Outright Optimism

Joanne Lockwood is joined by public speaking coach Lisa Braithwaite to unpack what she calls “outright optimism” and how it fuels a pushback against narrow, outdated ideas of what “professional” is supposed to look like.

They explore authenticity in public speaking and in everyday working life, including the pressure to appear polished on social media, the pull of perfectionism, and the fear of being judged or excluded for standing out. Lisa shares how “This Is What Professional Looks Like” has become a community where people reclaim self-expression—whether that’s hair, clothes, tattoos, or natural features—and why visibility matters for widening the definition of professionalism.

The conversation also touches on ageism and body image, the influence of gender socialisation on what people feel they “should” do to look acceptable, and how leaders, speakers, and individuals with relative privilege can help shift norms by modelling something different. Throughout, the focus stays on helping people feel freer, more connected, and more able to bring their whole selves to work and to the stage.