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The Speakers Agency (UK)

Why human communication still matters in the age of AI

As AI reshapes how we connect, this new piece explores the human skills algorithms can’t replicate, such as listening, presence, and emotional nuance, and how to protect them in meetings, teams, and virtual spaces.

Read more on the Speakers Agency blog to discover simple ways to keep human connection alive in the age of AI and rethink how you show up in your next conversation or meeting.

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Culture Croydon

Black introverts find their voice through film in Quiet Powers Workshop series

Funded by Culture Croydon, Richard leads a three-session smartphone filmmaking programme designed for Black introverts in the London borough of Croydon who want to tell their stories.

 

Participants learn to translate their personal narratives into visual films using only their phones, working at their own pace in a supportive environment. The programme culminates in a community screening.

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Geographical Association (GA)

Empowering quiet voices in the Geography classroom

How personality-inclusive teaching helps quieter students contribute meaningfully, challenging the idea that only the loudest voices shape learning and leadership in the classroom.

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Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)

Why PR needs to rethink its extrovert bias

PR has long favoured extroversion, but in this piece I explore why the industry must embrace introverted strengths like deep listening, empathy, and measured strategy to build authentic trust. Published by the CIPR, Europe’s largest professional body for PR with over 10,000 members worldwide, the article calls for a broader, more inclusive definition of influence.

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D&I Leaders

How do we release the fear of saying the wrong thing?

Many of us have hesitated before saying something about diversity or inclusion – worried we'll use the wrong word, cause offence, or get cancelled. This article from d&i Leaders explores why that fear has grown, why a degree of doubt is actually a healthy leadership quality, and what tools — from cultural intelligence to genuine dialogue — can help leaders move from paralysis to purpose.

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Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC)

“Everyone has a story to tell – we can learn from each other”

Featured interview in IoIC's Voice magazine, Richard reflects on lessons learned and the range of skills developed across media roles over 20 years, and how he applied them in his then-role as director of internal communications at Elsevier.

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ERG Blueprint

How ERGs can tell stories that drive real change

In this candid conversation, I explore why storytelling is the secret weapon ERGs need to transform from well-meaning groups into genuine partners in organisational change.

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Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence

From 10 Downing Street to The Introvert Space: Richard Etienne on authenticity

Discover how my time within central government helped me redefined leadership, from filming the UK Prime Minister to championing quiet brilliance. In this episode, I share easy-to-follow strategies for personal branding, authenticity, and creating inclusive workplaces where introverts truly thrive. Listen now for impactful insights.

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Strategic Global

 

From mute to memorable by speaking with impact

 

Quiet people make powerful speakers because they choose authenticity over volume. Drawing inspiration from The Introvert Space and communications specialist Vic Groskop, this article explores how clarity, vulnerability, and truth create presence that lasts.

 

 
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Tariq Peters interview

From 10 Downing Street to The Introvert Space

I was invited by celebrated personal branding coach Tariq Peters to share my journey from videographer to founder of The Introvert Space, highlighting how embracing introversion transformed his approach to leadership, storytelling, and inclusion. We went from my work behind the scenes at 10 Downing Street and the mission of Black Introvert Week UK to practical strategies for building authentic personal brands in extrovert-favouring environments.

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Strategic Global

The Quiet Power behind a thriving workplace

Is your workplace designed for performance, or just for the loudest voice in the room? Backed by data, empathy, and practical ideas, this article explores how embracing personality diversity boosts wellbeing, innovation, and collaboration for all.

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​For the Love of EDI with Rebekah Hayward

Listening to the often unheard: Introversion, Intersectionality and Inclusion

How introversion intersects with identity, race, and workplace culture, revealing hidden biases and opportunities for creating truly inclusive environments.

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Laboratory of Online Business (LOB) 2025

 

Authentic Storytelling and Personal Branding in Times of Uncertainty

I was invited to speak at LOB 2025, Ukraine’s largest business and leadership event organised by Genius.Space. My session, 'Authentic Storytelling and Personal Branding in Times of Uncertainty', reached a live audience in both the UK and Ukraine with simultaneous interpretation, highlighting the power of inclusive communication during times of change.

