1000 Voices: Black British Leadership & Inclusive Diversity

Queer and Christian in Nigeria: An LGBTQ+ Activist's Story of Contradiction and Courage | Bisi Aimi | Voice #85

"The first exorcism was terrifying. It didn't cure anything; it just deepened my despair."
 
How do you navigate life when your very identity is deemed illegal? This episode takes you through the harrowing yet inspiring journey of LGBTQ+ activist Bisi Alimi. Bisi recounts the intense challenges of trying to reconcile his Christian faith with his sexuality growing up in Nigeria where where LGBTQ+ rights are severely restricted.
 
Episode Topics:
- Exorcisms and Mental Health: Discussing the traumatic experiences of undergoing exorcisms as a misguided attempt to 'cure' homosexuality.
- Historic Media Moments: Recounting the pivotal moment of being the first person to openly come out as gay on Nigerian television, highlighting the fallout and impact it had on his life.
- Survival and Resilience: A frank discussion on multiple suicide attempts spurred by societal rejection and internal conflict, underscoring the mental health struggles within the LGBTQ+ community.
About Bisi:Bisi Alimi is a British-Nigerian gay rights activist, public speaker, blog writer and HIV/LGBT advocate who gained international attention when he became the first Nigerian to come out on television.
 
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Bisi Alimi is a British-Nigerian gay rights activist, public speaker, blog writer and HIV/LGBT advocate who gained international attention when he became the first Nigerian to come out on television.
 
Timestamps and Topics:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:14) LGBTQ+ Laws in Africa
(02:24) LGBTQ+ Rights in Nigeria
(03:41) Personal Identity Exploration
(05:04) Name Change and Identity
(07:14) Family Dynamics and Sexuality
(10:48) Reconciliation with Father
(14:32) Childhood Influences and Struggles
(19:21) Conflict with Christianity and Sexuality
(24:09) Exorcism, and Su*cide attempts
(32:38) Turning Point in Advocacy
(37:33) Public Outing and Consequences
(42:03) Advocacy and Personal Impact
(47:45) Experiencing Racism in the UK
(52:08) Understanding Black Identity
(57:36) Bisi Alimi Foundation Goals
(1:02:04) Message to Younger Self
(1:03:21) Conclusion

Feeling Lost? This Story of Purpose Found in Pain Might Inspire You | Jessica Huie | Voice #84

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About Jessica:Jessica grew up in a west-London council estate, was expelled from school at 15 with four GCSEs and became a mother just two years later. After a chance meeting with celebrity publicist Connie Filippello, Jessica worked her way from office junior to founding her own influential boutique agency, JHPR, which she ran for over a decade.
 
After struggling to find greetings cards that were representative of her daughter, Jessica launched award-winning multicultural greeting card company, Color Blind Cards, in 2006. The innovative venture became the first independent Black card brand to secure high-street presence in the UK and drove an early conversation around the importance of diverse representation in retail. Color Blind went on to be distributed in the USA and South Africa.
 
Labelled one of Britain’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs by the Evening Standard, Jessica was honoured with an MBE in 2014 for entrepreneurship and her contribution to diversity. In 2016, when Jessica’s father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, for the first time in her life she stopped doing and became present. Her experience caring for her beloved father prompted a total transformation of her life and inspired her first book, Purpose, which was published by Hay House in 2018, and updated in 2021.
 
Passionate about challenging the ideologies which we hold around success, Jessica has shared the insights from the awakening that inspired her book everywhere, from corporations such as Google, EY, Grant Thornton, Virgin Media and Credit Suisse, to community projects, schools, charities and even her own Tedx Talk.
 
Timestamps00:00 - Introduction and Background Story01:18 - The Impact of Fear on Life Choices03:05 - Childhood vs. Adult Perceptions and Expectations04:20 - Facing and Embracing Fear06:08 - Interplay Between Fear and Purpose07:15 - Defining Purpose: More Than Just Actions09:11 - Self-Discovery Through Journaling10:54 - Challenges of Teenage Years and School Experiences13:04 - Continuous Growth and Life's Journey15:02 - Turning Points: Lessons from Youth Challenges17:01 - Transformation Through Early Motherhood19:05 - The Role of Support and Recognition20:14 - Launching a Purpose-Driven Business22:10 - Personal Realizations During Parental Illness24:15 - Reflecting on Life, Death, and Purpose26:25 - Grief and Personal Identity Shifts27:05 - Steps to Discovering One's Purpose28:44 - Living Authentically and Making Conscious Choices30:25 - Closing Thoughts and Key Messages

DEI Expert Exposes: The TRUTH Behind Recruitment Bias and Workplace Inclusion | Dawn Morton-Young | Voice #83

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Dawn Morton-Young, a changemaker in the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Dawn delves into her personal journey, revealing the motivations that drive her commitment to dismantling systemic barriers in the workplace. From exploring the roots of bias in recruitment to sharing her own experiences of inauthenticity and the struggle to belong, Dawn offers a candid look into the challenges faced by Black professionals in the UK. With her profound insights and heartfelt stories, this episode is not just a conversation; it's a call to action for individuals and organizations alike to foster truly inclusive environments.
 
