Race To The Top

In this episode "Race to the Top" I had an enlightening conversation with Sim Sanni, an independent advisor at the John Lewis Partnership and one of their first black female store managers. Sim shared her unique upbringing, growing up between London and Nigeria, and how it shaped her identity and sense of belonging. We discussed the challenges of being a minority in various contexts, even when she physically resembled the majority. Sim reflected on the weight of being a role model and the importance of relationships in her career. She also contrasted her early experiences in retail with her mother's advice to keep her head down, emphasising the need to speak up and advocate for oneself. This episode is filled with valuable insights on resilience, identity, and the complexities of navigating race and gender in the workplace. I hope you find Sim's story as inspiring as I did.

In this episode of Race to the Top, I had the pleasure of speaking with Glyn Blaize, COO of Lafosse, who shared his remarkable journey as a person of colour in East London. Glyn opened up about his health challenges stemming from COVID-19 and the incredible support he received from his community, which restored his faith in humanity. He discussed the importance of education and the strong work ethic instilled by his Windrush-generation parents. Glyn reflected on his career in recruitment, emphasising the meritocratic nature of the industry and the significant steps he took to advance. He candidly shared a pivotal setback that taught him about leadership and professionalism. Throughout our conversation, Glyn highlighted the importance of representation, allyship, and resilience in overcoming adversity. Join us as we explore his inspiring story and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way.

In this episode of ;Race to the Top, I sit down with Delroy Corinaldi, executive director and co-founder of the Black Footballers Partnership. We dive into the critical issue of the lack of representation of black players in management roles within football, a topic that Delroy passionately addresses. He shares how a casual conversation about Darren Moore's sacking at West Brom ignited his commitment to tackling institutional racism in the sport. Delroy emphasises the importance of data, revealing that while 43% of Premier League players are black, only 4% of management roles are held by black individuals. We explore the systemic barriers that prevent black players from transitioning into coaching and management positions, and discuss the need for regulatory changes to promote diversity. This enlightening conversation sheds light on the intertwined challenges of representation in both football and corporate leadership, offering hope for a more equitable future in the sport.

In this episode of "Race to the Top," I had the joy of catching up with my friend and collaborator, Dr.Stacy Moore, founder of Inner Circles and a passionate and brilliant psychologist. We discussed her fascinating journey growing up in Kingsheath, Birmingham, as a person of colour in the 1980s, and how her Jamaican heritage shaped her identity. Stacy shared her experiences in education, highlighting the importance of community and authenticity in both schools and workplaces. We discussed the challenges of code-switching and the pressure to conform, especially in professional settings. Stacy's insights on embracing one's true self and the significance of mentorship were truly inspiring. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder of the power of identity, community, and the importance of showing up authentically in every aspect of our lives. I hope you enjoy this enlightening discussion as much as I did!

In this episode of Race to the Top," I had a brilliant conversation with Sam Kasumu, a prominent social entrepreneur and former senior special advisor to the Prime Minister. We explored his unique journey from growing up in Barnet, London, to navigating the complexities of civil society at Number 10. Sam shared insights on his role in addressing significant issues like the Windrush scandal and the pandemic impact on communities. We discussed his experiences as a young Black man in a predominantly white political environment and how his Nigerian heritage shaped his values. Sam's passion for social impact over personal gain shines through as he highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship. This episode is a powerful reminder of the potential for change when we engage with our communities and strive for inclusivity. I hope you find Sam's story as inspiring as I did!