Many people don’t feel comfortable being themselves in the workplace - even in organisations that are genuinely committed to inclusion, individuals can still feel the need to “edit” parts of who they are to fit in.

Carly Shorter, communication facilitator and founder of Communicate Powerfully, says that can show up as holding back ideas, avoiding difficult conversations, downplaying aspects of identity, or quietly disconnecting.

“Over time, that lack of alignment can affect confidence, wellbeing, engagement, and trust.”

Carly is partnering with Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion to deliver a new online workshop that explores inclusion from the inside out - starting with self-awareness.

Free to Be Me creates a structured and safe space for people to pause and reflect on their own experience of belonging and self-expression.

“When we feel more able to show up as ourselves, we and the organisations we work for benefit from stronger engagement, clearer communication, and more authentic connection.”

Carly believes the most valuable learning outcome for participants in the new workshop will be clarity.

“You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of where you feel most able to be yourself, at work - and where you might be holding back.

“That snapshot of current self-expression often creates powerful insight. It gives us language for something we may have felt for a long time but not being able to articulate.”

Alongside that awareness, participants walk away with practical tools and reflection prompts they can use to create small, meaningful shifts in how they show up - in conversations, relationships, and workplace settings.

“It’s not about dramatic change in a few hours. It’s about insight that can spark change over time.”

The workshop also covers the balance between authentic self-expression and reactive behaviour.

“Being authentic does not mean being unfiltered or disregarding professional context. Workplaces still require respect, boundaries, and consideration of others.”

Participants are encouraged to reflect on how they can bring more of themselves into work in a way that strengthens connection and trust, rather than undermines it.

Through Communicate Powerfully, Carly has developed and delivered programmes grounded in adult learning science and real-world application, supporting individuals and organisations to strengthen confidence, courageous conversations, and authentic leadership.

Her first career was in radio, which taught her a lot about presence and voice, but also how easy it is to wear masks.

“I became highly attuned to what I thought people wanted to hear. I learned how to sound professional, polished, and composed - without always asking what parts of myself I was editing out in the process.”

This lived insight has given Carly a unique perspective on the tension people feel when authenticity and professionalism seem to be in conflict, allowing her to guide this conversation with structure and empathy.

The first Free to Be Me workshop will be held online on Wednesday, 22 April. Book your place now.