Transgender Awareness and Support with Joanne Lockwood

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Building inclusion through listening and learning.

In this episode, Joanne Lockwood (founder and CEO of SEE Change Happen, a DEI practice with a specialism in transgender awareness) talks to host Charlotte Otter about living and working as a trans woman.

Trans rights shifted in the UK with the Supreme Court ruling on 16 April 2025 that the legal definition of a woman was based on biological sex. Joanne, who holds a gender recognition certificate, describes her deep sense of disenfranchisement and loss of agency as a result of the ruling.

Joanne is a leader and spokesperson, CEO and founder, consultant, and mentor. She embodies the epitome of transformative change in the field of Inclusive Cultures. As a transgender woman in her late 50s, she is uniquely qualified to infuse authenticity and experience into the realm of diversity and inclusion.

She works with companies to help them shape their idea of inclusion and unlock the full potential of their workforce.

Joanne speaks from the heart about her transition and how living as a woman shapes how she sees and acts in the world.

This is a moving episode with a leader who's at the vanguard of the mission for transgender awareness and support.

This podcast is a companion piece to Charlotte Otter's book We Need New Leaders, published on 3 June by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Find it online or in all good bookshops.
Chapters
  • 00:03 Introduction to Joanne and the importance of self-education
  • 02:27 The UK Supreme Court ruling and its impact on trans women
  • 08:03 Comparison to the Windrush Generation and maintaining calm in public discourse
  • 13:20 Balancing perspectives and promoting inclusion
  • 18:37 Joanne's work with companies and the shift in DEI
  • 24:15 Positive people experiences and leadership experiences
  • 29:58 Standing for something and the impact on family
  • 33:13 Values, authenticity, and reputation
  • 38:38 Learning from mistakes and adaptive leadership
  • 44:42 Pacing change and book recommendations
  • 47:58 Advice for emerging leaders and finding joy
18 Jun English Germany Management · Business

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