1000 Voices: Black British Leadership & Inclusive Diversity

How I Built a 15,000+ Community by Embracing Feminine Energy (& How You Can Too!) | Jasmine Douglas | Voice #91

"Resilience can mean having a break, so that you can come back stronger." 
 
About Jasmine Douglas:Jasmine Douglas is the founder of Babes on Waves, a community for women of colour in creative and entrepreneurial fields. In just two years, she built a community of over 15,000 members without any investment. Jasmine has won £100k in grants and been featured on billboards in London. She's been recognised as one of GUAP x Adidas 30 Under 30 Black Creatives and has worked with major brands like Nike, ASOS, and Vans. Jasmine also created 'Making Waves,' a yearly festival celebrating women of colour creatives and founders.
 
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From a 14 Year Old Victim of Police Brutality to Mentor of Thousands | Sayce Holmes-Lewis | Voice #90

"Start looking at the issues in our community and how you can actually find solutions because we can't allow these things to get to our doorstep when it reaches the level of violence that we're seeing in our community."
 
About Sayce Holmes-Lewis:Sayce Holmes-Lewis is the founder of Mentivity, a community organization dedicated to fostering change through mentorship, education, and opportunity. As a community entrepreneur and servant leader, Sayce has impacted thousands of young people in the UK and worldwide. His work focuses on preventing violence, providing opportunities, and building stronger communities.
 
Timestamps:0:00 - Early experiences with police brutality9:51 - Discussion on police accountability and community relations12:32 - Impact of childhood experiences on relationship with authority27:21 - Sayce's role as a community entrepreneur34:39 - Starting a social enterprise43:14 - Overcoming procrastination and starting Mentivity51:45 - Recent encounter with police and racial profiling56:35 - Importance of accountability in policing and public service57:11 - Vision and future plans for Mentivity1:01:54 - Final words
 
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The Power of Representation in Literature and Media | Sofia Akel | Voice #89

"Challenge yourself to watch or read or play something that you would normally turn your nose up at...you'll be surprised at what you might enjoy." - Sofia Akel About Sofia Akel: Sofia Akel is the founder of the Free Books Campaign, a community interest company dedicated to distributing books by authors of colour to those who can't afford or access them. As of 2020, the campaign has shared over 8,000 books across the UK. An advocate for representation in literature, Sofia hopes to make diverse stories commonplace rather than niche.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:06 - Origins of the Free Books Campaign
4:13 - Importance of representation in literature
7:20 - Impactful books that shifted perspectives
14:45 - Personal journey and experiences
20:56 - Audacity and entrepreneurial spirit
28:31 - Moving experiences from the campaign's impact
31:34 - Where to find books by Black authors
33:15 - Vision for representation in literature & media
35:34 - The power of reading in shaping perspectives
39:55 - Changing perspectives
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How a 29 Year Old ENTREPRENEUR Built a £3M Agency in 3 Years | Chloë Downes | Voice #88

"Happiness over profits is the main thing."
 
About Chloë:
Chloë Downes is an award winning marketeer and the Founder & CEO at SHFT, an influencer talent management agency shifting the industry and bringing back the true meaning of the word 'influence'. Throughout her career, Chloë has maintained a focus on making the industry a fairer place for creators by hosting events and workshops giving them the tools needed to navigate the industry. Inclusivity is at the forefront of Chloë's work and she has been vocal throughout her career about the need for diversity, not only in influencer campaigns but also, in the industry itself, especially in senior/management positions.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
02:12 - The Tipping Point
04:13 - Founding Shift
07:18 - Building a Diverse Team
10:38 - From Rejection to Success
12:35 - The Power of Values
16:09 - Scaling Up
19:07 - Balancing Quality and Quantity
22:20 - Effective Processes
24:54 - Networking and Building Connections
27:05 - Profitability from Day One
29:40 - Challenges in Building a Business
32:48 - Work-Life Balance
36:11 - Hiring and Building the Right Team
39:18 - Lessons from Past Experiences
42:10 - Staying True to Values
45:05 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
48:20 - Final Thoughts and Future Plans
 
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Dr. Bolu Eso's Guide to a Successful Veterinary Career | Voice #87

“Medicine is actually one of the highest suicide rates within professions because of how difficult it can be and the pressures that are there.”
 
Dr. Bolu Eso, a distinguished veterinarian, opens up about the profound challenges and triumphs of his career in veterinary medicine. From navigating a competitive academic journey to tackling the intense pressures of daily practice, Dr. Eso's story is one of resilience and dedication. His candid discussion sheds light on the unique obstacles faced by veterinarians, particularly those from ethnic minorities, and emphasises the importance of mental health and work-life balance.
 
About Dr. Bolu Enso:
Dr. Eso’s journey into veterinary medicine began at a young age, driven by a deep passion for animals and an unwavering commitment to his goals. Despite facing numerous rejections and the challenges of studying abroad, he persevered and emerged as a leading figure in the field. His experiences highlight the critical issues of burnout and the need for diversity in veterinary professions.
 
Timestamps:
•00:24 - Misconceptions and challenges in veterinary medicine
•02:55 - The pressures of veterinary practice and the impact on mental health.
•05:07 - The most rewarding aspects of being a veterinarian.
•06:26 - Dr. Esso’s personal journey and early passion for veterinary medicine.
•09:01 - Overcoming rejections and finding a path through studying abroad.
•13:00 - The value of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
•18:45 - The reality of daily veterinary practice
•26:12 - Managing client expectations and the cost of veterinary care.
•30:01 - Common misconceptions about veterinarians 
•35:37 - Goals and personal ideals 
•37:55 - Recognising and addressing burnout in the veterinary profession.
•43:09 - Finding balance and managing time 
•47:51 - Advice to his younger self 

Suzann McLean MBE: The Future of Theatre and Empowering the Next Generation | Voice #86

"Recording voices of Black people is crucial because we've relied on others to tell our stories and record our history. Now, we can show we've always been strong, powerful, connected, and pushing boundaries."
 
Topics Discussed:
- Representation and Diversity in Theatre: Discussing how the theatre landscape has shifted over time, the barriers marginalised communities face, and why genuine representation matters.
- The Importance of Authentic Storytelling: Exploring how powerful storytelling can resonate with audiences, especially when directed and acted by those who share the cultural background of the story.
- Empowering the Next Generation through Theatre: How Suzann McLean seeks to empower youth at Theatre Peckham, providing opportunities to express themselves and see their cultural identity valued on stage.
 
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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/