In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with guest Steph VanHaverbeke. They explore the complex notion of perfection, examining how striving for it can coexist with embracing imperfection. Joanne introduces the idea that "perfection is the enemy of progress," encouraging acceptance of "good enough" as a worthy aim. This episode is enriched with personal stories and practical insights that highlight the beauty of impermanence, the importance of self-acceptance, and the need to unload unnecessary baggage to achieve personal growth.

Steph VanHaverbeke is the co-founder of the House of Coaching and an advocate for cognitive agility and inclusion strategies. Having undergone a significant personal transformation, Steph's journey has been marked by a fresh start after a professional setback and a gender transition. Her experiences before and after transitioning offer a deeply personal perspective on authenticity, societal expectations, and self-acceptance. Living in Belgium, Steph has benefited from progressive gender laws, and her transition has greatly informed her empathetic and authentic approach to coaching. Steph's current projects include facilitating guided meditations and creating resources available through her website, https://coachsteff.life.

Joanne and Steph discuss the profound impact of self-limiting beliefs and the necessity of personal change to move forward in life. Steph shares her experiences of feeling compelled to prove herself as a man before transitioning, an exhausting endeavour that contrasted sharply with the liberation and authenticity she felt post-transition. Both Joanne and Steph draw on their understanding of identity to underline the importance of self-acceptance and letting go of societal constructs. Their conversation veers into the transformative power of AI and its potential to shape future work dynamics, drawing parallels with how past technological advancements have liberated humanity from burdensome tasks.

A key takeaway from this episode is the courage to embrace imperfection and focus on what truly matters, rather than being bound by societal constructs or self-imposed constraints. Listeners will find Steph's journey and insights particularly inspiring as they explore the themes of identity, technology, and the ongoing quest for personal and societal growth. This episode encourages a healthy reflection on personal baggage and self-limiting beliefs, offering actionable insights for anyone looking to engage in meaningful change.