BE Inspired Podcast – EP06 | Living and Designing for Inclusion with Carlie Rice
Episode Title: Living and Designing for Inclusion – Leadership, Psychological Safety & the 9-Day Fortnight at GB-A
Guest: Carlie Rice – Studio Lead, Guymer Bailey Architects (GB-A)
Curious how we move from representation to real inclusion? Meet Carlie Rice.
In This Episode:
In this episode of the BE Inspired Podcast, we sit down with Carlie Rice, Studio Manager and Associate at Guymer Bailey Architects, to explore what it means to lead with empathy, foster inclusive cultures, and create workplaces where people can truly thrive.
Carlie shares her journey from a young architectural technician starting out in the ‘90s to becoming a passionate leader in workplace culture, diversity, and inclusion. From her global adventures to running CPD programs on LGBTQIA+ allyship, Carlie brings warmth, perspective, and lived experience to every insight.
We dive into:
- Carlie’s journey from regional Queensland to global architecture roles
- Her unique pathway through TAFE and practical education
- Life lessons from working abroad and finding balance
- Why Guymer Bailey implemented a 9-day fortnight — and what it means for wellbeing
- What it’s like parenting a transgender child and how it reshaped her approach to inclusion
- Her mission to bring allyship CPD training into architecture studios
- How leaders at every level can be a voice for change
Connect and Follow Carlie Rice:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlie-rice-7515248/
Website: https://gb-a.au/
Takeaways:
- Real flexibility goes beyond WFH — it’s about culture, trust, and lived experience
- Representation matters, but belonging changes everything
- Empowering junior staff can build confidence and reduce industry churn
- Inclusion can (and should) be led from any level — not just senior management
- Sharing personal stories creates bridges in workplaces, not walls
Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome & Carlie’s background
04:50 – Working abroad and personal growth
09:20 – TAFE vs traditional architecture pathways
14:35 – Guymer Bailey’s values and workplace culture
18:00 – Parenting a transgender child
22:30 – Building a CPD program on LGBTQIA+ allyship
29:15 – Inclusion in architecture: small changes, big shifts
35:40 – What “people-first” really means
39:10 – Carlie’s go-to resources for mindset and wellbeing
43:00 – Final thoughts & advice to future leaders
Sound Bites / Quotes:
“If we can tap into the great human side of people, then we can get the best out of them.”
“Sometimes the smallest adjustments, like gender-neutral toilets — speak the loudest.”
“Inclusion isn’t a policy. It’s a practice.”
Referenced in This Episode:
- Let Them Theory – Mel Robbins https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/
- Can’t Hurt Me – David Goggins https://davidgoggins.com/book/
- The Em Rusciano Podcast – https://www.listnr.com/podcasts/the-em-rusciano-podcast
- RuPaul’s Drag Race – for joy, creativity, and self-expression
LET’S BE CONNECTED