— Browse through my writing through my blog now titled:
in other words

Inclusive leadership evolution: from diversity to equity
In today’s complex and diverse workplaces, inclusive leadership has become a vital tool for fostering innovation, engagement, and equity. But how did this transformative approach come to be? From its early roots in social psychology to its current role in addressing systemic inequities, inclusive leadership has evolved to meet the challenges of modern organizations.

Redefining productivity in the age of AI: thinking, connecting and being human
AI is a powerful tool. It can take over repetitive tasks, provide insights at scale, and free up time. But here’s the paradox: instead of embracing the opportunity AI presents, we often respond by filling every possible minute with more work—more content, more emails, more meetings. We assume that if we are not creating something tangible, we are not productive. This is a missed opportunity. The real value of AI is not in replacing us but could be in giving us back time—time we could use for deep thinking, reflection, and the kind of human interactions that can’t be automated.

Good works! Introducing the Good Comms podcast
Over the years, people have often called me a “story collector.” As a former journalist, I wear that title proudly. But beyond collecting stories, I’ve experienced firsthand what it means to feel excluded at work—and the profound impact that had on my sense of belonging and ability to contribute.
That experience led me to research belonging at work and discover what it takes to create environments where everyone feels safe, seen, and valued. Those insights have shaped my career and now, they shape this podcast.

Rebuilding trust through inclusive leadership: Lessons from the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer
The Edelman Trust Barometer is an annual global survey that tracks trust and credibility across four key institutions: government, business, media, and NGOs. Its 2025 edition sends a clear and urgent message to leaders across the globe: trust in institutions is eroding, and societal grievances are at an all-time high. For leaders committed to building inclusive, equitable spaces, this report offers both a wake-up call and a roadmap for change.

Building vision and connection with LEGO® Serious Play®
In a recent strategy workshop, the IABC EMENA team embraced the creative power of LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) to reflect on their achievements, envision the future, and set priorities for 2025. By combining creativity with strategy, the team explored their strengths, celebrated progress, and crafted a shared vision for the year ahead. This dynamic approach not only inspired actionable insights but also deepened the team’s connection, ensuring their mission remains impactful and grounded in meaningful growth.

Inclusive leadership: What it is and why anyone can lead inclusively
Leadership today is about more than just managing tasks or achieving goals—it’s about creating workplaces where every individual feels they belong and are valued for their unique contributions. This is the essence of inclusive leadership, a transformative leadership style that is increasingly recognized as essential in our diverse and interconnected world.

When giants shrink, inclusive leaders stand firm
The rollback of BDEI commitments is an opportunity for leaders at all levels to reflect on what inclusivity truly means. It’s not about performative gestures or surface-level initiatives. It’s about building organizations where diverse perspectives are valued, equity is prioritized, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of the company. Inclusive leadership requires courage — now more than ever.

52 weeks of BDEI: from inclusive communication to inclusive leadership
Last year (was it already a year?), I committed to blogging about Belonging, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (BDEI = 52 weeks of BDEI) every week and what an experience it has been! What began as an ambitious commitment to dive deep into the nuances of BDEI has not only been a learning experience but has also provided a foundation for actionable insights that organizations can implement. It laid the groundwork for what comes next.

Thank you, 2024
We have come to the last stretch of the year — that quiet, strange moment after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and before a new year begins again. Being a parent here in the Netherlands tied to school holidays, I have come to enjoy this week. It is when I look back and take stock of my year. And when I do that, I am usually surprised, and say, “Oh, what a year!”

My best BDEI reads so far
I began exploring diversity and inclusion in 2018. By 2020, during my academic research on belonging, I found the literature was still in its early stages, with only 60,500 academic results on Google Scholar for “diversity, inclusion, and belonging.” In contrast, 24,100 results were published between 2021 and 2024, signaling growing attention to these critical topics. So where do you begin to practice DEIB effectively?

My story on the IABC EMENA podcast
The IABC EMENA Podcast has always been more than a platform for communication professionals—it’s been a space to amplify diverse voices and share ideas that inspire change. As I step into the role of host, I’m honored to continue this legacy and bring my own twist to the show.

Inclusive holiday greetings: saying more by assuming less
The holiday season is rich with traditions, but it’s also an opportunity to connect across differences. Saying “Merry Christmas” might feel natural for some of us, but in a diverse world, assuming everyone celebrates the same way can unintentionally exclude others. Crafting inclusive greetings—like “Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright New Year”—allows us to embrace the season’s spirit without assumptions. Let’s make this season about connection, thoughtfulness, and truly spreading good cheer.