Dr Barbara J Love works from a unique set of assumptions about the nature of humans and the process of personal, organisational, and social change which are empowering, enabling and effectively motivating. She has worked with a broad range of organisations throughout the U.S., Europe, the Caribbean and Africa. Her research focuses on personal, organisational and societal transformation and strategies for liberation. 

Dr Love defines liberatory consciousness as the ability to live life. To live life in an oppressive institution with intentionality and awareness, rather than internalise the socialisation those institutions have imposed.

Four components are required in developing a liberatory consciousness Awareness, Analysis, Action, Accountable/Ally-ship.

Awareness

We are developing the capacity to notice what is going on around us—and continually interrogating our observations from a liberatory perspective. For example, I do not have to a black male to understand that Black Lives Matter. Therefore, understanding and examining oppression is the first step to dismantling it.

Analysis

Interrogating what we see happening in the world around us from a liberatory perspective. It means asking whether the reality that we can name moves toward deliberation or away from it. We can not challenge the systems and create an action plan without a robust analysis. We discuss not only what is happening but what needs to be done to fix it if it moves away from liberation, what needs to happen to put it on track toward freedom.

Accountability

We are asking what needs to happen to move the reality that we are witnessing. Towards a path toward liberation, and what our role should be in that movement. 

Action/Allyship

Refers to the support that we provide each other in mirroring our liberatory intentions back to each other, and the assistance we provide to each other in adjusting our perspective, language, and behaviour in the course of our work, and the pursuit of liberation. Indeed what the action stage tells us is that awareness and research are not enough. It’s not about taking action irregularly but about being in the course all the time striving for freedom.

Liberatory consciousness is based on values, awareness, and analysis, not just upon “business as usual.” When we develop our work on this structure, we become reassured that we will succeed.

For more information about Dr Love and her incredible work, please go to her website

Author(s)

  • Sunita Sehmi

    Leadership Advisor I Exec Coach I Author I CEO Mentor @RichardBranson I Coach @Cancer Support Switzerland

    Walk The Talk

    I am an executive coach and organisational consultant with over 20 years of experience, specialising in leadership transformation and change management for C-suite leaders and senior executives. As the founder of Walk the Talk Organisational Consulting and Leadership Advisory Services, I have supported leaders across major industries, including Tech, Banking, Pharma, Business Schools, International Organisations, and Social Entrepreneurship, helping them drive impactful leadership development and cultural change. Having worked with CxOs worldwide, I am passionate about helping leaders unlock their full potential and align personal growth with organisational objectives. I’m known for inspiring authentic leadership, driving transformation, and creating sustainable organisational impact. As an author and thought leader, my work has been featured in publications such as Forbes Middle East, Thrive Global, and Huffington Post. I am the author of two books, How to Get Out of Your Own Way and The Power of Belonging, which explore the intersection of personal development and organisational success. Through my involvement with the Richard Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship, I actively mentor emerging leaders and support social enterprises. I am deeply committed to empowering leaders and helping them create lasting, meaningful change within themselves and their organisations.