Current  Webinars and Workshops

Listening Circles

Creating space for honest conversations, connection and positive change

20% Direct Booking Discount (New Clients)

25%. Returning Client Discount

What becomes possible when people feel heard?

Listening Circles bring colleagues together to share perspectives, explore experiences and discuss what would help them feel more connected, supported and able to thrive at work.

These informal, thoughtfully facilitated conversations create opportunities to hear voices that may be missing from everyday discussions, understand what sits behind staff feedback and involve colleagues in shaping a healthier workplace culture.

Whether exploring wellbeing, belonging, workplace relationships or organisational change, the starting point is simple: listen with curiosity, respect different experiences and consider what we can learn from one another.

What is a Listening Circle

A Listening Circle is a small group conversation with a clear purpose and enough flexibility for participants to influence its direction.

As facilitator, I provide gentle structure through conversation starters, reflection and accessible activities. My role is to encourage participation, make space for different perspectives and help the group explore what matters to them.

The atmosphere is welcoming, informal and interactive. There is no preparation required, no expectation to have the “right words” and no pressure to share personal experiences. Listening is a valued way to take part.

Making it easier to take part

Some colleagues will feel comfortable speaking openly. Others may be unsure what to expect, concerned about confidentiality or more comfortable listening first.

Creating psychological safety is central to my approach. We agree how to listen without judgement, respect differences and protect one another’s privacy. Participants can pass on any question and contribute as much or as little as feels comfortable.

Confidentiality expectations and their limits are explained clearly at the outset. Where the organisation wishes to gather feedback, participants will know in advance what will be captured, how it will be used and who will receive it. Summaries focus on agreed broad themes and practical suggestions, avoiding identifying details and personal stories.

How individuals can benefit

Being listened to can help people feel recognised, valued and less alone in their experiences. A Listening Circle offers space to:

·      Pause and reflect on everyday pressures and experiences.

·      Hear different perspectives and recognise shared challenges.

·      Build confidence in expressing needs and asking for support.

·      Develop connections with colleagues.

·      Contribute ideas about what would make working life better.

How teams can benefit

Listening Circles can help colleagues understand one another beyond their roles and responsibilities. They offer opportunities to explore assumptions, strengthen relationships and consider how everyday communication and behaviour affect others.

For teams navigating uncertainty, change or difficult working relationships, these conversations can help identify what supports trust, what gets in the way and what people need from one another.

How organisations can benefit

Staff surveys can show where concerns exist. Listening Circles can help organisations understand the experiences behind those findings.

They can provide insight into barriers to wellbeing, belonging and participation, while giving colleagues a voice in identifying practical improvements. Themes may inform manager development, communication, support provision, working practices and wider culture change.

Their value depends on what happens afterwards. Sharing what has been heard, what action is being considered and what may take longer helps colleagues understand how their contributions are influencing decisions.

 Just wanted to send a quick thanks for the talk this morning- the presentation was fantastic and I think it was really lovely having so much time to go over questions from colleagues. It was so informative and helpful, and I’m sure lots of the attendees (including myself) will feel really supported and empowered to receive the support they need thanks to your time! It’s really nice to see things like this begin to pop up more and more at the BL.

Thank you for this, really, really helpful, especially the reminder/confirmation, that what will help, helps us all, so the methods and approaches to inclusivity don't need to be seen as targeted, so much as best practice. 

I just wanted to say -- WOW, you’re just brilliant. I thought your delivery was spot on, your genuinely lovely personality comes across so well (don’t know how you do that on zoom with no feedback / no faces!) and everything you said made a lot of sense. As I couldn’t type ‘thanks’ at the time, I’m typing it now: !Thanks! 

I really liked how you completely normalised neurodiversity and emphasised how we are all unique and rich in different ways.

The presentation was fantastic and I think it was really lovely having so much time to go over questions from colleagues. It was so informative and helpful, and I’m sure lots of the attendees (including myself) will feel really supported and empowered to receive the support they need thanks to your time! It’s really nice to see things like this begin to pop up more and more at the BL.

Your manner is so right for this kind of thing, I loved how you smiled throughout the presentation – I was thinking I should probably try to learn from how you presented (I hate presenting) as it was so clear and not boring for one second. 

You were so at-ease I’m sure that makes the audience feel really comfortable and able to ask questions. 

Thank you for this, really, really helpful, especially the reminder/confirmation, that what will help, helps us all, so the methods and approaches to inclusivity don't need to be seen as targeted, so much as best practice. 
Thank you very much to David for his talk and to the network for organising! Very informative and with practical information for supporting all colleagues. Thank you!
British Library, Neurodiversity at Work

"The session was amazing! David is a great speaker. He engaged with all the participants and created a safe and encouraging space for everyone." - Christopher, Talent Manager, Fox's Burton's Companies UK

"It was a great session, he was refreshingly positive and brought great colour to our LGBT+ Pride Month session. We all learnt a few new things and the takeaways were 'be proud of who you are, we are all interesting colourful human beings'. A very thought-provoking session, I would definitely recommend David." - Gini, HR Manager, Nuvia UK 

"We received a lot of positive feedback following David joining us for our Pride event this year, he was very engaging and relatable, he made part of the talk interactive which I think was great for engagement. We’d recommend David, and would use him again." - Lynda, People Business Partner UK, Ericsson

"The session with David went awesome! Thanks for all of your help coordinating the speaker and event." - Olivia, Health Recovery Solutions

"David's observance of human behaviour and ability to go straight to the heart of the problem is to be praised" - National Probation Service

"I would highly recommend any company to employ his services to increase the emotional wellbeing of staff, raise the awareness of staff diversity within management, to develop a fully inclusive workplace and to raise business productivity" - National Probation Service

"Thank you very much for such an informative talk. Good practical advice" - Pride in Education Conference

"Thank you so much for the session David! It was really insightful and inspiring" - Pride in Education Conference

"We had such a great time on Friday, David is a lovely man and is so knowledgeable. Staff spoke to me after the session and said that this was the best one they had even been to!" - Massimo, Enfield Council

"He was fantastic and had the audience highly engaged - our best attended Pride event yet!" - Sam, KP Snacks 

“David and Toni were absolutely amazing today. It was such a thoughtful discussion and they did such a nice job of fielding the additional questions that came up during the session as well, we are so grateful to have had them both lending their time and expertise. We are looking forward to our next event!” - Rhiannon, Project Lead, Partner Voice & Analytics, Holman