Christine explores the power of inclusion and the toll of exclusion in this solo episode. Drawing on personal stories and research, she explains how exclusion reduces reasoning ability and prompts self-exclusion. Christine challenges us to move beyond unconscious biases and make inclusion an active choice. With insightful examples like redirecting eye contact and practical tips for self-inclusion, Christine inspires us to celebrate diversity, see the humanity behind accents and foster belonging.

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In this insightful episode, host Christine explores the challenges of communicating across languages in global business with bilingual leader Pedro Lozano de Castro. With 40 years of international executive experience, Pedro dives into the frustrations, embarrassments, and difficulties of being the only "non-native" English speaker in high-level meetings. He provides inclusive communication tips, stressing the need for cultural awareness and diversity in leadership. Pedro also advocates for seeing beyond language skills to find hidden talent. Christine and Pedro have an enlightening dialogue on creating psychologically safe spaces for clarification, embracing diverse thinking, and building cross-cultural connection.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Pedro is an Independent C-Suite Consultant, with over 40 years’ experience in international companies such as Sitel, The Continuity Company and Warner Bros at executive level. Highly experienced in managing successful transformation and organizational changes, Pedro advocates for fair hiring practices in global firms. His key leadership skill lies in building winning teams, promoting multicultural collaboration. He has a keen eye for spotting talent, and empowering women to step into leadership roles they may not always realise they are ready for.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/plozanodecastro/

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Dive into the world of accents, languages, multilingualism, and peace with Adriana Morvaiová in this episode. Originally from the Hungary-Slovakia border, Adriana moved to Northern Ireland without knowing any English. Now fluent in multiple languages, she shares how we can look beyond accents to find our shared humanity. Discover fascinating insights on psychological safety, self-awareness, embracing silence and finding your inner kaleidoscope of colours. Join an uplifting discussion on redefining peace as a human right and civic responsibility.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Adriana Morvaiová is an accomplished Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Specialist, a TEDx Speaker, and NLP Practitioner. Originally from Slovakia with Hungarian heritage, she embarked on a transformative journey to Northern Ireland in 2005. She serves as a dedicated trustee on the board of Mediation NI, having completed Mediation Theory & Practice in 2022. Adriana takes pride in leading a Lean In Circle established in 2023, fostering a vibrant community of professional multicultural women across NI. She has previously collaborated with esteemed organizations such as Transport for London, Croydon Council, and Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Upzfpf_3BWY 

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Christine discusses accent bias with Heather Hansen, an expert on cultural inclusion and communication. They explore how accents impact perceptions, unconscious bias, and career advancement. Heather shares stories of being told her Danish accent was "charming" in business meetings and feeling like she would always be seen as a foreigner in Denmark. They discuss the dominance of Western leadership styles, the myth of the "perfect" English speaker, and how psychological safety may not translate across cultures. Heather explains authentic adaptability and provides tips for developing self-awareness and being a conversational ally at work. 

ABOUT THE GUEST

Heather helps multinational companies enhance collaboration, innovation and inclusion across their global teams through greater understanding and stronger, more efficient communication policies. She focuses on fostering unmuted communication cultures where every voice is heard, resulting in greater inclusion, innovation and efficiency across remote and global teams. Along with private leadership communication coaching, Heather facilitates group training courses and consults on a number of topics related to global communication. Heather is also an External Industry Expert for NUS Business School’s Executive Education programs where she runs modules on communication, presentation, and storytelling skills.

• https://heatherhansen.com/books/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansenheather/

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Join Christine as she explores the intriguing layers of culture, trust, and communication with multilingual English teacher Rory Sahatchi. Rory shares her experiences overcoming bias as a second language English speaker in Italy's ESL industry and how she turned it all around to now coach actors, journalists and more!

ABOUT THE GUEST

Rory Sahatci is a multi-lingual, multi-certified English coach for reporters and journalists. A former actress turned teacher, she has over 13 years experience in the ESL world. Using her background as an actress, Rory specialises in English communication and culture, bringing her unique skills and talents to her sessions.

Connect with her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-sahatci-26369b101/ 

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Christine is joined by Mollie of the Instagram account IrishwithMollie, for an in-depth exploration of the Irish language and its influence on English. Why don't Irish people give a direct yes or no? What's the craic with their ‘th’? And why are they such great storytellers. Listen right until the end of the episode as Mollie has a gift to share with you all! Christine also talks about having been called a 'wokerati' for calling out accent bias, the progression of the podcast and her plans for the future: furthering the Connected Communication mission - to unite us all in celebration of our differences. 

