REAL TALK: How to talk about race at work

A 8-module interactive course for leaders seeking an anti-racist stance

Once we accept that we have all played a part in maintaining an unfair system, it's the change we evoke in ourselves that will start to create a meaningful difference in our communities and workplaces. We need to get better acquainted with the intricacies of racism so that we can connect to how it is showing up in our organisation. We need to start seeing how our leadership power can be helpful in increasing the pace of change if it is used responsibly. We need to grow our courage to speak out in ways that feel authentic to who we are and what we stand for. We need to bring new kinds of creativity and imagination to unlearn old ways and invent new ones.

This is an intimate learning and reflection space to support one another to become more conscious about the impact of race in our lives. It is for those leaders who are committed to using their personal power to make positive changes. This is a supportive, non-judgmental, safe place. It is designed to enable us to become stronger role models in our communities and workplaces, so we are able to have uncomfortable conversations and be leaders for the kind of change we seek.

  • Eight coaching workshops

  • Personalised activities

  • Guided self-awareness training

  • Show up to your equality values

  • Learn in a safe and non-judgmental space

  • Replace fear with curiosity

  • Be accountable

Do you feel uncertain about what anti-racist leadership looks like?

Whatever your skin colour, knowing how to talk about race to have open conversations about it can be a challenge. You know it's important to talk but you, or perhaps your team, worry about saying the wrong thing. You may be questioning whether it should be you leading this. You may lack the confidence to speak out and feel uncomfortable with your privilege means for you and your team.

Do You know that your workplace needs to be a leader of change?

Deep down you know this is more than a diversity representation issue, although that's important too. You know that questions need to be asked, uncomfortable realities faced and new ways practised. You would like to be able to lead the organisation so that everyone can play a role to do that but you don't quite feel you have the right tools you need to do that. 

Do You have the energy to act but do not know how best to direct it?

You may have the resources and are starting to educate yourself but are left questioning 'then what?' You may find you are struggling to know what you can actually do differently to make the change you want to see. It feels like such a mammoth task! You may be in a position to lead solutions but are unsure what plans to put in place and how to ensure that they actually make a difference.

Course Overview

 

  • Learning Outcome: Co-create the ground rules for our community

  • Learning Outcome: Get comfortable with the discomfort of race talk

  • Learning Outcome: Develop the skills to be a better observer

  • Learning Outcome: Learn to replace fear with curiosity

  • Learning Outcome: See how language and behaviour prevents progress

  • Learning Outcome: Align behaviours to values around equity

  • Learning Outcome: Find the courage to speak up and call out.

  • Learning Outcome: Know what is yours to do

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  • Women's hands coming together in a circle

    A safe space to express, learn & grow

    You may choose to journey with your own leadership team or to run the programme across your organisation. You will be supported to find the right learning space so that you get the most from the course and each other. Practically, we will connect in regular workshops and have self-reflective work to do offline.

  • Two hands reaching towards each other

    A place to practice trying on new ways 

    As much as we are learning, we are unlearning too. It makes us feel exposed. Getting it wrong, being clumsy and feeling triggered will happen. You'll learn how to navigate this with a toolkit that gives better ways to support yourself and others.  By replacing fear with curiosity, we can make progress without having all the answers or knowing exactly what to do.

  • Holding hands and coming together

    Be part of a support community making real impact

    With the support and accountability of your learning community, you will find a new confidence to know what is yours to do when it comes to race equity. This course has deepened connections in teams, now able to create change with real-world impact and momentum. It has produced leaders with new energy and strong passion to lead the work of anti-racism and inclusivity. It's really inspiring to watch this unfold.

YOUR FACILITATOR

LETESIA GIBSON

I'm Letesia. I'm mixed race. My father is a mix of Black Jamaican and White British. My mother's family are White British. I'm proud of my heritage. I believe that we all play a role in creating and leading the change we want to see in our workplaces. We need to do better to create cultures of true belonging. I believe that self-awareness, genuine curiosity and great courage are the cornerstone skills for role modelling change. With this trio, we can begin to promote antiracist behaviour, step into true equality and become the equality role models we know we can be.

What our participants say…

  • “When I see training on anti-racism, so much of it feels like it’s beating you down and telling you what not to do. This course felt like it was genuinely going to help me get a handle on the challenges I was personally facing as a leader”

  • “This course is a must do for anyone committed to improving organisational culture. It opens up a non-confrontational dialogue about how to be better allies and foster an anti-racist environment”

  • “It was a great mix of hearing and learning from other leaders and getting practical tips and tools on how to move forward. I think this is a must do for anyone committed to making their workplace and the world a better place”

  • “Really well thought out course with positive encouragement as well as challenging content. So many more people could benefit from this wisdom and approach”

  • “This course has helped me to understand myself and my white advantages better, to reduce my blind spots, and recognise my opportunities to act differently, and to be anti-racist in a way that engages rather than divides. I have developed more confidence to be a white ally as a result of attending”

  • “A really powerful and thought provoking course that helps attendees work together to challenge your own thinking and assumptions on race and anti-racism work. If you are in a leadership position, this course is a must to equip you with the skills, confidence and motivation to be an anti-racist leader”