Why do so many progressive organisations - those that talk about equality, decolonisation and doing things differently - still end up recreating the same toxic workplace dynamics they set out to dismantle?

In this episode, Lea Jovy pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood levers of systemic change: organisational culture. Drawing on years of work with leadership teams across the UK, US and Europe, she exposes how even the most values-driven organisations can drift into misalignment - and what it really takes to live your values, not just list them.

From the hidden friction between personal and organisational values, to the recruitment-retention trap of “progressive” workplaces, Lea unpacks the deeper systemic and psychological forces shaping culture inside modern organisations.

If you’ve ever wondered why your team feels off, why your impact has stalled, or why “radical transparency” can backfire, this is your wake-up call.

Listen to learn:

• Why culture happens whether you design it or not

• How individual misalignment quietly undermines collective change

• The invisible cycle of hiring idealists and burning them out

• What real values alignment looks like—and how to operationalise it

This episode is a must-listen for founders, leaders, and change-makers serious about building organisations that actually embody equality, not just aspire to it.

We talk about “owning” everything - homes, companies, even our children’s futures - as if ownership were the default 'natural'.

But what if this very idea is the root of our disconnection from each other, and from the planet itself?

In this episode, Lea Jovy dismantles one of capitalism’s most sacred constructs: ownership. From colonial history to corporate boardrooms, she traces how ownership has shaped our systems, language and relationships - and argues for a radical shift toward guardianship and stewardship instead.

Through the lens of the individual, the collective and the systemic, Lea explores how this shift could redefine how we parent, lead, build organisations and live on the Earth itself.

Listen to learn:

• Why “ownership” is a colonial construct - and why it still rules us.

• The illusion of security and control it creates.

• How language like “my house,” “my team,” or “my child” reinforces hierarchy.

• What stewardship offers as a more equal, sustainable alternative.

A provocative reframe for anyone serious about reimagining life beyond capitalism.

In this conversation, Lea Jovy and Naomi Freeman explore the intersections of technology, education, and the experiences of women in tech. They discuss Naomi's diverse background, her journey into technology and the challenges faced as a woman in a male-dominated field.

The conversation also delves into cultural insights from Norway, the systemic issues within education and the implications of AI in society. They emphasise the importance of individual agency in education and the need for systemic change to create a more inclusive environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Technology is a tool that shapes our lives.
• Education should empower individuals and provide access.
• Women in tech often face unique challenges and biases.
• Cultural context influences experiences in the workplace.
• AI is replicating and 'perfecting' biases, not improving or eliminating them.
• The education system can restrict access rather than provide it.
• Individual skills are crucial for personal and collective growth.
• Navigating systemic barriers requires strategic thinking.
• Collaboration and community are essential for progress.
• Future conversations will explore the role of AI further.

In this episode of the Equal Futures podcast, host Lea Jovy discusses the urgent need to re-imagine education systems to foster creativity, critical thinking, and cooperation. She shares her personal journey of home educating her children and highlights the flaws in current educational models that fail to prepare students for the realities of the modern workforce. Lea introduces her latest in-person initiative to create a learning hub for teens, aimed at equipping them with essential skills and competencies for the future. The conversation emphasises the importance of systemic change in education to create a more equitable society for us all.

In this "Big Idea, Short Snapshot" episode of the Equal Futures podcast, Lea Jovy discusses innovative economic models for organisations, focusing on the need for every team member to contribute to financial sustainability.

She emphasises the importance of storytelling and skills development in creating a more equitable workplace, where roles are justified by their financial viability and aligned with the organisation's overall mission. Lea also highlights the challenge of operationalising values like fairness and equity within organisations and shares insights on how Mission Equality is experimenting with these concepts.

In this very first "Big Idea, Short Snapshot" episode, Lea Jovy talks about the path to equality that Mission Equality CIC is paving, to achieve systemic change and create a working viable alternative to Capitalism. Lea gives an overview of Mission Equality's working theory and what they're putting in place turn the theory into reality.