We’ve been thinking a lot lately about what makes a workplace genuinely inclusive. Not just the places that talk about inclusion in their values statements, but the ones where people actually feel it.
Last week on the A Leader Like Me podcast, we had a chat with Garry Clarke-Strange that completely energized us. Garry’s the founder of Think Inclusion, an experienced HR and inclusion consultant, and (we’re thrilled to say) one of the newest members of our global team.
Garry’s career path feels refreshingly human. He’s worked across talent acquisition, business advisory, and D&I in everything from aviation to healthcare to broadcasting. Then he did something many of us dream about but few actually do – he uprooted his life, moved to Spain, and launched his own consultancy. Throughout it all, he’s led with this beautiful mix of compassion and courage that’s honestly inspiring.
But what really stuck with us from our conversation was his focus on something we don’t talk about enough in leadership: respectful curiosity.
“Inclusion is a feeling, not just a strategy”
When we asked Garry what inclusion means to him, he didn’t give us some textbook answer. He simply said:
“Inclusion is a feeling. It’s the culture that allows people to show up without masks. To feel like they belong. To be human.”
That hit us hard. Because let’s be honest – how many strategies actually translate into people feeling included?
This is where we think comms folks have such a crucial role. We’re not just pushing out messages – we’re actively shaping culture. The words we choose, our tone, the channels we select… all of these things impact whether someone feels seen and valued at work.
Garry reminded us that real inclusion starts with human-centered leadership – not leadership by title alone. It means moving beyond those performative actions (we all know them when we see them) and getting comfortable with the discomfort that comes with genuine change.
From Fear to Fulfilment: Finding Courage
We were fascinated by Garry’s personal journey. What makes someone leave a successful corporate career, move countries, and start a business all within a year? For him, it was about finally bringing his personal values in line with his professional life.
“I’m 45 and the happiest I’ve ever been,” he told us. “Not because life is perfect, but because I’m finally living a life that feels true to me. That’s what inclusion has given me—and that’s what I want to help others feel too.”
We often hear that inclusion is hard work (and it is!). But Garry reframes this brilliantly. He talks about joy. About how inclusion, when done with heart and intention, should bring joy – not fear.
Yet in so many organizations, the word “inclusion” still creates tension. Some leaders avoid the conversation because they’re terrified of saying the wrong thing. Others treat it like just another box to tick. But the truth? When done well, inclusion is one of the most powerful business tools you have.
Think about it – inclusive cultures lead to:
- Higher employee engagement
- Better retention of diverse talent
- More creativity and innovation
- Stronger trust in your brand, both internally and externally
And let’s talk about the human cost when inclusion fails: burnout, imposter syndrome, isolation, underperformance. These aren’t just personal issues; they directly impact your workplace culture. And as comms professionals, we’re uniquely positioned to highlight, address, and shift these patterns.
Respectful Curiosity: The Mindset Shift We Need
So how do we move from fear to fulfilment? Garry’s answer was refreshingly simple: curiosity.
“Respectful curiosity means you’re open to learning about things you don’t know,” he explained. “It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being willing to listen, to ask questions, and to evolve.”
This is where inclusive leadership begins. It’s not about having all the answers (thank goodness, because who does?). It’s about creating spaces where different perspectives can be heard, where people feel psychologically safe, and where different working styles are genuinely embraced—not just tolerated.
In practical terms, respectful curiosity might look like:
- Actually asking your team how they feel about workplace culture—and being ready to hear answers you might not like
- Opening yourself to different cultural, generational, and neurodiverse communication styles
- Taking a hard look at your internal comms channels to make sure they work for everyone, not just your desk-based staff
- Pushing yourself to learn about experiences outside your comfort zone and reflecting on how your leadership might need to evolve
The key is mindset. When we lead with curiosity rather than certainty, we unlock new ways of thinking and working that strengthen our culture from the inside out.
Internal Communications and Inclusion: Partners in Change
At A Leader Like Me, we’re convinced that inclusion and internal communications are inseparable. You simply can’t build inclusive cultures without clear, consistent, empathetic communication. And your internal comms won’t drive real engagement unless they’re rooted in authentic values and inclusive leadership behaviors.
That’s why working with Garry and our wider global team feels so energizing. We’re not here to “fix” organizations with some magic formula. We’re here to partner with them, to guide them as they evolve, to help leaders create environments where everyone—regardless of background—can truly shine.
As Garry put it, “Some days we’ll change one person’s experience. Other days it might be hundreds. Both are equally powerful.”
The Takeaway: Inclusion is Everyone’s Business
This conversation reminded us that inclusion isn’t the responsibility of just one department. It’s not HR’s job alone, or Comms’, or the CEO’s. It belongs to all of us.
If you’re a leader, communicator, or culture shaper—this episode is for you.
If you’ve ever wanted to drive meaningful change but worried about “getting it wrong”—this episode is for you.
If you believe in creating workplaces where people don’t have to leave parts of themselves at the door—this episode is definitely for you.
🎧 Listen now: Take a listen
📚 Explore our work and services: www.aleaderlikeme.com
🔗 Connect with Garry Clarke-Strange: https://thinkinclusionconsulting.com
