Coaching & Conversations for Leaders Who Want to Go Beyond Inclusion
Simply Beyond Podcast: Conversations about courage, identity, leadership, and belonging
The Simply Beyond Podcast is where real stories meet honest conversations about living authentically and building a world where everyone belongs.
Hosted by Cynthia Sweeney, leadership coach, speaker, and author, this podcast explores what it means to move beyond labels, beyond assumptions, and beyond fear — in our workplaces, families, and communities.
Through powerful interviews, lived experiences, and thoughtful reflections, Simply Beyond amplifies the voices of transgender and non-binary people while helping allies and leaders deepen their understanding of inclusion, identity, and human connection.
If you are interested in:
- Inclusive leadership lessons you can bring straight into your team meetings.
- Real stories from transgender and non-binary people—beyond soundbites and headlines.
- Courageous conversations about identity, transition, and belonging at work.
- Practical prompts to help you lead with empathy and clarity.
Subscribe to get new episodes, reflection prompts, and invitations to live "courage conversations" before anyone else.
You’ll also receive our upcoming Conversation Guide for Inclusive Leaders—5 questions to open up meaningful dialogue about identity and belonging on your team.
Subscribe and be the first to know about new episodes and live coaching conversations.
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The Simply Beyond podcast brings together conversations that previously lived in Hey, Cis! and Trans Canada Stories, creating one place for stories, learning, and leadership conversations.
Listen on your favourite podcast platform or explore featured episodes below.
Listen on your favorite platform
Featured Episodes
These are a great starting point for new listeners.
Episode Length: 4 minutes
Simply Beyond: The Next Chapter
This short episode introduces the new direction of the podcast and why the Simply Beyond umbrella was created. Cyn shares the story behind the show, the mission moving forward, and how it brings together previous podcast conversations into one evolving platform for storytelling and leadership.
Start here if you're new to the podcast.
Episode Length: 45 minutes
How to THRIVE, not just Survive with Emma Stanley
n this archive episode of Hey, Cis!, host Isaac Cook sits down with Emma Stanley to explore what real trans inclusion requires — not just visibility, but support, access, and the ability to thrive in everyday life.
Recorded in the lead-up to Trans Day of Visibility, this conversation looks at why representation matters, especially when it moves beyond crisis narratives and makes space for trans people to be seen living full, ordinary, successful lives. Emma shares how finding community can change a person’s confidence, ambitions, and sense of possibility.
Together, Isaac and Emma explore:
why visibility must go beyond dramatic or tragic narratives
the barriers trans people face in legal name and gender marker changes
the gap between symbolic inclusion and systemic change
the differences between rural and urban access to trans-affirming support
why employment access and community networks matter so deeply
Episode Length: 38 minutes
How to Find Joy in Your Physical Form: Gender-Affirming Physio with Heart
What if gender-affirming care included holistic recovery planning, trauma-informed physiotherapy, and safer binder practices?
In this powerful conversation, Cyndi speaks with professionals working to make gender-affirming healthcare more accessible and compassionate.
Topics include:
• post-surgery recovery
• safer binder use
• trauma-informed care
• supporting trans bodies with dignity
Episode Length: 54 minutes
Unpacking Progress: Navigating True Inclusion in Finance
Inclusion doesn’t happen automatically — especially in traditionally conservative industries.
In this episode, Cyndi sits down with financial planning leader Laura Whiteland to discuss what real inclusion looks like inside professional environments.
They explore:
• how financial institutions can move beyond performative inclusion
• why leadership matters in culture change
• how professionals can advocate for equity within their industries
A space where every story belongs.
Simply Beyond is a coaching-infused podcast for professionals and leaders who know that metrics and DEI statements aren’t enough. Real inclusion is built through the conversations we’re willing to have—and the voices we’re willing to center.
Episodes weave together storytelling, reflection, and practical coaching prompts to help you navigate:
- Inclusive leadership decisions in real-world contexts.
- Gender diversity and the lived experiences of trans and non-binary people.
- Identity and life transitions—both personal and professional.
- Repairing harm and rebuilding trust in your culture.
- Creating spaces of belonging where people don’t have to leave parts of themselves at the door.
Simply Beyond
Meet Your Host
Simply Beyond is hosted by a seasoned coach and consultant who has spent years walking alongside leaders, queer and trans communities, and organizations in transition. Their work sits at the intersection of identity, power, and possibility.
Cyn Sweeney is an award-winning inclusion strategist, speaker, and author dedicated to helping people lead with courage, compassion, and authenticity.
As the founder of Simply Good Form and a proud parent of a transgender child, her work bridges lived experience and leadership — helping organizations and individuals build cultures where everyone belongs.
She is author of The Pink Balloon and co-author of the international bestselling anthology Voices of the 21st Century: Unstoppable Women Standing Strong.
