Creating a culture of allyship: Insights from Lucy Morgan
In honour of Pride Month, we’re spotlighting a powerful conversation we had with Lucy Morgan, CEO of Pod Talent, who was invited by our POWER group earlier this year to speak about authentic allyship and inclusion in the workplace.
With warmth and honesty, Lucy shared their personal journey of coming out and the struggles they faced as a queer person, including discrimination and rejection from people they once considered close. These experiences shaped their identity and fuelled their determination to create environments where people can show up as their true selves without fear.
A central theme throughout the conversation was the importance of intention. Whether it’s the language we use, the stories we share, or the way we approach difficult topics, Lucy emphasised that allyship begins with genuine curiosity, care, and humility. This kind of intentionality helps build psychological safety, the foundation of any truly inclusive culture.
When it comes to handling uncomfortable or potentially discriminatory situations, Lucy advises against calling people out publicly. Instead, they suggest moving conversations offline, asking empathetic questions, and inviting open dialogue. The focus should be on calming emotions rather than escalating tensions. It’s perfectly acceptable to not have all the answers, but it’s crucial to listen honestly and stay open to learning.
From Lucy’s perspective, allyship is an active practice rather than a fixed identity. It involves consistently speaking up, being mindful of language, supporting inclusive policies, and making sure others feel seen, safe, and supported, especially during challenging or uncomfortable moments.
Age discrimination also came up as a significant yet often overlooked bias in recruitment. Lucy highlighted the need to see candidates as individuals rather than stereotypes, advocating for people based on their skills and potential, whether they’re older or part of Gen Z.
Closing the session, Lucy reminded us that allyship is a journey rather than a destination. Wherever you are on that path, showing up, listening, and being willing to grow can make a meaningful difference.
As Pride Month continues, Lucy’s message reminds us that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight, it’s built through everyday actions, grounded in empathy, and fuelled by the willingness to do better. Whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, their words are a call to lead with intention, to listen actively, and to show up, not just in June, but always.