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Award-winning Inclusive Leadership Speaker, Writer, and Consultant

Helping Create More Inclusive and Thriving Organisations at the Intersection of Gender, Inclusion, and Equity.

Welcome to One Leader, Two Genders: A Vision for Inclusive Leadership, where corporate leadership, feminist advocacy, and LGBTQ+ inclusion intersect to create meaningful change. I believe the connection between Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is essential for shaping organisations' future.

With over two decades of corporate leadership experience, I’ve seen firsthand the barriers marginalised groups face. I’m committed to partnering with organisations to foster a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive.

As someone who has navigated leadership across two genders, I offer a unique perspective on gender diversity and intersectionality. My goal is to guide organisations in building intentional cultures where all individuals, regardless of identity, feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Key Areas of Expertise:

Demystifying gender and its intersectionality
The transformative power of language and inclusion
Exploring the impact of gender on women and marginalised groups
Understanding and advocating for the trans+ experience
Insights from the C-suite on diversity, inclusion, and corporate culture
Addressing gender-based privilege and its effects
Cultivating psychological safety for all, especially trans+ individuals
Leading with Acceptance Without Understanding™

I firmly believe that every organisation has the potential to cultivate a more inclusive and thriving culture. Let’s work together to turn that potential into reality.

Contact me today, and let’s begin the journey of creating a workplace where everyone truly belongs.

My Vision:

Together, we will create a world where the LGBTQ+ community and individuals navigating self-acceptance can thrive and contribute authentically to society. We will drive transformative change grounded in dignity, respect, and acceptance by championing human rights, fostering psychological safety, and promoting inclusive leadership. Through One Leader, Two Genders, we work to build environments where everyone’s true colours can flourish.

“Cynthia shared her own experiences, the importance of allyship, key points about DEI. For days after, employees shared how Cynthia impacted them with her words. Strongly recommend Cynthia as a well-versed in DEI that can speak to a broad audience with an ability to connect with all listeners.”

- Lead Diversity Practioner, Mimecast, USA

Award-Winning

Cynthia Fortlage BDA shortlist 2024.jpeg

2016, 2017, 2018

My Story

One Leader, Two Genders: A Vision for Inclusive Leadership

As a business executive and board leader, I followed the traditional paths to success. However, like many, I didn’t find self-actualisation through conventional means. Instead, I discovered a deeper clarity about the disconnection in my life. Throughout my 30+ year career, I had always prioritised developing others, but it wasn’t until I turned that focus inward that my own transformation began.

As a woman with a trans+ history and more than three decades in the corporate world, I’ve experienced the challenges that people of all genders face in the workplace. My commitment is to create spaces where everyone—regardless of gender—can feel they truly belong.

Leveraging my unique perspective as a leader who has navigated both genders, I partner with organisations to foster inclusive cultures that embrace diversity. I believe every individual deserves to feel safe, respected, and empowered in their professional environment.

My Mission:

We empower organisations globally to cultivate inclusive and safe spaces where individuals of all genders experience a genuine sense of belonging. Drawing from my unique experience—one leader with two genders of leadership insight—I help guide businesses through the complexities of gender, inclusion, and equity. Together, we can create workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive.

"Cynthia was our guest speaker at The King's Fund in honour of Trans Day of Visibility 2022 and our team is still talking about the session she led weeks later. In advance of the session, Cynthia took the time to get to know the team and understand how best she could tailor her message to make the session accessible and ensure it met our objectives and expectations. On the day itself, she was a true professional - gracious and open in the sharing of her personal story and in her invitation for questions, even staying longer to make sure that our questions were answered. Cynthia was able to open a conversation that had previously felt inaccessible and used the power of connection to stimulate learning, combat misinformation and promote acceptance. I could not be more pleased with the way the session unfolded and thoroughly recommend her services. If you're on the fence and thinking about it, don't hesitate - book her today.."

- Dana James-Edwards, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Specialist

Acceptance without Understanding™

The Secret to Creating Spaces Where People Feel They Belong

From a young age, we’re taught to ask why—to seek understanding before offering acceptance. However, when it comes to diverse identities and experiences, Acceptance without Understanding™ invites us to shift this mindset. We don’t need to fully understand each other’s journeys to offer respect and acceptance; we need to begin by accepting one another as human beings.

Acceptance without Understanding™ teaches us that each of us is a unique individual, navigating our own path. In building truly inclusive cultures, we don’t require a full understanding of someone’s identity to create spaces of belonging. By starting with acceptance, we make room for everyone to thrive.

Start with Acceptance without Understanding

Grow to Acceptance with Understanding

- Cynthia Fortlage

Living with acceptance nurtures your spirit, helps you overcome personal challenges, and empowers you to thrive in diverse cultures—personally and professionally.

"Teaching others acceptance struck me as Cynthia's capacity for being extremely serious, assertive, decisive, but warm and caring. Following her activity, I am amazed at how powerful it can be to show your own vulnerability and experience to educate others. Cynthia is doing that, one conversation at a time."

- LinkedIn Employee (LinkedIn Event)