What’s in a word? How language shapes inclusion and belonging
Language shapes how we understand ourselves, how we relate to others, and whether people feel included or excluded. As society and workplaces change, so does the meaning of words. Terms that one generation may see as empowering can carry different meanings for another, shaped by lived experience and identity. At a time when many people want to be inclusive but worry about getting it wrong, this discussion will explore how language affects belonging, how meaning can differ across generations and communities, and practical ways to navigate conversations with more confidence, curiosity and care.
Together, we'll explore:
-
How the meaning of language changes across generations and identities, including examples where words have been reclaimed, redefined or experienced differently over time.
-
How language choices can build understanding and help people feel respected, heard and included.
-
Practical ways to be an active ally or bystander, including how to respond when language causes harm or discomfort.
-
Simple approaches for starting conversations and asking questions with openness, curiosity and confidence.
Join a conversation that’s open to everyone, whatever your role, age, experience or background. Come curious and ready to learn from others. The panel discussion will be followed by interactive breakout conversations, giving attendees the opportunity to share perspectives, reflect on the issues raised, and continue the dialogue in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.
About the Speakers:
Obehi Alofoje is a psychologist, executive coach, behavioural change specialist, and Managing Director of Aurora, a leadership and organisational effectiveness consultancy.
She works with senior leaders, executive teams, and People leaders to build psychologically safe leadership, sustainable performance, and healthy workplace cultures, particularly in professional services and other high-accountability environments.
Her work is often focused on organisations where wellbeing initiatives exist but pressure remains high, difficult conversations around leadership, inclusion, and performance struggle to progress, and organisational success depends on a small number of people quietly holding everything together. She helps leaders address the underlying causes of burnout, disengagement, and cultural challenges rather than simply treating the symptoms.
Laura is a Partner in the Employment department, and specialises in all aspects of employment law acting for a wide range of public and private sector employers. Laura takes pride in working as business partner to her HR clients, and really getting to know the ins and outs of each business and its commercial goals as an employer. Laura regularly acts for respondents in complex and valuable tribunal claims. Laura advises on all employee relations matters including disciplinary and grievance issues, sickness absence, capability issues, restructures and redundancies and employment contracts.
Tom Henderson-Griffiths is a Manchester based HR professional, and a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD. With almost 20 years of experience from sectors including; Banking, Leisure, Retail, FMCG, Energy, Waste and IT, he eventually found is home working in consultancy. For the last 2 and a half years, Tom has worked closely with another pro-manchester member Alastair Swindlehurst with his company EZHR.
EZHR provides HR services to companies of all shapes and sizes ranging from those too small to have their own HR team, to those with big HR teams that need extra skills or pairs of hands. Tom‘s often been described as firm but fair, passionate, and determined. Outside of his consulting activities Tom proudly works as a successful drag artist on the UK Cabaret and Comedy Circuits, his performing name is Aunty Ginger and he welcomes all to look him up…though he’s suggested you do this on a personal device rather than a work computer (fair warning for adult humour)! Tom is looking forward to working with pro-manchester and is happy to share his experiences, battle scars of being LGBTQ, Neurodivergent and an Artist at the same time as a serious HR professional.
Interested In The Event?
If you’re interested in attending, you can book online here.
For any further enquires about this event, contact [email protected]