Through coaching, speaking, and storytelling, Cynthia helps people navigate life’s turning points with clarity and courage.
why this podcast exists
Conversations that move you—and your culture—forward.
The conversations we hear about transgender people are often shaped by headlines, misinformation, and fear.
Simply Beyond exists to shift that narrative. Here, you’ll hear real people sharing real experiences — stories of resilience, identity, growth, and community.
You’ll also hear honest conversations that help leaders and allies better understand the role they can play in creating more inclusive spaces.
Because inclusion doesn’t begin with policy.
It begins with understanding.
Inclusive leadership in practice
Move beyond checklists and buzzwords. Hear how leaders at different levels navigate power, harm, accountability, and repair—without losing their humanity.
- Making real-time decisions when values are on the line.
- Creating psychological safety across identities.
- Responding when you get it wrong—and making it right.
Centering trans & non-binary voices
Go beyond "awareness" to genuine understanding. Hear nuanced stories about transition, family, work, and joy from transgender and non-binary guests.
- What respectful allyship looks like in daily interactions.
- How policies and culture meet real human needs.
- Supporting colleagues through transition and beyond.
Courageous conversations & transitions
Whether you’re changing roles, identities, or entire cultures, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Use these episodes as scaffolding for your next brave step.
- Language that opens doors instead of shutting people down.
- Reflective questions for 1:1s, mentorship, or self-coaching.
- Ways to build rituals of belonging on your team.
For executives, people leaders & culture shapers
Want to bring these conversations into your organization?
Alongside the podcast, we partner with leaders, teams, and organizations for coaching and consulting around change management, inclusion, gender diversity, and cultures of belonging.
- Facilitated "courage conversations" for leadership teams.
- Listening sessions that center trans and non-binary voices.
- Coaching for leaders navigating complex identity and culture questions.
- Advising on policies, communications, and change narratives.
If you’re ready for conversations that go beyond performative allyship, let’s explore what support could look like for you and your team.
Request a "Clarity Call"
Share a bit about you, your role, and the conversation you’d like to have. We’ll follow up with a short intake form and scheduling link.
Ideal for senior leaders, HR, ERG leads, and internal change-makers.
Meet your host
A coach, facilitator, and storyteller committed to belonging.
On the podcast, Cynthia blends coaching, storytelling, and clear teaching to help you:
- Name the dynamics of power, privilege, and marginalization you’re noticing.
- Find language that honors your values and the people you lead.
- Stay with hard feelings long enough to choose a different response.
- Design cultures where everyone—from executives to interns—can belong.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. You just have to be willing to keep listening, keep learning, and keep showing up.
Ready to go beyond performative inclusion?
Join the Simply Beyond leaders’ list to receive new episodes, reflection prompts, and invitations to live "courage conversations"—plus the upcoming Conversation Guide for Inclusive Leaders to start right away.
Join Cynthia's Mailing List
Get newly released resources, podcasts, exclusive updates on her upcoming book release, promotions, and speaking events.
You’ll receive a welcome email with your guide and a short note about how we protect your stories and information.
Questions you might be holding
This podcast is for anyone committed to building cultures of belonging—including those who are still finding their words and their way.
Is this podcast only for transgender and non-binary listeners?
No. Simply Beyond centers the voices and experiences of transgender and non-binary people, but it’s intentionally designed for a wide range of listeners: trans and non-binary folks, queer and questioning people, allies, HR and DEI leaders, executives, managers, and anyone curious about identity, courage, and belonging. You’re welcome here whether you share these identities or are learning about them.
I’m a leader who’s afraid of saying the wrong thing. Is this for me?
Yes. Many leaders move slowly—or not at all—because they’re afraid of causing harm. This podcast offers language, context, and reflection questions so you can move beyond fear into thoughtful action. We talk about missteps openly and offer concrete ways to repair, learn, and keep going.
Can I share episodes with my team or ERG?
Absolutely. Many listeners use episodes as conversation starters in team meetings, ERGs, and leadership offsites. The Conversation Guide for Inclusive Leaders you’ll receive when you join the list includes prompts you can pair with specific episodes to support deeper dialogue.
What happens after I request a "Clarity Call"?
After you book a clarity call, you’ll receive a confirmation email and a reminder ahead of our 45 minute virtual call. We’ll use this time to understand your context, clarify what support you’re seeking, and determine whether coaching, consulting, or facilitated conversations are the best fit—there’s no pressure to commit.
How often are new episodes released?
Episodes are released in thoughtful seasons rather than a constant weekly grind, so that each conversation has the time and care it deserves. Subscribing ensures you’ll be the first to know when a new episode or season drops.
Simply Beyond Podcast · Coaching & Consulting for courageous, inclusive leadership.
Every voice. Every story. Beyond the binary.