You Can't Say That! Or Can You?

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.

Our expert this month is Pete Quinn, Consultant, Trainer, Coach, and Mentor specialising in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI), and Organisational Well-being. With over 15 years of experience, Pete's focus is on translating abstract values into realistic, operational, and sustainable change.

He works across executive leadership and frontline teams, with a track record spanning the:

• Education sector (including roles at the University of York and the University of Oxford),
• Arts (Zayed National Museum, UAE for GCL),
• Heritage (Historic Royal Palaces & Kew Gardens for GCL),
• Corporate organisations across the UK and internationally including developing and delivering modules of the #InclusionAtWork programme to #FoodAndBeverage leadership teams in York and beyond for H2H Ltd and Schuh and Sipsmith Gin for GCL).

Based in York, Pete brings strategic insight and operational expertise to every project. He specialises in bespoke training that fosters confidence, challenges bias, and drives inclusive culture. He is recognised for his collaborative, dynamic, and highly engaging approach. As well as delivering training and coaching around neurodiversity, Pete is currently upskilling organisations and individuals on challenging communication, compassionate communication and Postvention. Pete is an active supporter of the #MoreInCommon initiative and the Jo Cox Foundation, particularly the #RunForJo event in memory of Jo Cox MP. He also supports, strategically and in person, ‘Menfulness’ a men’s mental health organisation based in York.