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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