 

 
Quiet and Strong podcast

Quiet and Strong podcast

Richard Etienne on how to thrive as an introvert at work

I was invited by host David Hall to share practical strategies for improved communication, visibility, and confidence for introverts at work. I also share how my company The Introvert Space is reshaping workplace inclusion for quieter voices.

Speak to the Human

Speak to the Human | University of Cambridge

Richard Etienne on noticing the real person at work

‘Speak to the Human’ is a podcast about building connections in the workplace. In this episode, I share my experiences with world leaders, how curiosity has opened doors, and why I’m passionate about giving introverts more space to be heard.

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SHRM

How to give your workplace the introvert advantage it's missing

SHRM is the world's largest HR association dedicated to creating better workplaces that work for all. Here, I draw on 'TIMI' to provide a few easy-to-apply strategies for HR professionals seeking to create a truly inclusive workplace.

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Black Inclusion Week UK

No voice left behind - The intersectional Black experience

HSBC, Canary Wharf, was the impressive setting where alongside Bernadette Thompson OBE and Adeshola Akanji, I joined a powerful panel discussion, chaired by Shauna Roper, exploring the intersectional Black experience where every voice matters. Here, I focused on the intersectionality of personality type. 

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Against All Odds podcast

Going from washing dishes to the corridors of power

In this exclusive video interview with host Daniel Coker, I share the key turning points, mindset shifts, and practical tools that helped me overcome obstacles and create a lasting impact. Give it a watch and see what’s possible when determination meets opportunity.

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GovComms

Leading Quietly: The power of introverts at work

GovComms seeks to help government communicators deliver better outcomes for citizens and stakeholders. In this episode, we explore how introverts can lead, influence, and thrive in workplaces that often reward volume over value.

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The Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence

Rethinking Internal Communication for an Introverted Workforce

For HR, DEI, internal comms, and leadership professionals looking to build workplaces where all voices – loud or quiet – are valued. This episode explores how organisations can move past the outdated idea that only the loudest voices lead to success.

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D&I Leaders Webinar

The role of personality diversity in building inclusive teams

In this interactive conversation I chaired a discussion that explored how different personality types (e.g. introversion, extroversion, etc.) can impact communication, collaboration, and leadership behaviours within diverse teams.

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D&I Leaders

How introverts add value through quiet leadership

In this D&I Leaders article by Jo Faragher, I'm invited to share expert insights on how organisations can better recognise, include, and empower introverted professionals through inclusive language, recruitment, and workplace culture.

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HRMorning

Introverts at Work: 4 ways Human Resources can tap into hidden talents

HRMorning is the leading provider of HR news, industry happenings, and insights in the US. I highlighted introverts' strengths like deep thinking, creativity and focus, offering strategies for better integration.

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Culture by Neurodesign podcast

How to engage and retain your introvert talent

I was proud to be the first guest of Dr. Lisa Colledge's cognitive inclusion podcast. This episode explores how teams can leverage the strengths of introverts to create a more inclusive and productive work environment.

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The Comms Avenue

The Unseen Thread – The role of Internal Communications (IC) in shaping organisations

The Comms Avenue is a mission-driven community for communications professionals who are passionate about communications and dedicated to their professional growth. I was invited to share thoughts on the role of IC in driving success in today's evolving workplace.

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European Association of Communication Directors (EACD)

Unleash your quiet power

I spoke to a packed room of communication directors in Brussels, informing them how to build confidence, define their unique personal brand, and make their voice heard as introverts in the workplace.

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Imperial College London

Unleashing the quiet power of introverts at Imperial College London

I was invited to deliver a masterclass for Imperial alumni on how to build confidence, develop an authentic personal brand, and succeed as an introvert without chasing the spotlight. We unpacked practical tools for career growth, self-promotion, and the art of celebrating your wins on your own terms.

