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  3. Cynthia Fortlage
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Cynthia Fortlage

Gender Diversity Speaker
CAF Services
Country or state 
United Kingdom
Available to 
Global
City 
London
Fee 
Languages 
English
Volunteer
Yes
Timezone 
Europe/London

Personal Details

Bio

Do you need a speaker with presence on stage who can engage your audience in thought provoking subjects with creativity and heart? Addressing timely topics such as Gender, Diversity, Leadership, Strategy and more? Look no further.

Through her unique lens on life, Cynthia is a speaker who shares insights that connect with audiences on every level. Applying these insights through her coaching practise provides insightful stories that inspire and move audiences through life changing stories.

Cynthia has been described by past audiences as;

“… an inspiring and positive speaker… able to connect with the listener on every level”

“… communicates in an easy down to earth way”

“... positive attitude and demeanor she exudes make her an amazing lecturer and teacher for those with in hearing distance”

“... she’s an amazing positive prolocutor … can’t wait to hear her again.”

Cynthia is an award-winning executive and board member. She is a well-spoken presenter and is well-publicized with media, analysts and business communities. She has extensive presentation experience with over 300 in person events in 25 countries.

Some Notable Awards:

> 2014-2016 Huffington Post named Ms. Fortlage to The Top 100 Most Social CIOs on Twitter

> 2016 CXO Talk Named Ms. Fortlage as one of the 20 Most Influential CIO's

> 2016-2018 Ms. Fortlage named to Top 100 LBGT Executives Out-standing.org and Financial Post

> 2019 Ms. Fortlage was a Finalist CIO of the Year by Women in IT Awards

> 2020 Leading LGBT+ Executives Outstanding & Yahoo Finance

Current position (1)

Gender Diversity Speaker

CAF Services

Degrees (3)
Women in Leadership
Cornell University
2018
Gamification
University of Pennsylvania
2014
Certificate Applied Management with a Information Technology Specialization GPA 3.5
University of Manitoba
1992 to 1997

Presentations

Presentations (9)
One Leader, Two Genders; My Views on Gender Diversity, Culture, and Acceptance

It is much more challenging being an executive as a woman than as a man. I should know; I have been both! At 50 and the peak of my professional success, I transitioned on the job. In this class, I will share what I learned and tips for organisations to be more diverse and inclusive, based on my philosophy of Acceptance without Understanding™.

They say you can’t change what you don’t know. Through this class, we will raise your conscious awareness so that you can begin to do the work necessary to ensure you are not contributing to the oppression of others and perhaps even become an ally for them.

We will discuss life, sexuality, gender, identity, privilege, and many other aspects. Along the way, I will share some stories to help you grasp the concepts we are talking about.

In this session, we will discuss;
- Acceptance without Understanding
- What is Gender
- Elements of Gender
- Different Identities
- Why language matters
- What I wish my employer had known
- Active Allyship
- Q&A

Psychological Safety for Transgender People at work

How do we create psychological safety for our transgender community without excluding the psychological safety of others? (In communal spaces/change rooms/lavatories). Both organisationally and at individual manager levels?

This is the question we will explore together in this lecture.

They say you can’t change what you don’t know. Through this class, we will raise your conscious awareness so that you can begin to do the work necessary to ensure you are not contributing to the oppression of others and perhaps even become an ally for them.

We will discuss many aspects that directly impact a transgender person's psychological safety, including the laws involved, rights, privileges, bias, and many other aspects. Along the way, I will share some stories to help you grasp the concepts we are talking about.

Join us for this engaging session with knowledge sharing and some answers that may provide a perspective you haven’t thought of yet.

Privilege 101 Workshop

Do you carry privilege? Have you ever done a privilege walk? Have you ever thought about what privilege looks like in your life? If your answer is No to most of these questions, then this session is for you.

There are 8 major aspects of socially constructed privilege, and in this class, we will explore two of them. You may not be aware of your privilege because of bias, so we need to explore that as well.

We will explore Gender-based privilege and how social dominance is given based on gender, and how that causes oppression to others. Learning what behaviours may signal that you enjoy privilege, as most oppressed folks are already keenly aware.

We will also explore White Privilege, not racism, as they are two different things. How race-based privilege affects relationships, safety, economic equity and much more.

They say you can’t change what you don’t know, so you will come to this class with unconscious bias that may originate from your privilege.

Gender-Based Privilege

This lecture is primarily focused on a male audience, but the punchline is that women want what you have gender-based privilege in the workplace. I show men what we as women face in gender-based oppression, including a simulation through active participation where they learn to take less space physically and verbally.

It’s a way to help men visualise what their gendered privilege looks like and how it impacts women in the workplace by reflecting on the differences they can experience first-hand through active participation.

