Are you ready to rethink how we support marginalised talent and build truly equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems?

This week, we speak with Viana Maya, Founder of pRESPECT an organisation that helps create inclusive, equitable and empowering spaces for all. Viana shares her personal 'why'—drawing on her own experiences of homelessness and navigating various labels while trying to re-enter the workforce—to drive her passion for empowering people and the spaces they enter. In this episode, we discuss:

1. The shift from equality to equity: Discover why pRESPECT focuses heavily on equity, recognising that support must be personalised (and not take a "broad brush" approach) to meet the specific needs of marginalised individuals, ethnic minorities and those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

2. Relationships first: Hear how Viana’s approach is holistic and relationship-based, allowing individuals to flourish without being forced to fit into predefined boxes. This approach has successfully supported individuals into entrepreneurial pathways when they thought that employment was their only option.

3. Safety nets and overcoming financial barriers: We explore the need for networks to act as a safety net and have the flexibility to evolve to embrace differences. Viana highlights radical solutions to financial barriers, referencing ground breaking programs where participants are paid to learn and hone their pitch their business idea.

With the increased use of AI in business, Viana also shares her thoughts on its ethical use, the risks we face and ways we might mitigate them. A huge thank you to Viana for joining us and sharing her insights.

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The Connected Network Podcast is made possible through funding and support from the Scottish Funding Council, The Challenges Group, The Community Lab and Podplistic.