Adversity And Authentic Leadership

Joanne Lockwood is joined by executive coach and strategic advisor Samreen McGregor for a wide-ranging conversation about adversity and authentic leadership, set against a backdrop of global uncertainty and everyday personal pressures.

Samreen unpacks how adversity can show up both externally and internally, and why the language and stigma around trauma can prevent people from recognising its impact. Drawing on her coaching work and research, she describes trauma as a deep “wound” that can influence behaviour, relationships, and performance over time, and explains the value of creating safe spaces where people can notice and work with these patterns.

Both Joanne and Samreen share formative experiences that shaped their sense of self-worth and belonging. They explore how childhood messages can drive perfectionism, validation-seeking, and boundary issues at work, and how these dynamics connect to psychological safety and inclusion.

The discussion also moves into identity and belonging across different contexts. Samreen reflects on growing up across cultures and languages, and Joanne shares her journey of gender transition and the ongoing challenge of feeling included without necessarily feeling a deep sense of belonging.

The episode closes with Samreen introducing her book, Leader Awakened, and her invitation for leaders to slow down, reflect more deeply, and broaden leadership beyond purely cognitive approaches to include emotional and embodied awareness.