In this session, we will cover.
- Acceptance without Understanding (Lecture)
- News worth hearing again (Lecture)
- Understanding Privilege (Exercise)
- A variety of visualisations and physical exercises (Exercise)
- Allyship (Lecture)
- Open Q&A with the audience

Acceptance without Understanding Workshop

Learning to Live Life with Less Judgement
Learning to Live Life with Acceptance comes from a deeply personal space. Grasping the power of acceptance in your own life will empower you to rise above your current situation and find ways to realize your life's goals. Learning the 5-step model of Acceptance without Understanding ™ will equip and prepare you for your journey to success.
This workshop is for you if.
- You want to learn not to judge a book by its cover when it comes to people
- You want to know why language matters.
- You want to learn to find pearls of wisdom within yourself to find your purpose.
- You want to learn about being your authentic self.
- You want to learn to raise your consciousness in life.
Outline
• Cynthia Introduction/Exercise
• Acceptance Begin/Grow
• What is Acceptance
• Five steps acceptance
• Four pillars of authentic self
• Conscious vs unconscious competence
• Values
• Pearl exercise
• Language
• I am enough
• Be like a clock

Transgender Awareness 101

Did you know we have 29 defined Sexualities, which have nothing to do with Gender Identity? Cross Dressers, Drag Queens, Transsexuals and Transgender what’s the difference? Where do penises and vulvas fit into this discussion? What are the three types of transitioning a. person may go through? So much is said about transgender people, but have you ever had a conversation with one of us?

Join us for an engaging discussion with knowledge sharing and question & answer session on ANY topic you have ever wanted to ask about but were afraid to ask.

We will discuss life, sexuality, gender, privilege and any aspect you ask.

** Discussion is to be respectful at all times **

LGBT + Pride at Work Celebrations

Are you having a Pride event at work and need a dynamic, professional speaker who can share a story that touches peoples hearts, opens their minds, and educates them?

I will help you deliver value for their time?

Topics can include:
- transition story
- corporate life
- global audiences
- words matter
- gender isn't binary
- life lessons
and much more

Identity & Sexuality Workshop

Did you know we have 29 defined Sexualities, which have nothing to do with Gender, Gender Identity, or the way we present ourselves to the world? Our identity is complex, and it's about more than body parts. What is the difference between Cross Dressers, Drag Queens, Transsexuals and Transgender what’s the difference? Where do penises and vulvas fit into this discussion? Where does biology fit in? What about all those labels?
Join us for an engaging masterclass on identity and sexuality with knowledge sharing and answering your questions, even the ones your mother taught you were impolite to ask! Go ahead and ask!

We will discuss life, sexuality, gender, identity, privilege, and many other aspects. Along the way, I will share some stories to help you grasp the concepts we are talking about.

In this session, we will discuss;
- Acceptance without Understanding™️
- What is Gender
- Elements of Gender
- Different Identities
- Why language matters
- Active Allyship
- Open Q&A

Increase Your Economic Power (and Representation)

Do you want to increase your economic power and increase representation in leadership within your organization? Do you know what it takes to get there? This talk will outline Cynthia's journey to harnessing both power and representation within her organization and beyond.

In this session, I will share reflections on;
- How Gender shapes your experiences in the boardroom
- Why Language Matters
- Allyship for Women and marginalized persons
- Open Q&A with the audience

Workshops (4)
Transgender Awareness, Sex, Transition, and TDoR
2 hours
(View workshop agenda)

This in-depth discussion that is edgy and challenges even the most open-minded person to grow.

Wine, Women, and A Good Girls Guide to ...
90 minutes
(View workshop agenda)

What better way to celebrate the end of the work week than with Wine, Women and an opportunity to help uplift or be uplifted. A good girls guide to whatever it is that you need.

Transgender 101
90 minutes
(View workshop agenda)

These questions and more explored in this session with an extended Q&A to address your burning questions!

Acceptance 101, Learning to Live Life with Less Judgement
2 hours
(View workshop agenda)

Learning to Live Life with Acceptance comes from a deeply personal space. Grasping the power of acceptance in your own life will empower you to rise above your current situation and find ways to realize your life's goals. Learning the 5-step model of Acceptance without Understanding ™ will equip and prepare you for your journey to success.

