a real honour, real honour. Thank you.

It's a real going. I'm really grateful that you're doing this. I've said to you a minute ago.

So I said in the intro that you're South African born. You dropped me a hint earlier that you said good morning and I'm in the afternoon so I can tell the time difference that you're not in South Africa. So whereabouts in the world are you right now?

Oh, I live in Michigan in the United States, Michelle.

Oh, wow.

Yeah. South African.

Anywhere near the lake? Is it near the lake or.

Oh, yes. Oh yeah, we've got. We've got quite a few lakes here, I think. 10,000 lakes. We called. We do have 10,000 lakes.

So lake Michigan is the big one, isn't it?

Yes. Lake Michigan is the Big one. Beautiful. Beautiful part of world. Absolutely. Also very, very cold.

Very cold, very deep.

Yes. We have the lake effect, which means, you know, snow dumps on us ever so often in unprecedented ways that people who don't live around water don't get to experience so much. So this is our fourth year here, my kids and I. In fact, we just had our 4th year anniversary last week. We arrived here on the 6th of November, 2021. Synchronicity.

Synchronicity. We were chatting away in the green room just before we went live here, and we're talking about your name, Khutso Madubanya. And you were saying, well, call me Khutso because that's your name. Whereas the other part of your name, the Madubanya, is your family name. And you almost said you'd be offended if people called you anything else than Khutso . Do you want to explain a bit about your family heritage and what your name means to you?

Yeah, absolutely. You know, we all have a. Well, in most cultures, you know, I've lived in eight countries. I know that not all cultures go by first and last name the way we do, but in South Africa we do have first and last name. Madubanya is my family name. Really, really proud of my lineage. And Khutso is my first name, obviously. And Khutso means peace.