Transforming Lives: Rosie Brown on Empowering the Disadvantaged Through Cook's Raw Talent Program
In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa welcomes Rosie Brown co-CEO of Cook, a food brand known for its home-cooked frozen meals. Rosie shares her passion for creating positive change in society through her company's impact programs, particularly the Raw Talent initiative, which helps individuals facing barriers to employment, such as those with a history of prison, homelessness, or mental health issues. The conversation delves into the importance of building healthy relationships and community support in the workplace, as well as the need for intentional healing and rehabilitation within the justice system. Rosie emphasizes that true transformation requires not just job placement but also addressing the complex human needs of individuals, fostering a culture of accountability, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. The episode highlights the interconnectedness of society and the collective responsibility to uplift the most disadvantaged, ultimately benefiting all.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Business as a Force for Good: Cook, co-led by Rosie Brown, emphasizes that businesses can positively impact society by supporting community initiatives and employing individuals facing barriers to employment.
Raw Talent Program: This initiative focuses on helping people with barriers such as addiction, homelessness, and mental health issues reintegrate into the workforce through training, support, and job placements, aiming for sustainable employment.
Holistic Approach to Employment: The program not only provides job training but also addresses personal development aspects like confidence, conduct, and goal-setting, recognizing that trauma and complex life experiences can hinder job retention.
Community and Relationships: Building a supportive workplace culture is essential for success. The importance of community, relationships, and feeling valued is highlighted as crucial for individuals transitioning back into work.
Call for Systemic Change: There is a need for more intentional healing and rehabilitation within the justice system, ensuring that individuals leave prison in a better position than when they entered, which could help reduce re-offending rates.
BEST MOMENTS
"We really believe that business can be a force for good in the world." - Rosie Brown
"It's not just jobs and a rotating door but actually we're doing the proper rehabilitation and healing towards sustainable lives." - Rosie Brown
"You can't just start on a day job and have that community relationships, feeling seen, feeling valued on day one." - Rosie Brown
"I think we need to recognize that a huge number of people in prison are there because of very complex lives." - Rosie Brown
"I think the word that's missing from our justice system is mercy, and you can't have justice without mercy." - Maria Arpa
Maria's Training
https://www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk/training/
SOCIAL LINKS
www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org
www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk
www.workplacehuddle.com
HOST BIO
Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM).
Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities.
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
Ireland