Joanne Lockwood, The Inclusive Culture Expert, A Guiding Light in Your Inclusion Journey
Joanne Lockwood is the founder and CEO of SEE Change Happen, a Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Practice with a specialism in providing Transgender Awareness and support to organisations and businesses.
Her mantra is Smile, Engage and Educate and she passionately believes that “people are people” and, no matter who they are, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
Joanne Lockwood (she/her/hers)
Joanne Lockwood, behind the curtain
The Person
Joanne Lockwood, Founder and CEO of SEE Change Happen, 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. Her personal journey amplifies her voice, making her not just a consultant but a heartfelt mentor and a vanguard in the mission for transgender awareness and support.
The Expertise
With a background spanning from the Royal Air Force to a thriving IT business, Joanne has pivoted her career towards HR and People Consulting. She partners with “People People” — the HR professionals, Talent and Recruitment leads, and Organisational and Learning and Development leaders. Guided by her mantra “Smile | Engage | Educate,” Joanne nurtures Positive People Experiences, transcending traditional EDI models to bring about deeply rooted, sustainable change.
The Accolades
Her soulful impact has not gone unnoticed. Joanne is a Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association UK&I and a Fellow of the Institute of Equality and Diversity Professionals. Featured in a Channel 4/RDF documentary, “The Making of Me,” she also hosts the ‘Inclusion Bites’ podcast and formerly served as a Trustee for akt, the LGBT+ Youth Homeless Charity.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
Joanne’s credentials go beyond her professional titles. She is an entrepreneur with a keen sense for business, having turned over £3m at the peak of her IT business and employing 25 staff. Her legacy in the Round Table as the first openly transgender National President shows her ability to challenge societal norms and engage in philanthropy.
The Speaker
Joanne’s riveting keynotes resonate deeply with audiences across the globe. Whether it’s after-dinner speaking events or international seminars, her storytelling ability grips her audience, teaching them to tackle their own imposter syndrome, overcome societal prejudices, and foster an environment where everyone can thrive.
The Community Advocate
The thread that runs through Joanne’s varied career is her commitment to community. From volunteering with Beyond Reflections, a Hampshire-based gender diversity charity, to contributing to the School of Health Sciences at the University of Southampton, her community work is a testament to her innate drive for inclusivity and belonging.
Key Takeaways
- Conscious Inclusion: It needs to be woven into the fabric of your organisation, not just an afterthought.
- Empathy and Understanding: The cornerstones for creating Positive People Experiences.
- Expert Guidance: Seek seasoned experts like Joanne who can bring lived experiences into the equation, making the approach more authentic and effective.
Actionable Steps
- Don’t just look for any consultant; seek a mentor and partner like Joanne.
- Revisit your organisational values and ensure they align with conscious inclusion.
- Keep up with industry thought leadership via platforms like podcasts and workshops. Joanne’s ‘Inclusion Bites’ podcast is a great start!
Concluding Thoughts
So, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to challenge societal norms, reshape your organisation’s understanding of inclusion, and unlock the full potential of your workforce? Don’t hesitate. Let Joanne Lockwood be your guiding light in making meaningful change happen.
Visit SEE Change Happen and tune into the Inclusion Bites podcast for more insights.
Remember, change begins with a single step. Will you take that step today?
