Exploring this year’s theme of “Reclaiming Narratives”, I invite everyone to consider their role in shaping a more inclusive future. Whether it’s through education, mentorship, or challenging systemic inequalities, each of us has the ability to contribute to positive change.
I’ve had the privilege of interviewing a cross-section of Black voices across media, marketing, and adtech, and their insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities in reclaiming our narratives.
Whilst not all workplaces are as diverse as we might like, everyone has a diversity, whether that be gender, ethnicity, disability or socioeconomic background. “Diversity is a fact,” says Annika Allen Gray, Head of DEI at All3Media Group. “[Inclusion] is needed for behaviour and culture change. That’s the work that needs to be done to enable people, particularly from historically excluded backgrounds, to thrive and want to stay in the workplace.”
Inclusion starts with equitable representation. Stephanie Larkin, Client Engagement Executive at The Digital Voice™, believes that providing mentors at all career stages is the way forward. “It is essential that those at the early stages of their careers have access to the resources needed to succeed, particularly those who may lack the social capital often required in our industry. However, mentorship should continue once they enter the industry, to ensure ongoing development and progression into senior positions.”
Adele Lewis Bridgeman, co-founder of Responsible Resourcing Agency, adds “Inclusion equals income, so it’s important for businesses to ambassador inclusive practices where their people are hired, trained and actively involved in decision-making processes.”
For others, narrative is a personal agenda. “I’ve always tried to stay consistent,” says Axel Campbell, Sales Development Rep at esbconnect, “and be the best version of myself, which forces people to know who I am and take me seriously.”
“I’ve taken control of my story by not letting comparison steal my happiness,” shares Faith Ilori, Senior Marketing Executive at the Digital Voice™, ”and ignoring societal stereotypes or stigmas that might prevent me from stepping into spaces where there is a lack of diversity and representation.”
For The Digital Voice™ Events Manager, Akinyi Odhiambo, it’s about putting yourself out there in the industry. “Say yes – say yes to the client networking drinks, say yes to mentorship schemes, say yes to things that scare you. Just be a bit braver in situations that intimidate you.”
“The conversations you have with your team and your peers, you can teach them about your culture and heritage,” says Nadine Leighton, Marketing Director of Bright Software Group. “It shouldn’t be performative, it’s about education.”
Evelyn Oluwole, Global Sales Director at WeTransfer, has spent 20 years in the media industry. She is very open when sharing her Nigerian heritage and personal perspectives to educate those around her, rather than expecting them to know how to address her. Authenticity is important. But as well as striving for personal improvement and representation, Evelyn knows there is significant work to be done to ensure Black people at all levels have a voice. “As a woman of colour, we don’t often get the opportunity for our voices to be heard in the workforce, even in senior leadership. You can have a seat at the table and still not have a voice. We need to work on giving each other a voice from entry-level to the c-suite – to offer the opportunity for all to share their views and to draw upon their lived experiences to contribute to business decisions.”
Tyrone Stewart, Deputy Editor, New Digital Age, is in agreement. “There’s still work to be done, particularly in senior leadership roles.”
And it’s for the best, not just for inclusion’s sake. Research consistently shows that diversity in the workplace leads to better outcomes. The proof is in the pudding:
- McKinsey’s “Diversity Wins” report found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic diversity on executive teams were 36% more likely to have above-average profitability.
- A Boston Consulting Group study found that companies with more diverse management teams have 19% higher innovation revenues
Empowering the Next Generation
Our leaders offered valuable advice for upcoming Black professionals:
- Continuous Learning: “Never stop educating yourself, and striving for excellence.” – Michael Balogun, Business Development Director at Realiz.
- Building Networks: “Network relentlessly. Your network is your net worth.” – Eb Adeyeri, VP Strategic Partnerships, Paid Social at Jellyfish.
- Owning Your Narrative: “Don’t let others define you. Take control of your story, and show up as your authentic self as this will empower others to do the same” – Jordan Jarrett-Bryan, Broadcaster at Channel 4 News.
- Confidence: “Use the data and your lived experience to be confident in your decisions and back yourself.” – Jay Richards, CEO & Co-founder of Imagen Insights.
The Road Ahead
“The one major thing that will move the dial for our industry is time,” proposes Christopher Kenna, CEO & Founder of Media and Technology company BA Diversity Media Inc// GenB TV. “In time, the people that are around now will no longer be around, and the change will be the young people coming up as they do not look at the world the way we do.”
But in order to ensure the next generation has that opportunity, we have to reclaim our narratives. Whether it’s through education, mentorship, or challenging stereotypes in our work, each of us has a role to play. The collective wisdom of these leaders underscores a crucial point: our narratives are ours to shape. Through perseverance and a commitment to lifting others as we rise, we can ensure that the stories told about Black professionals in the future are ones of triumph, innovation, and leadership.
Let us carry this spirit of empowerment and authenticity forward, not just during Black History Month, but every day, as we continue to reclaim and redefine Black narratives for generations to come.