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Quietly Visible podcast

Developing authentic leadership styles for introverts

So many introverted leaders feel like they have to change who they are to succeed. If you’ve ever doubted the power of your quiet nature, this episode is for you. I speak with a leading voice in introversion for female professionals, Carol Stewart.

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The Standard podcast

How to get noticed as an introvert

I sat down with Nicola Barron from The Evening Standard Masterclasses to talk about being an introvert in the workplace and sharing tips on how to get noticed in a world where the 'squeaky wheel gets the grease'.

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Caribbean Global Awards 2024

Winner: Excellence in Digital Content

I received an award in recognition of my 'exceptional creativity, inspiration, and influence in the field of digital content creation' following the global impact of my 2019 documentary 'The iD Project: My Dominica Story'. ​​

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Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

Speaker: Black History Month 2024 - Reclaiming Narratives

I had the privilege of conducting one of my popular introversion masterclasses and joining a panel of esteemed voices in the EDI space within the financial sector and UK Civil Service.

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The Introverted Leaders Conference 2024

Event panel chair

A 'Quiety Visible' conference to shape the future of leadership, where I had the honour of chairing two panels aimed at challenging existing perceptions and empowering introverted leaders.

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The Voice Newspaper

Black History Month special, 2024

I speak with veteran editor at The Voice, Darell J. Philip, for a Black History Month Issue on 'Championing the cause Of The Black Introvert.'

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Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) - University of Oxford

In the spotlight: EDI speaker Richard Etienne

Read an interview where I shared my insights on the power of personality diversity in academia ahead of my keynote at the IDRM's Equity Diversity and Inclusion seminar on May 8th 2024.

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UK Black Comms Network (BCN)

Trailblazers and leaders: Richard Etienne 

I was interviewed by BCN, a professional collective dedicated to empowering and amplifying Black voices within the communications industry across the UK.

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Nurole Board Exec Search

Exlcusive Interview

In this interview, I share insights on leadership, transformation, and board diversity – from my experiences at the heart of government to my current role as a Hackney Empire Trustee.

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Hackney Empire

Trustee

Hackney Empire is a historic London theatre and cultural hub renowned for its vibrant performances and deep-rooted community engagement.

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SarcoidosisUK

Trustee

SarcoidosisUK is a charity dedicated to supporting those affected by sarcoidosis, raising awareness, and funding vital research into finding a cure for the disease.

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BAME Educators Network

Registered educator/speaker

The BAMEed Network is a movement initiated in response to the continual call for intersectionality and diversity in the education sector. They connect, enable and showcase the talent of diverse educators so they may inspire future generations and open up possibilities within education careers.

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Speakers' Corner Interview

Behind the scenes as 2022 Commonwealth Games Project Lead

A great opportunity to share unique insights from my Department for International Trade (now DBT) role, how remote work boosted quiet voices in meetings, the power of extrovert allyship, and my passion for ensuring every audience gains real value. A fascinating read on leadership, communication, and the future of events from an 'unlikely' introvert.

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Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC)

Voice magazine, interview

I look back on lessons learned and skills developed in various media roles over the past 20 years in an interview with the UK's largest internal communications network.

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Evening Standard

How to thrive as an introvert

Does life seem set up for extroverts? Evening Standard Masterclass host Richard Etienne has a guide to speaking up and getting noticed.

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TeachHappy

Introversion in the classroom: Time to speak up?

TeachHappy believes happiness and well-being should be central to education, making school enjoyable and fulfilling for both children and teachers. I spoke with its Communications Lead, Sam Bethune.

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Government Communication Service (GCS)

Nine questions with Richard Etienne

An oldie but a goodie from my time within the UK Civil Service, this Government Communications interview provided helpful tips for anyone starting out in a government comms career.

Get in touch

Feel free to reach out if you're inspired by anything you've seen here today or have any questions I may be able to help answer.

© 2026 Richard Etienne

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