Speakers

Zhen Yang makes a living finding the right words. English is her second language.

As a Communications Manager at Greater Manchester Combined Authority, she turns complex policy into clear messages and helps people with competing priorities find a way forward.

Building a career in another language has taught her that being understood takes more than choosing the right words. Her work explores what makes people listen, why they push back and how to get them behind an idea.

Outside work, she makes Instagram reels about the strange things British people say. After more than 20 years in the UK, she still has questions.