In this conversation, Sara Chandran and I explore what it really means to belong, especially in the workplace. We talk about the masks we wear to fit in, the tension between passion and the pressure to “get a proper job,” and the path to living life on your own terms. Sara also shares why DEI work must be rooted in compassion — not shame — and how we create space for open, honest, human conversations.

This episode is about shaking off expectations, finding your voice, and realising that what you’re looking for might already be within you.

So if you’ve ever asked yourself, “What’s stopping me?” — this one’s for you.

Bio

Sara Chandran (She/They) founded Fresh and Fearless, a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultancy, in January 2020 to support businesses in diversifying the workplace and being an inclusive place for all employees. Since then, Sara has facilitated hundreds of workshops worldwide and consulted with over 40 global companies. In 2024, Sara launched Out of the Office, a one-of-a-kind inclusion podcast, by guiding discussions with HR, DEI and L&D experts to discuss the lessons we can learn from the hit TV show The Office. Additionally, Sara is a trustee at the environmental education charity Another Way. And last but not least, Sara is the proud parent of Casper, the most friendly, loveable Labrador who brings joy to all.

Links

https://freshandfearless.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/freshandfearless_uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-and-fearless-consultancy

https://freshandfearless.uk/podcast

Chloe Markham’s Joy Unplugged. Joy Unplugged is an 8-week journey back to yourself — for world-bettering women who are done with burnout and ready for real joy, ease, and nervous system restoration. Use the discount code ANNAROSE for £100 off until the end of May.

The final episode

In two weeks’ time, I’ll be dropping a special bitesize episode to share what’s coming next, including tools, discount codes, and a few reflections and lessons from this first season before the podcast takes a short break for a month.

We have some super exciting guests lined up for season 2, including an Emmy award winner, and a systems change advocate with recognition from Forbes (30 Under 30), UNEP, UNESCO, and the Swiss government. Tune in next week to find out more!

Sponsor the podcast for an opportunity to share your business, book, writing or venture.

I am super excited to offer sponsorship opportunities for Season 2. This season has been running for almost 5 months and it’s just hit 20,000 downloads, with approximately 1400 downloads per episode. It has been such an amazing journey, and we are taking it to the next level. Season 2 will be starting in the Summer, and there has been such an extraordinary number and quality of submissions for guests. I am super excited about it. So I have a business opportunity for you.

Have you been looking for a way to advertise your business, your book, your venture or your Substack? The Burnout Rebellion podcast could be a fantastic opportunity to do so.

There are different tiers available for investment

* Be a sponsor – £150 donation – Headline sponsor read at the start of 3 podcast episodes, in the show notes AND your business shared on every Substack post I publish for the duration of the season. (5 spots available)

* Be a friend – £75 donation. Your bio, story and link to your business shared in the middle of 2 podcast episodes and show notes. (15 spots available)

* Support the work – £20 donation. Be on the list published in the gratitude notes each episode. (Unlimited spots available)

* A benefactor – Any amount. This is for you if you would like to give a gift to support the work without any recognition or advertising. (Unlimited spots available).

How will donations be spent;

* Podcast hosting

* Editing software subscription

* Visuals and editing time

* Pay it forward – if there’s more in the pot than I need I’ll use it to support a subscription to someone in The Burnout Rebellion community who is starting a new venture or offer them a free spot on a workshop or course.

Click here to register your interest.

I look forward to chatting more in the comments!

Much love,

Anna xx

Get full access to The Burnout Rebellion at theburnoutrebellion.substack.com/subscribe