Inclusive Conversations: Building Confidence for Difficult Dialogue

Facilitated by Anna Croucher.

Creating inclusive workplaces often depends on our willingness to have honest, sometimes difficult conversations. Yet these moments can feel uncomfortable, and it’s not always clear how to approach them in a way that feels constructive and respectful.

In this one-hour session, we’ll explore the role that difficult dialogue plays in supporting inclusion, and why it can feel challenging to engage in these conversations. We’ll look at the common anxieties that show up, and how they can shape our responses in the moment.

You’ll be introduced to practical approaches to help you navigate these situations with greater confidence and clarity. This includes simple tools to stay grounded, communicate with intention, and remain open and engaged—even when the conversation feels stretched.

By the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to approach difficult conversations in a way that supports inclusion, alongside practical techniques you can start using straight away.

About the facilitator

Anna believes everyone deserves a voice and a place at the table. An Executive Coach and Occupational Therapist with over 20 years’ experience, her career began working alongside people living with psychosis to redesign services around lived experience, inclusion, and shared decision-making.

Since then, she has coached more than 1,000 people across health, corporate, and education settings, and facilitates workshops on well-being, confidence, resilience, and inclusive leadership. Alongside her coaching and facilitation work, Anna works in Research Engagement and Inclusion, helping underserved communities to be better represented in health and social care research. She has delivered workshops for organisations including the NHS and the International Labour Organisation, supporting people to overcome self-doubt, build confidence, and thrive both personally and professionally.