Diversity Alliance Talks

In honour of Black History Month co-founder of Diversity Ally, Gabby Austen Browne speaks with four inspirational Black men from the events industry. During this series of BHM specials, learn about our guests early years as young Black men in the UK, their career journey (challenges + wins) and their hopes for the future.

This weeks guest is Raphael Sofoluke, who founded The UK Black Business Show in 2017.  The UKBBS is annual conference and exhibition show which takes place during Black History Month to highlight and promote the amazing businesses founded by people from the Black community. The show highlights the achievements and contributions black businesses have made to the economy and attendees have the opportunity to hear insights and advice in entrepreneurship, leadership and business from some of the UK’s leading Black business professionals.

The UK Black Business Show takes place on the 30th October 2021 at the QEII. Secure your tickets here: https://ukblackbusinessshow.co.uk/ Attendees will gain cutting-edge insight and advice in entrepreneurship, leadership, soft skills and cultural development from some of the UK’s leading black business owners.  

The UK Black Business Week takes place on the 25th October 2021 at the QEII.  Participate here: https://ukblackbusinessweek.com/

It's here - Season 3!

In honour of Black History Month we speak with four inspirational Black men from the events industry. We learn about their early years as young Black men in the UK, their career journey (challenges + wins) and their hopes for the future.

This weeks guest is Mike Sealy, who is the Customer Experience Director at Informa Market, EMEA with responsibility to create great customer experiences through the improvement of operational processes, implementation of new technologies and better use of data and insights.  He is also one of the regional Coordinators for Informa Markets Nations, a colleague run network representing Black and Ethnic Minority employees. He has had a reasonably successful career as a senior leader in a number of high-profile companies, namely Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, and the BBC leading and setting up businesses and organisations and consistently delivering positive results and winning awards for management and execution excellence.  

Throughout his career, Mike has been involved in a number of Diversity networks trying to drive awareness and fairness for colleagues of colour. He is also passionate about helping to develop colleagues and see them progress within their own career through active mentoring and coaching through his own experiences, knowledge and skills.

In this episode we discuss

As usual, pls share, subscribe and review so we can share our message and expertise with as wider audience as possible :)

In honour of Black History Month we speak with four inspirational Black men smashing through brown ceilings in the events industry.   The launch of season 3 / Episode 034 features Mike Sealy who is the Customer Experience Director at Informa Market, EMEA with responsibility to create great customer experiences through the improvement of operational processes, implementation of new technologies and better use of data and insights.  He is also one of the regional Coordinators for Informa Markets Nations, a colleague run network representing Black and Ethnic Minority employees. 

TRAILER “It just goes to show that teachers play a very important role, and they didn't pay too much attention to black pupils. They didn't believe that they were capable of achieving higher levels of education, and therefore ignored.  I realised that I kind of limped through school you know, when you  get to university, and then business schools, I attended a lot of business schools throughout my career and that's where my real development and learning came as a result."

To close season two of the Podcast, Ashanti and Gabby discuss Diversity Ally’s Diversity & Inclusion highlights as part of its one year anniversary.

Our off the cuff conversation covers how far the events / MICE & hospitality industry has come with regards to D&I (what are companies doing?!) Whether we are all suffering from social impact fatigue.  And how international diplomacy relates to diversity and inclusion.

We also talk about employee expectations when it comes to workplace diversity and inclusion

We discuss insights around leadership concerns when implementing D&I initiatives, policies and strategies 

PLUS what do we see for the future of industry equality 

and what’s next for Diversity Ally ?

Thanks for joining us for season 2 and join us for season 3 which is going bigger, bolder and better!

To close season two of the Podcast, Ashanti and Gabby discuss Diversity Ally’s Diversity & Inclusion highlights as part of its one year anniversary.

Expect an off the cuff conversation covering how far the events / MICE & hospitality industry has come with regards to D&I (what are companies doing?!) Whether we are all suffering from social impact fatigue.  And how international diplomacy relates to diversity and inclusion.

Amrita Devaiah the Head of External Affairs and Engagement at the Cabinet Office, with responsibility for events and all aspects of ministerial engagement for the department. This includes Civil Service Live, the largest public sector learning and development event in Europe as well as all visits, meetings or external engagements for Cabinet Office ministers, such as Michael Gove, Penny Mordaunt or Jacob Rees-Mogg.

In this weeks episode we cover:

Amrita Devaiah is Head of External Affairs and Engagement at the Cabinet Office, with responsibility for events and all aspects of ministerial engagement for the department. This includes "Civil Service Live", the largest public sector learning and development event in Europe as well as all visits, meetings or external engagements for Cabinet Office ministers, such as Michael Gove, Penny Mordaunt or Jacob Rees-Mogg. 

In this weeks episode we cover:

Birmingham born, Shannie Mears is Co-founder & Head of Talent at The Elephant Room, alongside iris worldwide's former CEO, Dan Saxby.

Formed to directly address advertising's lack of diversity and inclusion, The Elephant room was created with the mission to help build brands that are genuinely inclusive.

Shannie consults with top brands on how to find fresh talent and new ways of approaching recruitment, so we were keen to see if their approach is something the events industry could emulate.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Shannie, we cover 

1. Inclusivity and representation in branding 

2. How you can expand your network to include those from different communities

3. Why you should be focussing on DEI in order to future proof your business

4. How to prepare for change 

5. 3 tips on how to source diverse talent

Be sure to follow Shannie and The Elephant Room on socials:

Linkedin: Shanice Mears

Instagram and twitter @elephantroomuk and @Shannieloves

It's here! Part 2 of our conversation with Shannie Mears, Co-founder & Head of Talent at The Elephant Room.

We cover:

1. Inclusivity and representation in branding

2. How you can expand your network to include those from different communities

3. Why you should be focussing on DEI in order to future proof your business

4. How to prepare for change

5. 3 tips on how to source diverse talent

Birmingham born, Shannie Mears is Co-founder & Head of Talent at The Elephant Room, alongside iris worldwide's former CEO, Dan Saxby.

Formed to directly address advertising's lack of diversity and inclusion, The Elephant room was created with the mission to help build brands that are genuinely inclusive. 

Shannie consults with top brands on how to find fresh talent and new ways of approaching recruitment, so we were keen to see if their approach is something the events industry could emulate.

In Part 1 we talk about Shannie's journey up to this point, we reflect on the advice we have been given and advice we would give to those looking to make that next step in their careers, plus the importance of passion and purpose.

Part 2 will be out on 6th May 2021, SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss it!