Being Safe People - with Cath Blayney

Being Safe People - with Cath Blayney

From Speaking of Inclusion... by Katie Allen Consulting Limited

April 14, 2026 · 1h 10m · Season 3 · Episode 64

About this episode

Katie Allen and Cath Blayney discuss the importance of being a 'safe person' in the context of allyship and inclusion.

In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion... I am joined by Cath Blayney , a liberation coach for black and brown leaders and an allyship coach for white coaches, consultants, and healers. Cath and I first met when she approached me on LinkedIn about my own behaviour and language... a story you can hear more about in this episode! Together, we explore what it really means to be a "safe person" rather than just creating so-called safe spaces. Our conversation weaves through stories of vulnerability, identity, race, and the everyday realities of allyship… both its challenges and its power. Cath generously shares her journey, from working with head teachers in education to supporting anti-racism in organisations, and how her own mixed heritage informsher work. We discuss how organisations and individuals can move beyond platitudes and box-ticking exercises, towards honest self-reflection and genuine behavioural change. We also talk through our own learning moments, including times when mistakes have been made in the name of inclusion, and what it takes to lean into the discomfort thatbrings. Here are three key takeaways from this episode: 1. Safe spaces are only as…

People in this episode

Host: Katie Allen

Guest: Cath Blayney

Topics covered

  • allyship
  • identity
  • race
  • vulnerability
  • self-reflection
  • behavioural change

Keywords

  • safe spaces
  • allyship
  • self-awareness
  • anti-racism
  • mixed heritage
  • inclusion
  • vulnerability

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Katie Allen Consulting Limited

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