I’m In Podcast Episode 51 | Supporting Trans People into the Workplace: Building Cultures of Belonging

Episode 51 of our monthly I’m In podcast, sponsored by Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland is available for our members to listen to today!

In this episode, Phil Street FIH discusses: Supporting Trans People into the Workplace: Building Cultures of Belonging. Joined by Edward Gallier FIH, Head of Learning & Development at Leonardo Hotels, Damien Martin MIH, General Manager at The Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff, and Mark Grant MIH, Chair of our IoH Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Council, Phil leads an open and constructive conversation about how hospitality businesses can better support trans people in the workplace, and, more broadly, how we can create cultures where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to be themselves.

In this episode, Phil and his guests discussed:

• What “supporting trans people into the workplace” truly means in practice
• Why culture and belonging are more powerful than compliance
• How language signal respect and inclusion
• Creating psychologically safe spaces for dialogue and education
• Balancing belief systems, dignity, and organisational values
• The importance of allyship and calling out poor behaviour from guests as well as colleagues
• Measuring inclusion beyond numbers: belonging, engagement, and lived experience
• The role of leadership, communication, and technology in building inclusive workplaces

Why Our Guests Said, “I’m In!”

Edward Gallier FIH: For Edward, joining the IoH is about professional recognition and raising standards of learning and development across hospitality, ensuring everyone receives the growth and respect they deserve.

Damien Martin MIH: Damien sees the IoH as a vital resource for development and recognition, helping his team learn, grow, and bring their best selves to work every day.

Mark Grant MIH: As Chair of the IoH DEIB Council, Mark champions hospitality’s welcoming nature and its potential to reflect society’s best values: opportunity, inclusion, and community.

Highlights from this episode:

• Edward Gallier FIH – “Creating a culture where everyone can feel they belong — that’s the real measure of success.”
• Damien Martin MIH – “Hospitality is about welcoming everyone. Inclusivity isn’t optional.”
• Mark Grant MIH – “If someone has a problem with you, it doesn’t have to become a problem for you. Don’t wait for someone else to act. Speak up. Be an ally.”

Creating truly inclusive workplaces starts with conversation, courage, and consistency. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion that gets to the heart of what belonging really means in hospitality.

Members can follow the link below to listen to this episode now!

If you have any feedback about the show or would like to be a future guest, please contact Phil Street at phil.street@instituteofhospitality.org

Listening to this podcast counts toward your CPD activity.

Members can listen to Episode 51 now!