ABOUT THE GUEST

Mollie is a passionate educator who weaves story and etymology into her Instagram reels about the magical and ancient Irish language. With her account IrishwithMollie, she has grown an expansive community of enthusiasts on social media. Born and raised in Dublin, Mollie was inspired by her grandmother to share and spread an Ghaeilge, keep it alive, and work out ways to make it more accessible, meaningful, and vibrant. She has been travelling and teaching for over 10 years and creates courses for Beginner and Intermediate learners.

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Join Christine as she chats with personal trainer and mindset coach Natalie Bailey about motivation versus discipline. Natalie explains why she believes motivation is a lie and that real change requires discipline fuelled by desire. Tune in for Natalie’s insights on relationships, self-limiting beliefs and the importance of alone time. Walk away with thoughts on staying curious, managing emotions, and taking action to achieve your goals.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Natalie Bailey is a Property Developer, Coach and Mentor. With over 10 years’ experience running businesses, including bars, gyms and e-commerce sites, she now has a property development firm with her business partner and Mum, Paula. Natalie helps others be more confident and successful in health, wealth & happiness so they can live the life they dream of. On a mission to help combat loneliness with the “Better Together” message, she helps busy, lost and stuck entrepreneurs to truly connect with themselves with the Confident Entrepreneurs Club, her Mastermind groups and Retreats. Living between Mallorca and London, Natalie embodies everything she teaches. Her background in personal training puts health and fitness high on the agenda, with wealth creation and happiness going hand-in-hand to create a confident and successful life.

https://linktr.ee/nataliearabellabailey 

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Jez Wood joins Christine to discuss the importance of discussing failure in business. He openly shares his own professional stumble that sparked a journey of self-discovery through therapy, travel, and books like Tim Ferriss' “The 4-Hour Workweek.” Stressing the importance of resilience and embracing failure as part of the entrepreneurial process, Jez also reflects on communicating across languages and cultures when managing a crisis homeless shelter café. Takeaways include breaking negative thought patterns, finding constructive outlets like exercise, and surrounding yourself with positive people. Jez delivers an inspirational message - you can build the life you want if you believe in yourself. 

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ABOUT THE GUEST 

Jez is a public speaker, podcaster and co-founder of Kove Properties, an investment company that has helped its clients acquire over £40 million in property. As well as being a Mentor at Progressive Property, Jez has run a number of small businesses and has 15 years’ experience in project management, fundraising, and marketing, working with the likes of Deloitte, Vodafone and Deutsche Bank. He hosts the “Beyond Failure” podcast, launching in 2023.

Instagram: @jezwood / @koveproperties

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jezwood 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Mental Health Support Lines: 

Ireland: https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support/ 

UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/ 

Charity Crisis UK

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Realising she'd never be promoted into leadership roles due to her identity, Furkan Karayel quit her dream career as a software engineer in Ireland and began her mission of educating organisations on authentic workplace inclusion and diversity. A multi-award-winning diversity and inclusion speaker, and best-selling author of the book “Inclusive Intelligence", Furkan states that "diversity" and "inclusion" are often buzzwords used as marketing tools which carry little real weight in organisations. She and Christine discuss how fearful leaders can take inclusive action, tackle unconscious bias through self-awareness, and stimulate genuine discussion around inclusivity and diversity through training and using Furkan's gamified approach. 

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What is the real meaning and explanation of introversion and what unique power can it hold? Do many of us focus so much on the destination that we don’t give credit and time to the journey that got us there? How can we learn to choose the right inner voice to listen to when communicating? Mark Sciberras, a martial arts champion and teacher, joins Christine to discuss these questions and how his unique life experiences, including the cancer diagnosis he received at age 12, influence his thoughts, ideas and values. He shares his views on being an introvert and the many lessons he has learnt about communication in teaching. Mark and Christine also explore identity, the self-fulfilling prophecy and curse that can come with being labelled and why it’s ok to be selfish.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Mark Sciberras

Mark has spent the last 22 years teaching martial arts to students of all ages, from 4 to 70. An introvert who needs time to recharge, he has a keen awareness of the power of communication. Wise beyond his years, Mark takes a logical and practical approach to life. His mindset, even at the tender age of 12 when being treated for leukaemia, is very much growth-focused and adaptable. This extends to his teaching, allowing him to adjust his approach to meet the unique learning requirements of his students. He drops a few knowledge bombs in this episode, particularly for the parents of young children. 

https://johnlynnsbba.com/instructors/renshi-mark-sciberras/   

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SUICIDE HELPLINES: 

Ireland: https://www.pieta.ie/ 

UK: https://www.spuk.org.uk/ 

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