Not An Ally, Be An Accomplice And Co-Conspirator

Joanne Lockwood is joined by clinical psychologist and social justice consultant Erica Simon to explore why “ally” is not an identity you can claim, but a set of actions you consistently take. Together they unpack what it means to be an accomplice or co-conspirator: having “skin in the game,” speaking up when it’s uncomfortable, and aligning values with behaviour rather than seeking recognition.

The conversation examines why equality efforts often trigger backlash, including the idea that when people are used to unearned privilege, equality can feel like oppression. Joanne and Erica connect this to wider social and political dynamics, and to the need to address root causes in systems and structures rather than offering superficial fixes.

They also discuss accessibility and inclusive design in workplaces and public spaces, using lived examples of navigating environments with mobility needs and the ways poor design can create dependency. The episode broadens inclusion beyond headline categories, highlighting micro-communities and the importance of cultural intelligence, curiosity, and listening. Neurodiversity is explored through communication norms and how “typical” expectations (like eye contact) can unintentionally exclude.

Across themes of identity, power, and belonging, the episode invites listeners to take responsibility for the environments they shape, seek feedback on whether psychological safety is real, and contribute to building workplaces where people can show up as whole selves.