In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Joanne Lockwood to tackle a hard truth...exclusion isn’t just an ethical issue; it’s a business risk. Joanne shares her journey from IT entrepreneur to inclusion advocate, breaking down what leaders think they’re getting right about DEI, and what they’re actually getting wrong. We discuss why performative diversity efforts fail, how exclusion quietly erodes company culture, and why belonging is more than a buzzword (it’s a competitive advantage).

We also explore the concept of conscious inclusion—the practice of actively considering who’s missing from the conversation. Joanne offers a fresh perspective on why DEI initiatives shouldn't just be about compliance or PR but about creating positive people experiences that fuel engagement, innovation, and long-term success. If you think diversity is just a box to check, this episode will change your mind.

Key Takeaways:

• Exclusion is expensive. A lack of belonging leads to disengagement, high turnover, and lost innovation.
• DEI isn’t a policy—it’s culture. Leaders must connect emotionally, not just logically, to create real impact.
• Who’s missing from the table? Conscious inclusion means proactively seeking out voices and perspectives you haven’t considered.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:41 Joanne's Origin Story
02:29 The Journey of Gender Transition
04:01 Becoming an Advocate and Educator
08:20 Building Positive People Experiences
11:53 Creating Inclusive Cultures
16:58 Challenges and Conscious Inclusion
22:45 Leaders Standing Strong
24:36 Connecting with Joanne
25:38 Conclusion and Farewell

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It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

What happens when you give everything to a job—only to realize you’re working for a toxic, gaslighting boss? Lindsay White knows this story all too well. After a 20-year corporate career in HR and strategic talent management, she made the bold decision to walk away from a job that was making her miserable. In this episode, we dive into what finally pushed her over the edge, the grief that comes with leaving behind a career path you thought was yours forever, and how she turned that moment into an entirely new future.

Lindsay also shares her no-BS philosophy on leadership, why self-awareness is the difference between success and failure, and how to build a workplace culture where people actually want to stay. Plus, we tackle the myth of the “natural-born leader” and why being charismatic doesn’t mean you’re cut out to lead.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a toxic work environment or wondered whether it’s time to bet on yourself, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Toxic Work Environments Take a Toll – Staying in a toxic workplace, especially under a gaslighting boss, can drain you emotionally and physically. Recognizing when enough is enough—and having the courage to walk away—can be life-changing.
• Leadership Is a Skill, Not a Personality Trait – Being a great leader isn’t about being the loudest person in the room or having natural charisma. True leadership requires self-awareness, intentionality, and the ability to create an environment where others can thrive.
• People Strategy Is the Missing Piece – Businesses focus on sales, marketing, and operations, but often neglect the most critical element: their people. A strong people strategy connects talent to business goals, fosters belonging, and ensures that culture is more than just a buzzword.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:31 Lindsay's Career Turning Point
01:25 Toxic Work Environment
02:20 The Decision to Quit
03:22 Transition to Coaching
05:41 Reflecting on Leadership
09:13 The Role of Coaching
16:49 Challenges in Coaching
22:41 Influential Thought Leaders
25:39 Conclusion and Contact Information

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

Is your Sunday ruined by the dread of Monday? In this episode, we’re tackling the Sunday Scaries and transforming them into an opportunity for growth and success.

Join Alyssa as she chats with Lori Rogers, founder of PositiveActivity.net, about the science-backed strategies that elevate happiness, productivity, and sales performance. Lori shares her journey of shifting from negativity to abundance, the life-changing power of the High-Five Habit, and the surprising hacks that make positivity a competitive edge in business.

Whether you're a team leader looking to energize your crew or an individual contributor battling burnout, this conversation will inspire you to rewrite your story, embrace optimism, and finally take back Monday.

Key Takeaways:

• The Morning Mindset Shift That Works: Learn how a seven-second habit from Mel Robbins’ High-Five Habit can transform your confidence and productivity every day.
• The 3-Minute Energy Hack: Discover Lori’s go-to activities, from dancing in the kitchen to a quick nature walk, that instantly shift your mood and get you back on track.
• The Subconscious Mind Trick: Find out why saying affirmations like “Clients are looking for me—it’s so easy!” 50 times a day for three days can rewire your mindset for success.
• The Secret to Joyful Selling: Hear the science behind how positivity can make you 31% more productive and sell 27% more—plus actionable steps to apply it in your sales process.
• How to Overcome the Sunday Scaries for Good: Lori’s practical advice on embracing Monday with optimism, even when the week ahead feels overwhelming.

If you skip this episode, you’ll miss game-changing insights into how positivity isn’t just feel-good fluff, it’s a proven tool for achieving more in business and life.

Key Moments:
00:00 Welcome to Taking Back Monday
00:09 Introducing Lori: Overcoming Negativity
00:53 Strategies to Shift Your Energy
03:21 Dealing with Post-Holiday Stress
06:48 Positivity in Sales and Business Growth
09:06 The Power of Positive Mindset
13:23 Laurie's Journey to Positivity
16:05 Taking Back Monday: Practical Tips
19:35 Recommended Resources and Final Thoughts
21:20 Connect with Laurie and Conclusion

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod