The Courage to Converse: Transforming People, Organizations, and Culture Through Dialogue

Abstract

In an era where workplaces are more diverse, interconnected, and fast-changing than ever, one of the most overlooked drivers of organizational success is the ability to engage in courageous conversations. The honest, empathetic, and sometimes uncomfortable dialogues that move individuals and organizations from avoidance to accountability, and from tension to transformation. My study introduces a simple but powerful idea, that transformation begins with the courage to converse. This presentation reframes courageous conversations not as a DEI exercise or conflict-management tactic, but as a strategic business competency. It offers a perspective on how communication rooted in empathy, curiosity, and clarity can improve decision-making, strengthen leadership, and create psychologically safe workplaces where people feel seen and valued. Learning objectives include: Understand what core components of creating a culture of belonging. Learn simple, actionable strategies for approaching difficult conversations with empathy and curiosity by using the step by step toolkit.

Presenters

Karen Mighty
Director of DEI, The George Hull Centre for Children and Families, Ontario, Canada

Details

Presentation Type

Workshop Presentation

Theme

Organizational Diversity

KEYWORDS

BELONGING,ENGAGEMENT,RETENTION,STAFFMORAL,COMMUNICATION TOOLS, INCLUSION