Reducing your fear and anxiety

Joanne Lockwood is joined by Mark Wingfield to explore why fear and anxiety are so universal, and how they can limit people’s ability to show up fully and reach their potential.

Mark shares practical approaches he uses in his work, including calming techniques for when people feel triggered, and structured ways to respond to intimidation, bullying, and “banter” that crosses the line. They discuss how discrimination and microaggressions can fuel anxiety, why it can feel risky to speak up, and how timing, setting, and organisational processes (like HR routes and the Equality Act) affect what people can do next.

The conversation also looks at modern pressures such as social media and cyberbullying, and includes examples from schools and workplace environments. Joanne shares personal experiences of online abuse after her transition and reflects on the emotional impact of backlash and trolling.

Finally, Mark explains elements of his training and trauma-informed practice, including role-play methods designed to prepare people for difficult scenarios, and heart rate variability control to help people regain access to clear thinking under stress.