About our founder
On a Mission to Empower Others Through Leadership, Learning and Inclusion
Jacqui Lloyd is a leadership development specialist, executive coach and passionate advocate for inclusion, with a career shaped by curiosity, reinvention and a deep commitment to helping others thrive.
Her professional journey has never followed a conventional path — and that is exactly what defines her approach today.
Jacqui began her career in Early Years Childcare and Education, working closely with children and young people with additional needs. This early experience shaped her values around empathy, development and the belief that every individual has potential waiting to be unlocked.
She went on to work in regulatory roles as a Day Care Regulation Officer and later as an Ofsted Inspector, gaining a deep understanding of standards, accountability and organisational quality.
In 2007, Jacqui returned to academia to complete her Master’s degree — a pivotal moment that reignited her passion for learning and set her on a new professional trajectory.
A chance opportunity then opened the door to the corporate world, where Jacqui transitioned into recruitment and HR focused on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at Microsoft. This marked the beginning of her work in large-scale talent and organisational development.
In 2017, she joined Citigroup, where she led apprenticeship strategy and delivery while playing a significant role in EDI, Learning & Development and Talent Acquisition. During this time, she designed and delivered award-winning programmes focused on attracting, developing and retaining diverse talent in highly competitive markets.
Her work consistently combined commercial outcomes with a strong commitment to inclusion — helping organisations improve performance while building more equitable and inclusive workplaces.
Alongside her corporate career, Jacqui became a qualified executive coach, supporting leaders to build confidence, clarity and impact in their leadership practice. She also emerged as a respected voice in EDI, with particular recognition for her work in LGBTQ+ inclusion.
In 2024, Jacqui founded The Empowerment Academy — bringing together her experience in leadership, coaching, talent development and inclusion into one focused mission: to help individuals and organisations unlock potential and create environments where people can truly thrive.
Today, her work sits at the intersection of leadership development, inclusive culture and human potential.
A Simple Belief That Drives Everything
When people are empowered, organisations transform.
That belief underpins everything Jacqui does — from coaching senior leaders to supporting organisations in building more inclusive, high-performing cultures.
