Inclusion Starts Within

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood is joined by Monica Guzek to unpack the theme "Inclusion Starts Within". Their discussion traverses intercultural awareness, self-discovery, and resilience in increasingly turbulent times. Monica shares compelling observations on how Poland's transformation over recent decades has reshaped both social attitudes and opportunities for its people. The conversation moves from embracing one's accent as a badge of identity to dealing with assumptions about heritage and background, highlighting the significance of intention when asking about someone’s roots. Joanne encourages curiosity and the celebration of linguistic diversity, while Monica unpacks how joy and curiosity are not just business mantras but everyday necessities for sustaining wellbeing. Monica Guzek is the founder of Joy Flow Lab, an intercultural trainer, researcher, and coach known for guiding individuals and organisations through the nuances of collaborating across cultures and generations. Drawing upon her own experiences of living globally, Monica focuses on helping leaders and teams thrive with greater self-awareness and resilience. Her unique approach marries her innate curiosity with the pursuit of joy—encouraging others to consciously seek out what makes them whole. Monica’s background ranges from conducting workshops for corporate clients to deeply personal stories of adaptation, self-discovery, and what it takes to move confidently in diverse contexts. Joanne and Monica explore polyvagal theory as a foundation for understanding stress responses and building interpersonal connection. They discuss the practicalities of stepping outside comfort zones, reframing mindsets, and redefining happiness through small daily actions. Their dialogue questions traditional narratives about leadership, revealing the value of vulnerability and self-awareness as a precursor to truly inclusive behaviours. **Connect with this episode's guest** - Monika Guzek: website · LinkedIn Full show notes, chapters and transcript for this episode Browse all episodes · Be a guest on Inclusion Bites Inclusion Bites is hosted by Joanne Lockwood of SEE Change Happen. Partnership and sponsorship enquiries: [jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk](mailto:jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk)