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When language gets policed, coaching gets harder—and trust is the first casualty. We sit down with leadership coaches and authors Amber Mays and Sukari Pinnock Fitts to unpack what happens when executive orders and corporate policies restrict DEI conversations, and why that “muting effect” changes how clients show up, how coaches contract, and how integrity is tested in the room. Their ongoing survey reveals the lived reality: sponsors banning words like woman, Black, or transgender; coaches torn between revenue and values; clients covering core parts of identity to stay safe.

We trace the deeper patterns driving these shifts—fear, zero-sum thinking, and the belief that inclusion takes something away from those in power. Amber and Sukari bring decades of global DEI and leadership experience to show how cultural intelligence, identity transparency, and brave conversations actually fuel performance and belonging. They challenge us to reframe “confidentiality as loophole” and instead elevate ethical contracting: clarify roles with sponsors and clients, interrogate who set the restrictions and why, and co-create agreements that keep the space safe and brave without breaking your word.

You’ll leave with practical steps you can use today: prepare values-based red lines, negotiate language with clarity, document expectations up front, and revisit your ICF or EMCC code of ethics to ensure your practice aligns with your promises. Coaching with DEIAB in mind isn’t a niche—it’s simply good coaching. If the policy narrows the conversation, let your courage, clarity, and craft widen it so trust can do the work it’s meant to do.

If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a coach who needs it, and leave a review so more practitioners can find these tools.

Watch the full interview by clicking here. 

Find the full article here.

Learn more about Sukari Pinnock here.

Learn more about Amber Mayes here.

Sukari and Amber have gracious provided our audience a 15% discount on the earlybird fee for November workshop. 

Go to www.fifthdomaincoaching.com and use code: choice to receive the discount. 

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