TheirStories
Building inclusion through storytelling.
TheirStories uses personal storytelling as a vehicle for building workplace inclusion, improving employee engagement, challenging bias, countering stereotypes, and developing a culture of belonging.
Everyone has a story – the experiences that have shaped us – the challenges we have faced and overcome – our successes and our mistakes. We can all learn something from each other’s story - that is the simple premise for TheirStories.
Created and facilitated by the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team, TheirStories provides a platform for colleagues across the University to share their personal stories. This is a powerful way to engage colleagues in appreciating the value of difference and also amplifying the things we have in common, creating empathy to bring to life our vision of a truly inclusive workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves.
Programme of events 2025/26 (more events to be confirmed)
- Dr Oghale Ayetuoma, Senior Lecturer, Human Resources Management & Work 'From Surviving to Thriving'
1pm, 15th of October 2025
Join us for an inspiring event celebrating resilience, identity, and triumph as we welcome Oghale Ayetuoma, Senior Lecturer in Human Resources Management and Work in the Business School. A true embodiment of this year’s Black History Month theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” Oghale shares her powerful journey, from a childhood rooted in faith and family, to navigating racism and invisibility in professional spaces.
With honesty and insight, Oghale reflects on overcoming systemic barriers, balancing motherhood with an academic career, and her ongoing commitment to championing student experience and widening participation. Don’t miss this moving and motivational talk as Oghale continues to break boundaries and lift others as she rises.
Sign up via Develop - Rowan Kinsella, Associate EDI Partner 'Keep Getting Up'
1pm, 26th November 2025
Join us as Rowan Kinsella, Associate EDI Partner, shares his powerful journey, from being bullied at school for his neurodivergence and disabilities to discovering strength, resilience, and international success through sport. With honesty and openness, Rowan shares how his passion became his power, and how a supportive, inclusive environment can unlock the potential in all of us and truly change lives.
Whether you're looking for inspiration, insight, or a reminder of the resilience within every story, this is an event you won't want to miss.
Sign up via Develop
Watch Previous Years' TheirStories Recordings
Watch the recordings from 2024/25 and prior in our TheirStories Library. This is available to all UoB staff and most PGRs.