Speaking of Inclusion..‪.‬ Katie Allen Consulting Limited

This week I am joined by the remarkable Cynthia Fortlage, a Belfast-born Canadian raised global gender diversity speaker and consultant, and we are getting into "Acceptance without Understanding."

In this episode, Cynthia shares her wealth of knowledge and personal experiences touching on gender, identity, diversity, and the challenge of navigating societal norms.

We discuss the complex layers of human identity and how understanding our interactions with each other can shape the way we start to create acceptance for each other - especially with people who are different to us.

Three Key Takeaways from Today's Episode:

1. The Power of Acceptance: Cynthia emphasises the importance of creating environments where people are accepted even when they are not fully understood, proposing that acceptance can precede understanding if we're open to it, leading to healthier discussions.



2. Deconstructing Gender Perceptions: We explore how societal, cultural, and historical perceptions shape our views on gender and identity. Cynthia shares insights from her personal journey as a transgender woman and from her professional experiences, illustrating how new perspectives can deconstruct entrenched gender biases.

3. Impact of Societal Norms and Safety: The discussion also covers how societal norms influence individual behaviour and safety, especially relating to gender roles. Cynthia talks about her adjustment to loss of perceived male privileges and how this has influenced her understanding of safety and acceptance in various spaces.

**Reflective Question for Our Listeners:**

As you listen to today’s discussion, think about what it means to accept someone without fully understanding every aspect of their identity.

Can you think of a time when you practiced acceptance, and what impact did this have on your relationship with that person or people?

Fancy joining us for an entertaining conversation that will also challenges your norms and broaden your thinking?

Of course you do! So welcome along...


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In this bite-sized episode of our "Explained! In 10 or less..." series, we're diving deep into the nuanced concept of conditional empathy.

What it is, why we need to understand it, and how it can shape our behaviours.

Here are three key takeaways from this episode:

1. Empathy vs. Conditional Empathy

While empathy allows us to resonate with the experiences of others, conditional empathy highlights the biases that can restrict this natural response, demonstrating that our empathy is often influenced by our preconceived notions about others, or our capacity to find common ground.

2. Bias and Morality

Our capacity for empathy can be shadowed by moral judgments and biases, whether we're conscious of them or not.

3. Global Empathy Imbalance

We observe conditional empathy on a global scale, where international reactions to crises can be heavily influenced by the identities of the people involved. This imbalances the scale of empathy and calls for a deeper reflection on the narratives we engage with and the ones we overlook.

As you listen to this episode, question how your own empathic responses are triggered or subdued...

Now you understand it, can you think of a moment where you realise your empathy was conditional, and what internal triggers influenced that response?

Ready to get into it?


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In today's episode titled "Menopause impacts everyone," I am getting into conversation on a topic that quite literally affects people of all genders: menopause.

I'm joined by Ruth Harrison-Swift and Brian Ludden of The Kaleidoscopes, as they help me unwrap the layers of understanding and supporting people through this completely natural yet totally overlooked experience.

But the Kaleidoscopes are not just about menopause, they are about supporting all life transitions with an approach of inclusivity and compassion, and with a deep knowledge of neurodiversity, they align their services to the needs of their clients.

But for this episode... we're definitely focusing on menopause. Why?

Because, menopause is not an island exclusive to those who experience it firsthand; it's a pivotal life stage with significant ripples that touch intimate relationships, workplaces, and broader societal norms.

In our discussion, three key takeaways stood out:

1. The cruciality of communication in navigating menopause. It's not just about weathering symptoms but understanding the emotional and physical changes that people endure.

2. The difference inclusion makes. Ruth and Brian underscore the importance of inclusivity in menopause discussions, considering cultural, racial, and gender diversity to ensure everyone's journey is respected and supported.

3. The role of education and advocacy. Normalising menopause dialogue in all spaces—be it at home or in the workplace—is a collective responsibility we can all embrace.

As you listen to our conversation today, I'd like you to reflect on this question:

How can we foster an environment, both in our personal lives and in society at large, where menopause is not a taboo but a topic of health and wellness we approach with kindness, knowledge, and openness?

Ready to get learning? Let's do this!

You can contact both Ruth and Brian via The Kaleidoscopes website - www.thekaleidoscopes.co.uk or you can email them on

ruth@thekaleidoscopes.co.uk

brian@thekaleidoscopes.co.uk


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In today's episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Heather Wright, a nature-based coach, about using nature for inclusion.

Heather is an Executive Coach with a passion for helping others develop and succeed. Heather combines her leadership skills, coaching experience, and love for the outdoors to guide individuals and help them connect with what truly matters to them. Heather believes in the power of nature to bring calmness, foster creativity, provide clarity, and build courage.

In this episode Heather shares her insights on incorporating movement into the lives of individuals with ADHD, highlighting the benefits of physical activity for their thinking processes. From fidget toys and standing desks indoors, to breaks and walks outdoors, Heather explores how embracing movement can enhance creativity and focus.

One key takeaway from this discussion is the importance of providing realistic and manageable options for activities, considering the specific needs of each individual, including those with mobility challenges. Heather also emphasises the significance of finding the right environment for different types of conversations, such as mid-year reviews or giving difficult feedback, and how taking these discussions outdoors can create a more relaxed and open atmosphere.

Another key takeaway is understanding and acknowledging individual preferences and needs, including eye contact and movement, within leadership conversations. Heather encourages team leaders to incorporate these considerations into one-on-one meetings and team discussions, fostering inclusivity and understanding.

Lastly, Heather highlights the power of nature in helping individuals connect with what is important to them and driving their careers in the desired direction. She shares her experiences conducting individual and group sessions, both indoors and outdoors, and the positive impact it has on building trust and open conversation.

As you listen to this episode, reflect on how the power of nature be utilised in your conversations to foster inclusion and help individuals thrive?

Join me in our conversation with Heather Wright as we dive deeper into the topic of using nature for inclusion.

You can connect with Heather on LinkedIn or visit her website for more details on how to work with her.




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This week we will be celebrating International Asexuality Day on April 6th - so today we're getting into it in preparation.

What is asexuality? And why is it important to understand?

As an Ace person, this is definitely a topic Katie is passionate about (pun intended)...

Key takeaways from this episode are:

1. Asexuality, as a sexual orientation within the queer community, involves experiencing little or no sexual attraction.

2. Asexuality is a spectrum, encompassing various experiences and attitudes towards sex and sexual attraction, such as greysexual and demisexual identities.

3. Understanding asexuality challenges assumptions about relationships, attraction, and sexual orientation, and emphasises the importance of communication in defining and navigating our experiences and how we develop relationships.

Reflection question:

How can we create space for diverse experiences of attraction and sexual orientation within our understanding of relationships and inclusion?

Intrigued?

Join me as we explore the nuances of asexuality and consider how its understanding can enhance our journey towards a more inclusive society.


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🌟 Exciting BONUS content alert! 🌟

Hey there aspiring allies!

I've got some behind-the-scenes goodness for you from my recent podcast episode with Katie Hunter White. 🎙️ We're talking about all the stuff that doesn't usually make it on air, and trust me, it's authentic and a little bit funny.

Key Takeaways:

Oh give over! There is nothing to take away from this!!



Now, I'd love to hear from you: Do you want more of this behind-the-scenes fun on the podcast?

How about sharing your own "oops" moments?

Let's keep it real and have a bit of a laugh along the way.

🐿️




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