Session 4:   

From Fixing to Listening: How can we improve our conversations at work?

As leaders, business owners and senior managers, we pride our reputation on getting things done and sorting things out.  This can mean that we often jump in with solutions before the other person has really been heard. Across our coaching and mentoring programmes, people keep noticing how powerful it is when they talk less, listen more, and resist the urge to fix.

In this informal lunchtime conversation, the programme leads will explore what “fixing” and “listening” look like in real workplace conversations, why this shift matters for leaders, coaches and mentors, what tends to get in the way, and some simple practices anyone can experiment with straight away.

Past events

Session 3:   

‘Everyone is a bit Neurodivergent and other stories’: Dispelling myths around Neurodiversity to create more inclusive workplaces

At a time when levels of diagnosis for neurodiversity are rising and at an all-time high, understanding and compassion in the workplace are crucial. This conversation, with Neurodiversity specialist Gemma Barstow, explores some of the myths and unhelpful narratives around being neurodivergent and how understanding, awareness and compassion can shape how create inclusive workplaces. Drawing upon extensive experience of working with neurodivergent people, as well as being neurodivergent herself Gemma will help you open your mind, raise your curiosity and deepen your understanding.

The aim of this conversation is to explore how you can have more compassionate conversations about neurodiversity within the workplace, with confidence .

 Why this conversation matters:

At a time when businesses are under mounting pressure, people find themselves under increasing stress and thus individual adjustments can feel like it adds to the workload. However, when workplaces are founded in compassion and understanding we can draw upon our individual strengths more to collectively  work towards an inclusive and thriving workplace for everyone.

 This session will help you to:

• Dispel some of the misunderstandings and stereotypes used to describe neurodiversity
• Open your mind and not be afraid to be curious and ask questions
• Be able to challenge your own perception and understanding of neurodiversity
• Identify ways in which you can develop more neuroinclusive workplaces

Session 2:   9th January 2026

Leading with Humanity: Values, social justice and conversations that matter

In times of uncertainty and rapid change, the quality of human connection in the workplace has never mattered more. This conversation with Professor Divine Charura explores how principles of humanity, love, and ethical awareness can shape how we relate to one another and lead within organisational life. Drawing on his extensive psychological research, and in particular his forthcoming work with Professor Gordon Medlock, Divine will invite participants to reflect on the importance of challenging self-limiting beliefs and looming cognitive styles. The aim is to move towards self-understanding, appreciating intersectionality, and what it means to be values-led in everyday professional conversations.

We will explore how choosing love over fear, curiosity over judgment, and hope over cynicism can transform not only leadership practice but also the wider workplace culture.  We will discuss how building these into everyday workplace conversations can foster inclusive, ethical, and compassionate working environments where everyone can thrive and bring their whole selves to work.

This Lunch & Learn offers an opportunity for leaders, business owners, and employers to gain and share practical insights for achieving more humane and sustainable organisations. 

Session 1:  November 26th "You can't say that! or can you?"

How using kindness in language can transform your workplace culture  

This conversation focuses on the power of language and how subtle shifts in our language can support a more inclusive workplace culture.  We all want to believe that our businesses are values led, but how can we bring our values to life?  How can we make them a reality across the whole organisation and not lead with bias and assumptions?

In a world where we are facing a mental health crisis, which is becoming a workplace challenge impacting well-being, engagement and effectiveness, compassionate communication becomes critical.  Many employers are cautious about the language they use, concerned about saying the ‘wrong’ thing, especially where inclusive language is changing at a pace.  How can we encourage the whole organisation to be curious about their colleagues’ perspectives and their own beliefs and understandings?

In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore kind and respectful language in dynamic workplace environments.