What You'll Learn:
[2:22] - The revealing findings of the GEMM Project on discrimination and bias in UK recruitment, spotlighting the hurdles faced by Nigerian and Pakistani applicants.
[4:01] - Dawn's personal motivations rooted in her identity as a second-generation British Caribbean, aiming to shift perceptions and expectations within Black communities.
[8:17] - The reality of inauthenticity in the workplace and its mental toll, underscoring the importance of being able to express oneself authentically.
[15:40] - A critical look at the effectiveness of DEI initiatives within organizations, through Dawn's professional and personal experiences.
[25:48] - The aftermath of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement: assessing the genuine impact and sustainability of corporate DEI pledges.
[35:20] - The role of blind CVs and the need for a diversified approach in recruitment to combat unconscious bias effectively.
[44:44] - Strategies for Black professionals to navigate workplace discrimination, emphasizing the power of documenting experiences and the importance of self-advocacy.
 
Dawn Morton-Young, a.k.a The Diverse Leaders Coach, is an Holistic Executive Coach to Underrepresented Leaders; a Diversity, Equity Inclusion and belonging Consultant & Trainer; a speaker, HR Consultant for SME’s; owner of the 1st HR Consultancy for employees – Employee Angels, and a Backing Vocalist and session singer.
 
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The Problem with Black Asexual Representation | Yasmin Benoit | Voice #82

1-2% of the population identifies as asexual, yet this identity remains largely misunderstood and underrepresented in both media and society. In this enlightening episode, Yasmin Benoit, a pioneering advocate for the asexual and aromantic communities, opens up about her personal journey, the challenges of visibility, and her passionate fight for acceptance and understanding. Why You Should Listen: - Gain Insight into an Often-Overlooked Identity: Learn about asexuality from someone who lives it, providing a unique perspective on navigating life and relationships as an asexual individual. - Understand the Importance of Representation: Yasmin's journey highlights the critical need for diverse sexual orientations to be recognised and included in mainstream conversations about sexuality. - Be Inspired by Advocacy: Discover how one person's voice can make a significant difference in challenging societal norms and fostering a more inclusive world. - Expand Your Perspective: Whether you're a part of the LGBTQ+ community or just seeking to understand more about the diverse spectrum of human sexuality, this episode offers valuable insights and encourages empathy and support for all identities. Yasmin Benoit is a British model, asexual activist, writer, and speaker. Described as the "unlikely face of asexuality" by Cosmopolitan Magazine, she quickly became a leading voice for the community after publicly coming out in 2017. She started the #ThisIsWhatAsexualLooksLike movement for diverse asexual visibility and representation and co-founded International Asexuality Day (April 6). Soon after, she was included on the Attitude101 Influential Figures List as a "trailblazer" in "The Future: Under 25" category and made the Visible100 List as a Community Campaigner.✉️ Join Our Community and sign up to our newsletter here: https://1000voicesuk.beehiiv.com/subscribe 😃 Support us on our journey to 1000: https://www.patreon.com/1000Voices Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1000voicesuk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1000voicesuk/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1000voicesuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/1000VoicesUK Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1000VoicesUK/ 🔗 Connect with Tevin on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/tevinkittoe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tevinkittoe/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tevinkittoe/

How I Paid Off My Mortgage In 7 YEARS With this SIMPLE Side-Hustle: Financial Freedom 2024 | Ken Okoroafor | Voice #81

Ken Okoroafor is a personal finance expert and the founder and CEO of The Humble Penny and Financial Joy Academy, platforms with the core mission of helping at least 10,000 families to achieve Financial Independence this decade. Together with his wife, Mary, they also run a popular Personal Finance YouTube Channel, The Humble Penny, with over 50,000 subscribers and have helped millions of viewers take control of their finances, grow their money and improve their relationships with money over time.
 
