Welcome to Inclusion Bites, your sanctuary for bold conversations that spark change. I'm Joanne Lockwood, your guide on this journey of exploration into the heart of inclusion, belonging and societal transformation. Ever wondered what it truly takes to create a world? Remember, everyone not only belongs, but thrives. You're not alone. Join me as we uncover the unseen, challenge the status quo and share stories that resonate deep within. Ready to dive in? Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or winding down after a long day, let's connect, reflect and inspire action together. Don't forget, you can be part of the conversation too. Reach out to jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk to share your insights or to join me on the show.

So adjust your earbuds and settle in. It's time to ignite the spark of inclusion with Inclusion Bites. Today is episode 165 with the title Visibility, Empowerment and Authenticity. And I have the absolute honour and privilege to welcome Raimonda Jankunaite. Raimonda is a visibility and empowerment mentor, international speaker, author and founder of Women Thrive Media, dedicated to amplifying women's voices on a global stage. When I asked Raymonda to describe her superpower, she said it is seeing the potential in others before they see it in themselves and empowering them to step into their true, authentic and apologetic, unapologetic selves. Hello, Raimondo, welcome to the show.

Hi. So good to be here. I'm excited to finally be doing this podcast with you, Joanne.

Yes, likewise. I mean, we, we met online. It's gotta be four, five, maybe even pre Covid when you're just setting up your online presence and what you do. I think I came on your show and you interviewed me and we talked about some various things and it's been dying to get you back on mine and it's great you connect. Thank you for bearing with me with your name. Yeah, I had to. I practised that, as you know, in the green room. I practised that several times because you're not from Western Europe, you're from the Eastern side of Europe.

So where do you come from originally?

Yeah, well, originally I am from Lithuania and I grew up, was born there and grew up there and I've actually spent. Spent 22 years living in the UK and now I live in Spain. So I've kind of travelled around, but originally from Lithuania.

Ah, I've been to Lithuania once and that was in the noughties 2007, eight, something like that. I went to Vilnius and had a. A stag weekend.

Yeah, they are quite in the old Days.

Back in the old days. Yeah, it was a. I spent a bit of time in the old town in the cobbled area and the sort of the. The very typical Balkan old, old style town. You know, I've been to Latvia and, and Estonia as well, so very similar cultures and architecture, isn't it?

Yeah, it. It is really a stunning place and it has really grown a lot and changed over the last few years. I love going back. I have not been able to be back since COVID but it's a really lovely place, to be honest. Now I kind of travel everywhere else and love my life in Spain. I've moved here four years ago and it's just absolutely fantastic being here.

Weather's a bit warmer, I guess, on the Baltics, that a bit of coast there. It can be a bit brutal, can't it?

Yeah, absolutely. I wake up every day and I thank myself for making this decision to be here.

So your, your work centres around empowering women, amplifying voices, and that authenticity sits in the heart of you because you're empowering yourself, ensuring you have a voice. So what was the trigger point? Where did that come from? You obviously haven't done this all your life, so where did, where. Where did that momentum come from?