Let Me Reintroduce Myself: The Story of Atlyn Forde

I’m Atlyn — a founder, adventurer, mother, marketer, and passionate advocate for inclusion. My journey to launching Communicate Inclusively is a story of ambition, resilience, and a steadfast belief in fairness and opportunity for all. This consultancy isn’t just a business; it’s an extension of who I am and the values that have shaped my life.

Growing Up: A Determination to Be Seen

As a child, I often felt “less than” — as though I wasn’t as important as others in my family or my classmates at school. Those early experiences instilled in me a deep desire to prove my value. I worked harder, pushed myself further, and sought out opportunities to show that I mattered.

At the same time, these feelings lit a fire within me—a passion for fairness and inclusivity. I didn’t want others to feel overlooked or unheard. My family, though, provided a strong foundation. They taught me resilience, the importance of community, and the transformative power of education. These lessons became my compass as I pursued my dreams.

Motherhood: My Greatest Role

Being a mother to my two incredible daughters is the most important and fulfilling role of my life. They are my inspiration and my motivation. I want to show them—and others—that anything is possible when you combine ambition with compassion and integrity.

For my daughters, I dream of a world where they can thrive, a world where they feel empowered to dream big, be bold, and take action. Everything I do, from the work I lead to the values I uphold, is about building that world—not just for them but for everyone.

A Career of Adventure and Achievement

My career has been a rich tapestry of experiences, marked by highs and lows. I’ve led dynamic teams, created impactful campaigns, and celebrated award wins in industries as diverse as travel and financial services. My time in the travel sector allowed me to explore the world while shaping meaningful connections and strategies that elevated teams and brands alike.

The journey hasn’t always been easy. I’ve faced redundancy, navigated the pain of divorce, and learned valuable lessons from failed business ventures. But those challenges only strengthened my resolve. They taught me resilience, the importance of adaptability, and the value of community and collaboration.

When I transitioned into financial services, I brought with me the storytelling skills and inclusive mindset I honed in the travel industry. It wasn’t just a career shift—it was a leap towards new challenges, greater balance, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact in a new sector.

The Birth of Communicate Inclusively

The creation of Communicate Inclusively was the culmination of my personal and professional journey. I wanted to build a consultancy that didn’t just talk about inclusivity but lived it. A business that reflected my values of integrity, inclusivity, creativity, and pragmatism.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to help organisations see inclusivity as a strength—a way to innovate, connect, and make a real difference. We aim to give everyone a voice, particularly those who are often unheard, and inspire our clients to create thriving, inclusive workplaces.

Supporting Black Women: Lifting as I Climb

As a Black woman, I understand the unique challenges we face in the workplace and in business. I’ve experienced the feeling of having to work twice as hard to prove my worth, and I’ve faced moments of being underestimated.

These experiences have driven my commitment to supporting other Black women. Whether through mentoring, sharing my story, or creating spaces for honest conversations, I am passionate about empowering Black women to achieve their goals. For me, it’s about lifting as I climb—showing others that success is within their reach and inspiring them to break through barriers with confidence and courage.

Inspiring Others to Dream Big and Take Action

Through my work, I aim to inspire others to dream big, be bold, and take action. Whether it’s developing strategies to inclusion, running workshops, speaking at events or collaborating with clients, my focus is always on empowering individuals to reach their full potential and organisations to build inclusive cultures.

So, let me ask you: How can we work together to make your organisation more inclusive, impactful, and inspiring?

Let’s create something extraordinary—together.

Connect with me!

Email: hello@communicateinclusively.com

Connect with me on LinkedIn: Follow Me