Black Create Connect Podcast

Jermaine Balfourth, Creative Director at OLIVER Agency and founder of BLACQ Space, joins Alicia for an inspiring conversation about his journey and the pivotal moments that shaped his path. Together, they discuss how early experiences influenced his career, the transformative power of community, and the profound impact of celebrating others on both careers and culture.

BLACQ Space is a platform dedicated to amplifying Black voices and celebrating the achievements of the community.

In this episode, Jermaine takes Alicia through his evolution from creative professional to community leader. He shares how BLACQ Space became a hub for connection, collaboration, and empowerment, and why giving people their “flowers” is essential to breaking through self-doubt and fostering spaces where authenticity thrives.

Alicia and Jermaine explore:

✅ The vision and story behind BLACQ Space

Connect with him here: linkedin.com/in/jbalfourth

Ashleigh Ainsley is the co-founder of Colorintech, a leading non-profit on a mission to create a more inclusive tech industry by improving access, awareness, and opportunities for ethnic minorities. Under his leadership, Colorintech has grown into a major force in Europe’s tech scene, hosting BTF, one of the continent’s largest events for technologists and partnering with global giants like Meta, Google, Apple, Netflix, and Bloomberg to deliver impactful programs for students and professionals alike.

Ashleigh kicked off his career in strategy at Google, before taking on roles at high-growth start-up Qubit, corporate heavyweight KPMG, and later as a consultant on strategy and D&I initiatives. He’s also helped raise millions for philanthropic causes, cementing his role as a changemaker driving equity and innovation in the digital economy.

In this inspiring episode, Alicia and Ashleigh discuss his unexpected journey into entrepreneurship, driven more by community need than personal ambition. From being approached by a university to help students enter tech, he and his co-founder, Dion, decided to create a sustainable non-profit that empowers the next generation of diverse tech talent.

Ashley dives deep into the importance of class and race in shaping his experiences, offering insight into how shared life experiences can foster meaningful connections. Don’t miss this candid conversation about BTF, community, and breaking barriers in both tech and life.

Connect with him

www.linkedin.com/in/ashleighainsley/

www.instagram.com/colorintech/

Lauren Dwyer is a People Experience Business Partner at The Orchard/Sony Music looking after UK, Europe and Africa. She has well over 10 years experience within Talent Acquisition and HR. Lauren is also the co-founder of SoulGirl Collective, a platform dedicated to collaboration, community building and knowledge sharing for women in music. Additionally, she is a classically trained violinist, singer/songwriter, previously opening at shows for Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Jhene Aiko and Erykah Badu

In this episode, Lauren shares her full circle moment — from navigating startups and song writing to overcoming creative block and finding her purpose at Sony. We explore how working in a music-led environment reignited her artistry and led to the creation of Soul Girl Collective, a powerful community of over 100 women in music.

In this Episode Alicia and Lauren speak on:

Plus a special rendition of an old school classic "What You Won't Do for Love" (1979)

You do not want to miss this!

Connect with Lauren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-dwyer-33156998/

Rebecca Levy, the powerhouse who traded stilettos for sneakers and PR for People Operations, becoming a driving force at sustainable fashion platform Depop. 

In this captivating episode, Rebecca takes us on her remarkable journey from the vibrant streets of San Antonio, Texas, to leading People, Culture and Impact at one of London's most innovative fashion-tech companies. She shares her fascinating path from writing fan letters to fashion designer Anna Sui to transforming workplace culture within her industry.

Join Rebecca, as she shares her inspiring career journey and personal reflections. Rebecca's story is a masterclass in authentic leadership, cultural identity, and the power of embracing change.

Key moments include:

Perfect for aspiring leaders, culture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in authentic stories of career transformation. Join us for honest conversation about representation, resilience, and redefining success in the modern workplace.

Connect with her

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-jordan-levy

Whether you're contemplating a career change, facing impostor syndrome, or simply love a good story of perseverance, Rebecca's insights on building genuine connections and fostering inclusive workplace cultures will leave you inspired and ready to take action.

Andy Davis is on a mission to transform investing and empower Black entrepreneurs. This week's episode brings you an intimate conversation with Andy Davis, founder of 10x10 and former Director of Backstage Capital London.

This isn't your typical "started from the bottom" story. Andy takes us on a raw, unfiltered journey through his unique path to success - no university degree, no corporate ladder, just pure hustle and determination shaped by his Sierra Leonean mother's entrepreneurial spirit.

A leading angel investor and advocate for Black founders, Andy’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and collective growth. As the Founder of 10x10, Andy has dedicated his career to breaking barriers and building opportunities for underrepresented communities.

In this deeply personal episode, Andy opens up about:

Perfect for your commute or morning walk, this episode is packed with actionable insights for founders, investors, and anyone passionate about creating lasting change in the investor space.

If you enjoy this episode, leave us a rating and review to help other listeners find this valuable content!

