Inclusive Leadership: Succeeding Across Cultures

During the expert session, Tash Koster-Thomas engages the audience through interactive exercises using the Mentimeter app, Q&A sessions, and live demonstrations. 

• Mastering cultural intelligence to adapt and lead in diverse settings
• Building self-awareness around cultural biases and personal leadership style
• Techniques for fostering inclusion and trust within multicultural teams
• Tools to navigate and resolve cultural misunderstandings effectively

In this expert session, Tash discusses the significance of cultural intelligence (CQ) in various aspects of life, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and working cross-culturally. CQ is crucial in understanding how cultural differences can impact these areas and lead to more effective collaboration and better relationships.

Tash highlights an example of team dynamics where one member may have a relaxed attitude towards time and another having a strict perspective, leading to potential misunderstandings and frustrations. Furthermore, she explores the various ways of persuading people, either focusing on principles first or applications first. These approaches can stem from education systems and create challenges when working together.

Moreover, Tash emphasizes the importance of being aware of cultural biases and differences as many international ventures fail due to cross-cultural misunderstandings. Our unconscious bias influences how we perceive and interact with people from diverse backgrounds, leading us to make assumptions based on our own cultural framework.

In the context of collaborating with diverse groups like LGBTQIA+ networks, racial and disability networks, and feedback systems, Tash recommends setting a specific CQ goal, committing to continuous learning and reflection, tracking progress, and adjusting behavior based on cultural differences. She also suggests resources such as 'Culture Map' by David Livermore and encourages practicing nonverbal behaviors customary in other cultures to learn and adapt.

When addressing the question about training employees for inclusive collaboration, Tash recommends having conversations around cultural values and approaches in real-world scenarios rather than just relying on trainings. She acknowledges the relevance of cultural intelligence models like HED (Hofstede's Dimensions) and TRAPPS (Triadic Model of Intercultural Adjustment) but emphasizes their western lens and the importance of continued learning and evolution.

The session then shifts to overcoming culture shock, where Tash shares personal experiences and strategies such as embracing discomfort, observing local customs, and practicing cultural humility. She recommends resources like EqualeX and using AI tools to gain insights when traveling or interacting with different cultures.

A question from the audience asks about incorporating culture awareness moments at the beginning of projects or meetings, to which Tash suggests creating a team agreement, allowing each member an opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives while acknowledging that each team must develop its unique way of working.

Throughout the session, Tash stresses the importance of flexibility and continuous learning when working with diverse cultures.
 

Advancing Gender Equity Through Inclusive Workplace Practices

This session focuses on exploring the systemic barriers that contribute to gender disparities in the workplace. It emphasises the importance of creating inclusive policies and practices that ensure equal opportunities for all genders. The discussion includes real-world examples, statistical data, and personal stories to highlight the pervasive nature of gender bias. Participants engage in interactive activities to develop actionable strategies aimed at promoting gender equity in their own organisation.

 

Inclusive Leadership: Succeeding Across Cultures

This session equips leaders with the knowledge and tools to build strong, respectful relationships across cultural boundaries. Participants will explore cultural dimensions, communication styles, and leadership approaches that vary across global contexts. Through interactive activities, case studies, and self-reflection, leaders will gain insight into their own cultural perspectives and learn strategies to bridge differences, foster inclusivity, and drive results in diverse environments. By the end of the session, leaders will be prepared to lead more effectively and inclusively across cultures, promoting collaboration and innovation.

 

Building Inclusive Workplaces: Allyship for Disability and Neurodiversity

This session is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and tools to become effective allies for colleagues with disabilities and are neurodiverse in the workplace. Being an ally means actively creating a supportive, accessible, and equitable environment where all employees can succeed. We will explore practical strategies that make a meaningful difference, from rethinking communication and accessibility to challenging biases and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

 

Advancing Equity: A Call to Action for Anti-Racism

This session focuses on understanding, empathy, and action. Racism permeates our society in both subtle and overt ways, profoundly impacting individuals and communities. Recognizing this is the first step toward meaningful change. We will explore how biases shape our perceptions, how stereotypes reinforce inequality, and how systems of oppression persist. By fostering a deeper awareness of these realities, we can begin to dismantle harmful structures and promote a culture of inclusivity and equity—where every person is valued and respected, regardless of race or ethnicity.

 

Intersectionality - Including ALL Women

The session explores how overlapping identities such as race, gender, sexuality, disability, culture, and age shape women’s experiences at work. Tash Koster-Thomas explains how these intersections create unique challenges that are often overlooked in traditional gender-equity conversations. She emphasizes the need for better allyship and support—both between women and from wider teams—and outlines practical steps organisations can take to create fairer, more inclusive environments where all women can thrive.

 

Women Empowerment in the Workplace

In this session, Tash explores women’s empowerment in the workplace through an intersectional lens. She highlights common challenges like the gender pay gap and lack of leadership representation, while noting additional barriers faced by Black, Latina, disabled, LGBTQ+, and older women. Microaggressions, such as being interrupted or dismissed, can undermine confidence and career growth. Tash recommends self-advocacy, tracking achievements, negotiating salaries, and building diverse mentor networks. Allies, including men, should recognize intersecting challenges and support inclusive policies.

 

LGBTQ+ Language & Terminology

This expert session focused on understanding LGBTQ+ language and terminology and highlighted how important inclusive communication is. Participants learned that identity is complex and personal, and that respectful, accurate language helps create a sense of belonging. The session emphasized the value of recognizing diversity within the LGBTQ+ community and staying open to evolving terminology. It also introduced the concept of intersectionality, encouraging participants to consider how different aspects of identity can shape people’s experiences. A key message was the importance of creating psychologically safe spaces, promoting inclusive practices, and challenging discrimination. 

 

LGBTQIA+ Inclusion for Advocates and Allies

This expert session highlights the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide. It emphasizes how legal discrimination, microaggressions, overt exclusion, and lack of representation can harm mental well-being and create barriers to safety and belonging. The session encourages participants to reflect on their role as allies by educating themselves, challenging discrimination, and supporting inclusive environments. Key to meaningful allyship is recognizing personal biases, listening respectfully, and using inclusive language. Tash also suggests learning through accessible resources such as media, social platforms, and respectful conversations without placing the burden on LGBTQIA+ people. Overall, the session serves as a call to action to help build a more inclusive, supportive, and affirming society for all.

 

Psychological Safety in Action: Creating Safer, Stronger Teams

This expert session highlights the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide. It emphasizes how legal discrimination, microaggressions, overt exclusion, and lack of representation can harm mental well-being and create barriers to safety and belonging. The session encourages participants to reflect on their role as allies by educating themselves, challenging discrimination, and supporting inclusive environments. Key to meaningful allyship is recognizing personal biases, listening respectfully, and using inclusive language. Tash also suggests learning through accessible resources such as media, social platforms, and respectful conversations without placing the burden on LGBTQIA+ people. Overall, the session serves as a call to action to help build a more inclusive, supportive, and affirming society for all.