Awakening Dreams

Joanne Lockwood is joined by leadership coach Ian Hatton to explore what it means to “awaken dreams” in others and how that connects to conscious leadership. Ian shares his “Morpheus” framing as someone who helps others step into leadership and influence, focusing less on personal spotlight and more on the legacy created through other people’s growth.

They unpack conscious leadership as an evolution of authentic leadership: deeper self-awareness paired with awareness of others, and the ability to lead with head, heart, and context in mind. Much of the conversation centres on trust, vulnerability, and psychological safety—how leaders can create environments where people speak up, share perspectives, and engage in functional conflict without fear.

Ian and Joanne contrast command-and-control leadership with collaborative, question-led leadership that helps teams think for themselves. They discuss the cost of a leader’s “need to be right,” how curiosity and candour can coexist, and why inclusion is not about “niceness” but about enabling people to bring their best to the work.

The episode also touches on bridging cultural differences and learning across generations, with reflections on South Africa’s ongoing, multigenerational journey towards inclusion and mutual understanding. The key takeaway is that conscious leadership starts with self-leadership—and that letting go of certainty can open the space for better conversations, stronger trust, and more sustainable results.