Inclusive communication – Good Comms

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The power of nuance in an age of superlatives

Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

In a previous post, I explored how nuance is often matched with native speakers sometimes have the privilege of being imprecise with language. When words come easily, it’s tempting to reach for dramatic phrases without thinking carefully about what they really mean. But nuanced thinking doesn’t belong only to native speakers. In fact, people who’ve had to learn languages carefully—weighing each word choice—often develop sharper skills for recognizing complexity and avoiding oversimplification.

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Good communication goes beyond mother-tongue fluency

Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

‘Native speaker’ sounds like a standard of excellence, but is it really? In many organisations, someone’s mother tongue is still seen as the gold standard for language skill. But look closer, and that assumption doesn’t hold up, and it often excludes talented professionals. In this blog, I make the case for a more inclusive understanding of language expertise: one that focuses not on where you’re from, but on what you can actually do with language.

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Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

Goede communicatie gaat verder dan moedertaal

Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

‘Native speaker’ klinkt als een kwaliteitslabel, maar is dat het ook? In veel organisaties wordt moedertaalgebruik nog steeds gezien als dé maatstaf voor taalvaardigheid. Maar wie goed kijkt, ziet dat deze aanname niet alleen onjuist is, maar ook mensen uitsluit. In deze blog breek ik een lans voor een inclusiever taalbegrip: eentje dat niet focust op afkomst, maar op wat iemand écht met taal kan.

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Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

A blind man uses a computer with headphones in a library, highlighting technology's role in accessibility.

The European Accessibility Act: Essential do’s and don’ts for communication professionals

Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

On 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) officially takes effect and if you work in communication, you need to care.

Because whether you’re crafting web copy, producing videos, writing internal newsletters, or managing social content, you’re shaping how people access information. And soon, how you do that won’t just be a nice-to-have. It’ll be the law.

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Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

Your story matters

Belonging at work, Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

Why do communicators struggle to tell their own stories? In this episode of the IABC EMENA region podcast, I speak with storytelling strategist Lucy Eckley about how to craft a personal narrative that connects, inspires, and leads.

From a practical five-part framework to insights on inclusion, visibility, and career growth, this episode will help you own your story with clarity and confidence.

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Belonging at work, Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

On growing gardens, internal communities and causing quiet revolutions

Employee communication, Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

In the latest episode of the IABC EMENA region podcast, I spoke with internal community strategist Tony Stewart about what it takes to build purposeful communities within organisations. Using the metaphor of a garden, Tony invites us to rethink internal community management as intentional, strategic, and deeply human work.

From the hidden value of employee resource groups to the quiet revolutions that start with a single translated message, this conversation is for anyone navigating culture, communication, or change inside organisations.

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Employee communication, Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

IABC EMENA cover showing interviewee Chaya Mistry on the left and host Chared Verschuur on the right.

Moving beyond sustainability: Why regenerative leadership is the future

Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

What if organizations didn’t just sustain but actively restored and revitalized their people and environments? In my recent conversation with Chaya Mistry, human leadership and communication coach, we explored how regenerative leadership moves beyond sustainability into transformation.

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Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

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Muren of bruggen: wat bouwen wij vandaag?

Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

Een open gesprek voeren lijkt steeds moeilijker. De een noemt het ‘woke’, de ander ‘fascistisch’, en voor je het weet zijn we geen mensen meer, maar karikaturen van een standpunt. Polarisatie voelt soms als een spiraal waar we niet meer uitkomen. Maar waarom eigenlijk? En belangrijker: hoe komen we er weer uit?
Anabel brings a wealth of experience in conscious business, cultural transformation, and leadership development. In our conversation, we explored how leaders can move beyond performative inclusion to create real, lasting change.

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Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

IABC EMENA cover showing interviewee Dr. Claudia Gross on the left and host Chared Verschuur on the right.

Shaping the future of communication, one word at a time

Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

Language is more than just words—it shapes how we think, how we act, and ultimately, the world we create. In the latest episode of the IABC EMENA Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Claudia Gross, a communication expert, organizational consultant, and author of Words Create Worlds. We explored the profound impact of green words, a concept that shifts communication from restrictive and fear-based to hopeful and action-oriented.

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Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership

Mosaic of photos celebrating 2024 with 'thank you' in 3 languages in the middle

Thank you, 2024

Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership, Updates

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!”

Thank you, 2024 Read More »

Inclusive communication, Inclusive leadership, Updates