Beyond The Barriers

Joanne Lockwood is joined by diversity and inclusion consultant and clinical hypnotherapist Belinda Riley for a wide-ranging conversation about what it takes to go “beyond the barriers” that limit people at work.

They explore impostor feelings and limiting beliefs, including how they show up as self-doubt, fear of being found out, and a sense of not belonging. Belinda connects these experiences to systemic inequality, arguing that workplace structures and norms can reinforce “not enough” narratives for women and other underrepresented groups.

The discussion moves into practical inclusion work: how to create psychological safety for difficult conversations, how to recover when we cause harm, and why intent does not erase impact. They also challenge the myth of meritocracy, unpacking how hiring and promotion criteria can be shaped by bias and affinity, and why organisations need to design environments where people can thrive rather than trying to “fix” individuals.

Joanne shares lived experience as a trans woman, describing the effects of anti-trans rhetoric, safety concerns, and the cognitive load of navigating workplaces and public spaces. Together, they emphasise belonging, authenticity, and the role of allyship.

The episode closes with a look at changing ways of working, including lessons from COVID-19 about flexibility and access, and the opportunity for organisations to widen talent pools. Belinda highlights sponsorship as a high-impact approach to advancing equality, shifting accountability to those with influence and opening doors for those who have been excluded.