About this event
A thought-provoking discussion on the impact of cancel culture in professional spaces
A thought-provoking discussion on the impact of cancel culture in professional spaces, exploring the balance between accountability and growth, and how organisations can create environments where learning and inclusion thrive.
In today’s workplaces, accountability and inclusion are essential. However, cancel culture has increasingly created fear-driven environments, where employees and leaders struggle to engage in open conversations about sensitive topics. Rather than fostering learning and growth, organisations risk silencing dialogue, discouraging innovation, and reinforcing division.
This session explores the true cost of cancel culture in the workplace—from everyday team dynamics to leadership decision-making. How do we balance accountability with psychological safety? What happens when fear of being “canceled” prevents employees from asking questions, sharing ideas, or addressing challenges? And how do organisations ensure their commitment to inclusion doesn’t unintentionally create exclusionary practices?
We’ll also examine the critical role that HR leaders and people teams play in shaping workplace culture. As the gatekeepers of policies, training, and conflict resolution, people professionals are uniquely positioned to move organisations beyond fear and towards meaningful progress.
Join us for an insightful discussion where we’ll challenge polarising narratives, explore the nuances of accountability vs. punishment, and provide practical strategies for creating workplaces where learning, inclusion, and resilience thrive.
Key takeaways:
✅ Understanding cancel culture’s impact: how it manifests in workplaces and its unintended consequences.
✅ Accountability vs. punishment: differentiating between holding people responsible and shutting them out.
✅ Creating inclusive learning spaces: strategies to encourage open dialogue, continuous learning, and psychological safety.
✅ HR’s role in the conversation: how people teams can lead with nuance, foster trust, and drive lasting cultural change.
Timings & Venues
Please note that refreshments will be served next door at Novotel before we move to the main event at Ibis styles
17:30-18:30 - Refreshments served at Novotel London Bridge: 53-61 Southwark Bridge Rd, London SE1 9HH
18:30-21:00 - Main event at ibis Styles London Southwark: 43-47 Southwark Bridge Rd, London SE1 9HH
About the speaker
Multi award-winning DEI expert, international speaker, and founder of Same But Different, the world’s first joyful inclusion consultancy.
With over a decade in media and tech, Polina has worked with global brands including Xbox, Yahoo, Microsoft, Lego, Chanel, BMW, and Adidas helping them address common DEI challenges to create culture shifting initiatives for lasting change. She led a network of 10,000 women as Yahoo’s Women’s Inclusion Network Lead, served as 50:50 Parliament Diversity Advisor, and has been a Cultural Advisor and Racial Justice advocate for some of the world’s most influential companies.
Polina’s work centers on equipping leaders with the tools to drive inclusion, without fear of missteps or backlash. As a UN Women delegate and social impact advisor supporting refugees and domestic violence charities, she understands firsthand the importance of balancing accountability with growth.
In this session, she will challenge the oversimplified narratives around cancel culture, helping people professionals and business leaders reclaim their role as culture-shapers who lead with compassion, courage, and critical thinking.
Please note:
- Reminder emails will be sent to you the day before, with a further reminder on the day of the event.
- Photography and video production may be taking place at the event, and these images may be used in the CIPD newsletters.
- By attending the event, you are giving consent for your image to be used on any CIPD promotional materials.
- As we are supplying refreshments, if you can no longer attend, please cancel your place either on Eventbrite, or by responding to the confirmation email.
- This event may include an external speaker who has prepared their own presentation. Any views or opinions expressed by the speaker are their own and do not reflect those of the CIPD.
- Please note that refunds for CIPD non-member tickets will only be available until seven days prior to the event, any cancelled tickets after this will not receive a refund.
- If you require any reasonable adjustments to enhance your experience, please get in contact with us by responding to this email and we will do our best to accommodate.
