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Short, practical writing on culture, identity, and belonging at work, and what the signals there point to.

A man with short dark hair and stubble looks directly at the camera with a serious expression. The right half of his face dissolves into teal and blue pixel squares that scatter outward across a cream background.

A man with short dark hair and stubble looks directly at the camera with a serious expression. The right half of his face dissolves into teal and blue pixel squares that scatter outward across a cream background.

Proof of humanity required: What constant doubt is doing to us

If you write too well, you might be accused of relying on a machine. What happens to creativity, confidence, and belonging at work when brilliance always needs a receipt?

Aug 7

A collage of June moments. Protesters hold a “Black Lives Matter” sign and a partially visible sign naming Breonna Taylor. A crowd carries signs reading “This is what democracy looks like” and “Liberty and justice for all.” A Loving Day graphic shows two hands of different skin tones forming a heart. A Juneteenth Freedom graphic shows a gold star on red, black, and green. A rainbow graphic reads “Celebrate Pride.” Marchers with American flags carry a “No Kings” banner down a city street. A center panel reads “June Is Not Just a Month, It’s a Mirror.”

A collage of June moments. Protesters hold a “Black Lives Matter” sign and a partially visible sign naming Breonna Taylor. A crowd carries signs reading “This is what democracy looks like” and “Liberty and justice for all.” A Loving Day graphic shows two hands of different skin tones forming a heart. A Juneteenth Freedom graphic shows a gold star on red, black, and green. A rainbow graphic reads “Celebrate Pride.” Marchers with American flags carry a “No Kings” banner down a city street. A center panel reads “June Is Not Just a Month, It’s a Mirror.”

June is not just a month. It’s a mirror.

Pride. Juneteenth. Loving Day. Protest. Power. June holds multitudes, and it shows us what our workplaces are really mirroring. Includes a quick inclusion scan you can use with your team.

Jun 17, 2025

A bearded man in a white shirt with red tape over his mouth glances sideways while carrying a box of office belongings, including a potted plant and binders. A blurred colleague sits in the background. A panel reads “From Free Speech to Fear Speech: When Language Becomes a Liability.”

A bearded man in a white shirt with red tape over his mouth glances sideways while carrying a box of office belongings, including a potted plant and binders. A blurred colleague sits in the background. A panel reads “From Free Speech to Fear Speech: When Language Becomes a Liability.”

From free speech to fear speech: When language becomes a liability

We’re being asked to play Taboo in real life: talk about identity, justice, and inclusion without using the words that define them. Avoiding the words doesn’t change reality. It just reveals discomfort with acknowledging it.

Mar 15, 2025

Four smiling young adults hold up large wooden letters spelling VOTE in red, white, and blue. A panel reads “Election Talk at Work: Balancing Professionalism, Identity, and Dialogue.”

Four smiling young adults hold up large wooden letters spelling VOTE in red, white, and blue. A panel reads “Election Talk at Work: Balancing Professionalism, Identity, and Dialogue.”

Election talk at work: Balancing professionalism, identity, and dialogue

Political conversations can be a source of both connection and conflict at work. How leaders can balance professionalism, identity, and open dialogue during election season.

Oct 23, 2024

The Culture Crucible helps organizations recognize the hidden signals shaping belonging, credibility, and collaboration at work.

BOOK

Podcast

Mixed Signals by Dr. Shawna M. Gann, shown in hardcover and ebook

Cover art for Our True Colors Podcast

Copyright 2026, The Culture Crucible, All Rights Reserved.

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