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How to ACTUALLY become an influencer in 2024: how to go viral, how much to charge, starting from 0 | Charlotte Stavrou | Voice #80

Charlotte Stavrou is the founder of SevenSix Agency, the influencer marketing agency with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Charlotte is fast becoming a go-to voice for brands wanting consultancy on inclusive marketing strategies and regularly speaks for and works with platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, alongside sitting on roundtables and panels with industry figureheads such as the ASA and Advertising Association. Before SevenSix, Charlotte held a number of marketing roles, including managing the Hello Kitty brand for Sanrio and working at WAH Nails. Charlotte is a successful influencer in her own right, having built an impressive social profile, and regularly works with brands such as Vodafone, John Lewis, SheerLuxe and the Department for Education. ✉️ Join Our Community and sign up to our newsletter here: https://1000voicesuk.beehiiv.com/subscribe 😃 Support us on our journey to 1000: https://www.patreon.com/1000Voices Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1000voicesuk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1000voicesuk/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1000voicesuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/1000VoicesUK Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1000VoicesUK/ 🔗 Connect with Tevin on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/tevinkittoe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tevinkittoe/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tevinkittoe/

The Business I Lost Became My Greatest Lesson - The Inspirational Story You NEED to Hear | Toks Aruoture | Voice #79

Toks is the British-Nigerian founder of The Baby Cot Shop, a luxury baby furniture brand in London. She hosts the Living Inside Out podcast, focusing on entrepreneurship, faith, and mindset. A TEDx speaker, Toks helps women unwrap their gifts to play bigger.Featured in Vogue and Hello! Magazines, Toks speaks on mindset for entrepreneurial women and was shortlisted for The Precious Best Business Award in 2012. With over 16 years of experience, Toks understands the dynamics of business growth and knows how to maximise the awareness, sales and profitability of a brand. Toks believes that the most valuable tools for exponential growth are the gifts each person carries, but limiting beliefs makes access difficult.✉️ Join Our Community and sign up to our newsletter here: https://1000voicesuk.beehiiv.com/subscribe 😃 Support us on our journey to 1000: https://www.patreon.com/1000Voices Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1000voicesuk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1000voicesuk/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1000voicesuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/1000VoicesUKFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/1000VoicesUK/ 🔗 Connect with Tevin on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/tevinkittoe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tevinkittoe/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tevinkittoe/

This Man Has Interviewed 300 Failures – You Won't Believe What He's Learnt | Paul Padmore | Voice #78

They say failure is the best teacher. This man would know - he's interviewed 300 of them. And counting.
 
Paul Padmore is a prominent figure in the realm of social well-being and the creative force behind the captivating podcast, ‘My Perfect Failure.’ As the host of this thought-provoking show, Paul delivers impactful lessons on the influence of a positive mindset in both professional and personal realms. With a robust background in the industry, Paul currently serves as the Head of Customer Engagement for a leading Behaviorial strategy consultancy in London. The mission of ‘My Perfect Failure’ is to showcase how our setbacks can be the transformative gateways we are seeking to live a brighter and more fulfilled future.
 
In this episode, you'll hear: - What inspired a man to turn 300 stories of failure into lessons for others. - The common threads of resilience he discovered through his interviews. - How failures can be the catalyst for personal and career growth. - Insights on overcoming adversity and finding your true path. - Advice for anyone looking to redefine success on their own terms.✉️ Join Our Community and sign up to our newsletter here: https://1000voicesuk.beehiiv.com/subscribe 😃 Support us on our journey to 1000: https://www.patreon.com/1000Voices Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1000voicesuk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1000voicesuk/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1000voicesuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/1000VoicesUK Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1000VoicesUK/ 🔗 Connect with Tevin on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/tevinkittoe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tevinkittoe/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tevinkittoe/Listen to My Perfect Failure:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/my-perfect-failure/id1471554801Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3etctegbkbClskqCN4FNrQ?si=e36b0265b2a74305

I owe everything I am to black women: My Journey of Empowerment | Kevin Morosky | Voice #77

Kevin Morosky is a multidisciplinary creative and film auteur. In 2018, he co-founded POCC (People of Culture Collective) - a Black British Business Awards-nominated creative network that champions Black and Brown voices in advertising.
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How This Sneakerhead Gained over 100k Followers and Monetised his Following | The King of Trainers | Voice #76

Step into the realm of trainers and meet the undisputed ruler: Franklin Boateng, or better known as the King of Trainers. Discover the secrets behind his 100k strong following and how he turned his passion into profit in this exclusive interview
In this interview, you can expect to explore:
- The journey of a sneaker enthusiast who turned a passion into a thriving online community, gaining over 100k followers
- Insights into various strategies for monetising social media followings, including practical tips and real-life examples
- How to leverage your online following to secure brand deals
 
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