Past talks (18)
The Power of Gender Inclusion
Womens Empower Network
Online event - private
May 27, 2021
Acceptance 101, Learning to Live Life with Less Judgement
DWEN Women's Network
Online Workshop
May 13, 2021
Curiosity Co-Host
Club House Audio Network
Online on Clubhouse every Monday at 7 pm BST
Lost Connections Weekly Meetup
Quilt Audio Network
Online using Quilt every Wednesday
Transgender Sex 101
Killing Kittens.COM
Zoom
March 31, 2021
Acceptance and Allyship
Mimecast Ltd
Zoom
March 24, 2021
One Leader, Two Genders
LinkedIn EMEA
Zoom
March 19, 2021
Heavy Hearts, and The World as We Now Know It
The Hue Chat
Online
June 2, 2020
WERKIN AMA interview with Cynthia Fortlage
Werkin AMA with Cynthia Fortlage
zoom
July 9, 2020
Acceptance without Understanding What The world Needs Now
The Hue Chat
Online
May 28, 2020
Acceptance without Understanding
The Hue
Winnipeg, Canada
October 14, 2019
12 Countries in 12 Months with Cynthia Fortlage
Libby J interview with Cynthia Fortlage
Santiago, Chile
January 16, 2020
Deer Vocal Program Interview with Cynthia Fortlage
Deer Lodge Interview
Winnipeg, Manitoba
August 6, 2019
Pride Week Panel Discussion
MANITOBA INSTITUTE OF TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY
Winnipeg, Canada
May 16, 2019
Traveling Transgender
Cowichan Valley Gender Identity & Expression Night
Duncan, British Columbia
May 28, 2019
Acceptance without Understanding
LBGTech
Tel Aviv, Israel
June 12, 2019
Acceptance without Understanding
LBGT+ Emerging Leaders
New York, New York
June 25, 2019
A Live Conversation on Diversity
Diversitas
Mordon, Manitoba
September 11, 2019
  • All (4)
  • Videos
  • Photos (1)
  • Slides (1)
  • One sheet (1)
  • Press information (1)
This speaker hasn't uploaded any videos yet.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Intro to Acceptance without Understanding
Blog | CAF Services

Books & Articles (9)

Acceptance without Understanding - Equality Vs Equity
Acceptance without Understanding; Lived experiences in New York
Acceptance without Understanding...a TDOV point of view
The Ultimate Acceptance
A Story of Acceptance without Understanding
A Year in Review
Does 90 Days Really Make a Difference?
A CIO’s Evolved Take on Social Media
Technology Isn't Strategic: Why CIO's must speak business

Expertise (27)

Social & Political
Leadership
Health & Well-being
Business
Law / Legal
Leadership transgender Diversity visible minorities Human Rights business challenges for women Women Transgender Inclusion LGBT Activism LGBTQ+ LGBTQ inclusion Transgender Activism business women Acceptance Self-Acceptance Public Acceptance Psychological safety Privilege White Priviledge Gender Gender and Sexuality Gender Bias

Clients

IBM
Rainbow Resource Centre
I Like Hue
LGBT Tech
Involve.Org
CITT
Prarie Manufacturing
Cowchin Valley Diversity Days
WERKIN.com
Deer Lodge Foundation
LibbyJ.com
KillingKittens.com
LinkedIn
Mimecast
Carwow.com
IT World Canada
Lean In Portugal
DWEN London Chapter
Jobmax
INvolve
Lauren Paton Coaching
LIFULL Connect
British Gas
Hurtigruten
Aldermore Bank
Natwest

Awards & certifications (7)

2019 Finalist - CIO of the Year
Women in IT Awards
2019
2018 Leading 100 LBGT+ Executives
INvolve.org & Financial Post
2018
2017 Top 100 LBGT+ Executives
Out-Standing.org
2017
2016 Leading 100 LBGT+ Executives
Out-Standing.org
2016
Top 20 Influential Chief Information Officer
CXO Talk
2016
IBM Champion - Power Systems
IBM
2016
2020 Leading 100 LGBT+ Executives
Outstanding & Yahoo Finance
2020

Reviews

Testimonials (5)
  • Cynthia is the consummate professional and is absolutely wonderful to work with! She is uniquely positioned as someone who has lived at the intersection of thriving in a corporate environment and experiencing the challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities. She is willing to teach, learn, and engage with her partners to the fullest. I'd strongly recommend working with Cynthia with absolutely no reservations. Looking forward to working with her again!
    David Sarkis
    Verified
  • I had the honour and privilege of presenting alongside Cynthia at an event in Duncan B.C.. Cynthia's presentation held within in it knowledge that all could learn from and sharing of a life journey that could do nothing less than evoke change.
    Bodhi Thompson Gardner
    Motivational Speaker
    British Columbia, Canada
  • Cynthia is an amazing speaker and person. She came to our school and spoke with our students. It was such a pleasure to meet her.
    Brooke Chapman
    Teacher/Advisor
    Cowichan Valley School District
  • Cynthia is such an inspiring and positive speaker. She has the ability to connect with the listener on every level and communicates the topics in an easy down to earth way. The positive attitude and demeanor she exudes makes her an amazing lecturer and teacher for those in hearing distance. In short, she's an amazing positive prolocutor and I can't wait to hear her again.
    Chuck Archie
    President
    Harriett Hancock Center Foundation
    Verified
  • Exceptional. Cynthia was highly engaging and truly authentic throughout. Our staff learned to think about inclusion 'every single day' and not just during Pride celebrations. Cynthia shared practical guidance as well about what it really means to be an ally. I can't recommend Cynthia's style enough.
    Charlotte Stephenson
    Verified
Recommendations
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