Baroness Ayesha Hazarika MBE is a broadcaster, comedian, and writer known for her sharp insights on current affairs and politics. She hosts the Weekend Drivetime show on Times Radio, where she discusses news and events with a range of guests. Ayesha is a regular contributor to several programmes, including Question Time, Good Morning Britain, and Have I Got News For You.
In 2024, Ayesha was granted a lifetime Peerage and elevated to the House of Lords, nominated by Labour and conferred by His Majesty. She presents the podcast The Power Test, analysing the political landscape and Labour's strategies for the next General Election. Additionally, she co-hosts Take on Tomorrow, a podcast series produced by PwC that explores the role of businesses in addressing societal issues.
Ayesha is a sought-after speaker and host, combining political insight with humour. She examines how politics operates, the communication of messages, and the formation of government policy. She also addresses the future of culture and media, focusing on women's roles in politics and the challenges they face, often with a comedic touch.
Her writing includes weekly columns in The iPaper and contributions to The Scotsman, The Independent, Financial Times, and others. She co-authored Punch & Judy Politics, detailing the behind-the-scenes of Prime Minister's Questions.
Born in Scotland to Indian Muslim parents, Ayesha studied law and began her career as a press officer at the Department of Trade and Industry. She transitioned into stand-up comedy before returning to politics as a Special Adviser for the Labour Party, working with leaders like Gordon Brown and Ed Miliband on various initiatives.
Since leaving frontline politics, Ayesha has become a prominent commentator on current affairs, appearing on programmes such as Politics Live, Newsnight, and CNN News. As a comedian, she has toured three sell-out shows across the UK, including residencies at the Soho Theatre.
Participants will explore the importance of creating inclusive environments that celebrate diversity. This engaging keynote offers practical strategies for building a culture of respect, understanding, and collaboration. Attendees will learn to recognize and overcome biases, support marginalized voices, and promote equity in their companies. Through inspiring stories and actionable insights, this session empowers individuals and teams to embrace differences and foster a more inclusive and innovative workplace.
