Empowered & Out with Guest Craig Hanlon-Smith

What does it really take to lead authentically — especially when you’re the only out LGBTQ+ voice in the room?

This week, I sit down with Craig Hanlon-Smith — lifelong activist, educator, theatre artist, and soon-to-be Principal of the London South Bank Technical College — to unpack his incredible journey from the stage to the classroom to shaping cultures of belonging for the next generation.

We talk about:

🎭 How Craig’s theatre roots shaped his leadership style

🌈 The realities of being an openly gay leader in education

📣 Why visibility matters more than ever

💡 Practical lessons on inclusion, resilience, and unapologetic authenticity

This one’s for every LGBTQ+ professional who’s ever questioned whether they belong — or wondered if their voice could change the room.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream!

Want early access to episodes, bonus content I don’t share anywhere else, and a supportive community of LGBTQ+ professionals just like you?

Come join us on Patreon and be part of our chosen family.

Join here: https://www.patreon.com/EmpoweredAndOutPodcast

Connect with Me

🌐 Website: https://www.jmbcoachingllc.com/home

📸 Instagram/TikTok/Facebook: @jmbcoachingllc

💼 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmbarbe