Only Ourselves Can Free Our Minds

Moreen Pascal joins Joanne Lockwood to explore what it means to “free our minds” from the norms, assumptions and internalised beliefs that keep oppressive cultural and institutional practices in place. Drawing on her Caribbean heritage and the influence of her parents’ generation, Moreen frames inclusion and belonging through a political and social justice lens, connecting personal identity with wider systems of power.

The conversation moves through stark contemporary examples of structural racism, including the Child Q case and the wider impact of racial violence, and reflects on how institutional responses can reveal whose safety and dignity are prioritised. Alongside this, Moreen and Joanne discuss allyship, protest and disruption as catalysts for change, and why progress can feel slow and cyclical unless people stay alert and engaged.

They also bring the discussion into workplace and governance settings, looking at board diversity, “culture fit”, image and power dressing, and why representation and diversity of thought matter in decision-making. Moreen shares her journey into a non-executive director role and the importance of networks, mentoring and community-minded leadership in opening up opportunities and expanding the mosaic of human talent.