Pashcan’el Mitchell is a name you need to know in the world of hairdressing. With over a decade of experience, Pash has transformed from a salon stylist to an award-winning hairstylist, creating iconic looks featured in Vogue, Wonderland, Spell Magazine, Viper, Schick Magazine and Black Hair & Beauty, as well as creating high end hair looks on set for video shoots and live shows.

Starting his career in salons, he spent a number of years at Junior Green in Kensington, specialising in afro hair and solidifying his name in the scene.

Part of the Avlon education team, his work speaks for itself as he continues to shake up the afro hair scene with his unwavering passion, talent and creativity.

More recently, Pashcan’el was appointed lead educator for afro and textured hair across the Blue Tit salon group, running the training programme specific to this hair type.

In this episode Alicia and Pash discuss

Connect with Pash

https://www.instagram.com/pashcanel/

Hosanna Hali, an accomplished Azure Specialist at Microsoft and the founder of The Tech Cornr joins the conversation with Alicia Richardson today. From her humble beginnings as a Computing and IT Management graduate to becoming a Solutions Engineer in Cybersecurity, Hosanna’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. 

Since starting her career in technology over two years ago, Hosanna has been using her experience to help guide, mentor and inspire the next generation of Women In Tech. Hosanna has participated in a number of Women In Tech Initiatives and in 2020 was highlighted as one of the ten influential Black British women who code and break down barriers by People of Color In Tech. 

Using her platform, The Tech Cornr, Hosanna aims to inform, inspire and empower her audience by sharing her story, tech resources and career advice across a number of social media platforms. Hosanna’s goal in life is to help open the tech doors to more women and girls.

In this Episode Alicia and Hosanna dive into

Connect with Hosanna here

LinkedIn: (99+) Hosanna Hali | LinkedIn

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thetechcornr/

Sabrina Chevannes is the founder of N0BS - a members’ club for highly ambitious entrepreneurs, which also has an in-house creative agency – the No Bullsh*t Agency. Sabrina is an award-winning creative, having led her agency for over a decade and having the privilege to work with high profile clients such as NATO, Sony and the NHS.  

She has been recognised by the British Interactive Media Association as one of the top 100 creatives to watch for 2 years in a row. 

Sabrina is also an International Chess Master and an international poker player. She played chess for England and competed in multiple Chess Olympiads, and has recently competed in two European Poker Tours in Cyprus and Prague. 

As well as all this, Sabrina runs TEDxShoreditch and is an international public speaker herself, gracing the stage in 12 different countries. She is also the self-development leader at Forbes, a bestselling author, a podcaster and an MBA lecturer. 

When she’s not working, she’s cuddling up to her Chow Chow, Bella.

Connect and Learn more about Sabrina here:

https://sabrinachevannes.com/

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinachevannes/?originalSubdomain=uk

Ola, the founder of All Things Money, created the online platform to help adults navigate the financial challenges of adulthood. The platform was launched in 2020 during the first lockdown, following her journey of self-teaching how to invest in the stock market. Feeling overwhelmed by the process, she quickly realised how little is taught about investing and other crucial personal finance topics in schools and universities.

Motivated by this gap in education, Ola began sharing personal finance tips on social media to help young people manage their finances effectively. Since then, All Things Money has grown into a thriving online community of over 24,000 members, and even hosts a personal finance podcast.

In addition to the online content, Ola offers interactive personal finance workshops to colleges, universities, and organisations, aiming to address the financial literacy gap both in the UK and beyond. Passionate about making personal finance more engaging, she is on a mission to transform the way it is perceived.

In this episode, Alicia and Ola discuss:

• "All Things Money": A personal finance platform for young adults, started during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Connect and Learn more about Ola here:

https://www.instagram.com/allthingsmoney_?igsh=MWs1NXA1amN6MW04NA==

https://linktr.ee/allthingsmoney_

Victoria Omobuwajo, a visionary entrepreneur, is the driving force behind Sunmo, a brand that redefines health-conscious living with its innovative product range. 

With a remarkable journey showcasing her tenacity, creativity, and business acumen, Victoria has made a significant impact on both the retail and direct-to-consumer industries. 

Victoria's dedication to sustainability and ethical sourcing sets Sunmo apart in the industry. By carefully selecting ingredients from local suppliers and implementing eco-friendly packaging practices, Sunmo has become a champion of environmental responsibility.

In an exciting development, renowned chef Gordon Ramsay recognised the immense potential of Sunmo and decided to join forces with Victoria as her business partner. His culinary expertise and strategic guidance have propelled Sunmo to new heights, solidifying its position as an industry frontrunner.

As Sunmo continues to captivate palates and revolutionise the food industry, Victoria Omobuwajo remains an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that determination, creativity, and a genuine love for what you do can truly shape the world.

In this Episode Alicia and Victoria discuss: 

• Her health journey and the motivation behind starting Sunmo.

Connect and Learn more about Victoria and Sunmo here:

https://uk.sunmosnacks.com/ 

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/victoria-omobuwajo-092b1884