Episode 29

Empowered & Out with Guest Craig Hanlon-Smith

Published on: 28th August, 2025

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

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About the Podcast

Empowered & Out
The LGBTQ+ Career Coaching Podcast
This is the podcast where LGBTQ+ professionals come to get real about career, confidence, and authenticity at work. Each week, Jonathan shares coaching insights on purpose, confidence, and unmasking at work—PLUS inspiring interviews with LGBTQ+ leaders, authors, and change-makers who are rewriting what success looks like in their industries.

From overcoming workplace discrimination, to unlearning internalized shame, to building a career that actually feels like YOU, these conversations are honest, practical, and rooted in the queer experience.

🌈 Whether it’s a solo coaching deep dive or a guest interview, Empowered & Out is here to help you thrive authentically, without apology.

About your host

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J B

JB Motivating From The 5280 Podcast is about me, Jonathan Barbe, living in the Mile High City, sharing my thoughts and opinions on positive motivation and self-improvement from my home in Denver, Colorado.