Everyday Leadership

On today's episode, I have the rare opportunity to sit down with Kwabz Ayim who is the Co-Founder and COO of MixtapeMadness one of the biggest platforms in the UK music scene. 

Over the last 10 years, leveraging data and technology, coupled with a deep expertise in music and marketing his team who are mainly in the early 20's have successfully gone from mixtapes to a platform for underground music artists allowing them to go mainstream building strategic partnerships with brands such as Spotify, Capital Xtra, Tech Hub, and Caroline International.

Kwabs has worked with the Youth Violence Commission and YouTube to help address youth violence and is a winner of Spirit of London Award whilst voluntarily working for Haringey Young People Empowered. 

We talk about:

• How a business needs to keep on experimenting and reinventing 
• Drill music and the house of parliament 
• The criminal justice/probation system and how it set people up to fail with stringent conditions and Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
• The importance of building  great relationships
• Leadership and empowering your team 
• Leveraging debt instead of giving away equity as a business
• Working part-time on MM and switching between roles
• Bringing through the next generation of artist
• Educating artist on looking after their money and the lifecycle of music
• Why metrics like 1 million subscribers are not as important
• Marriage and Parenthood 

Follow Kwabz on social media
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UncleKwabz

Follow Mixtape Madness
Website - https://www.mixtapemadness.com/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/madaboutmixtapes
IG - https://www.instagram.com/mixtapemadness/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/mixtapemadness

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On today episode we delve into how my guest Sheree Atcheson went from being raised in rural Ireland navigating racism to becoming recognised as one of the Most Influential Women in UK Tech.

Sheree is also the Global Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Peakon, an international multi-award winner for her services to Diversity & Inclusion in the Tech industry, Founder of I Am Lanka, Contributor for Forbes, Global Ambassador for Women Who Code and the author of Demanding More: Why Diversity and Inclusion Doesn't Happen and What You Can Do About It

Follow Sheree on social media:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirushika/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/nirushika?s=20
IG - https://www.instagram.com/_nirushika_/?hl=en

Pre-order her book - Demanding More: Why Diversity and Inclusion Doesn't Happen and What You Can Do About It

Read Sheree's Forbes Articles
https://www.forbes.com/sites/shereeatcheson/#50ee140a3409

In this episode of Everyday Day Leadership, Sheree and I discuss:

• Helping organisation create strategic changes around inclusion, equity and belonging
• Why is it important companies are transparent instead of hiding behind values or lofty statements and the business case for diversity 
• What makes a good leader?
• Dealing with ego and why it a barrier to progress
• Being intentional about creating a new generation of women leader
• Dealing with racism growing up in rural Northern Ireland
• Launching Women Who Code in the UK and the pushback from men and women who felt threatened
• Operating in environments that do not represent you and not feeling guilty if you feel like you cannot speak up 

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On today's episode, I talk to David Grevemberg  Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) about  :

• Growing up in an all Black neighbourhood in New Orleans 
• Transitioning from being an athlete to a corporate career in international sport 
• Awareness, Advocacy & Action - Championing and changing the perception around Paralympic athletes 
• How to create welcoming environments that promote, protect and empower people regardless of diversity.
• Listening in the realm of possibility instead of the realm of limitation 
• Lack of representation  on the board of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games  and learning from that experience 
• Embracing protest by athletes which is different to the IOC

David is Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), the organisation responsible for the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games.

Previously, David was Chief Executive of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (Glasgow 2014 Limited), the Executive Director of Sport and International Federation Relations at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), a former competitive wrestler, who has also served as a coach, athlete agent, team administrator, consultant and Board member.

Follow David on  Linkedin - David Grevemberg

Get involved with  Birmingham 2022 - https://www.birmingham2022.com/

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I appreciate you and your support

On today's episode, I talk to Catherine Wallwork about  :

• The difference between a fixed and a growth mindset and how to recognise your current state
• Why companies need a mindsetshift 
• Practical tools which allow you to self reflect an deal with failures we go through
• Create space to challenge conventional wisdom and collaborate together
• Edward de Bono’s ‘Six Thinking Hats’  for Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Why is storytelling so important in the workplace?
• Playing football and the lessons learnt from being a club captain
• Why embracing conflict is the best opportunity to help you find a way forward 
• MoSCoW and how that helps you prioritize at home helping you do more things that give you energy
• Parenting and how to develop a growth mindset with your children

Catherine is the Head of Innovation Engagement & Mindset at Deloitte Ventures UK. She is also a founder, advisor and an education governor for one of the largest, diverse and creative maintained secondary schools in South East London. She is also a careers strategy advisor helping young people, parents and educators understand the future of work and how innovation and industry trends are shaping careers and learning.

Follow Catherine on social media
Twitter - @catherinewallw1
Linkedin - Catherine Wallwork



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On today's episode, I talk to David about having uncomfortable conversations with people but doing it from a place of love, we discuss cancel culture, inclusive and servant leadership as well what it takes to sustain a marriage after 32 of being with his wife, education and why it is for the privileged,  showing vulnerability as a man as so much more.

About David Mcqueen
David McQueen is a husband, father of two, entrepreneur, professional facilitator, world-class speaker and executive coach who works with C-Suite clients globally across banking, technology, advertising and the non-profit sector, specifically focusing on both leadership and presentation skills.

• David Mcqueen - https://www.davidmcqueen.co.uk/
• Q Talent management - Agency dedicated to providing high-quality talent for your event with a seamless process that makes booking and delivery a delight. 
• The Black Founders Hub -  The Peer Network for High-Growth Black-Owned Service Businesses.
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdavidmcqueen/

If you liked this episode, please share it with your friends / write a review - it goes a long way! :)

In this episode of Everyday Day Leadership, David and I discuss (times are approximate):

• Having uncomfortable conversations and approaching it from a place of love - 1:20 
• Not worrying about cancel culture and speaking truth to power - 03:20
• Defining what servant leadership means and why it is so important  - 05:20
• How people respond to various leadership styles - 11:00
• Creating an environment where employees have a voice - 14:00
• Using B.R.A.V.E framework to help companies live up to their values - 19:00
• 3 major keys to sustaining a relationship of 32 years - 22:00
• Working with your partner - 24:45
• Why not growing up is important in a relationship - 28:00
• Being vulnerable and overcoming the “boys don’t cry” mantra- 31:00
• Singing at his wedding - 34:00
• Education is not designed for the poor or disenfranchised - 39:00
• The good side of social media - 46: 00
• Working Hard v Working Smart - 49:45

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I appreciate you and your support

In part 2 of James' story, we explore topics like mental health and the impact racism has had on the older generation which does not get talked about often. 
We discuss how getting rejected lead to a complete redirection in his career.
- Why it is so important to know your strengths, weakness, and capabilities.
- Communicating to express not impress
- Why being confident intimated other people.
- Feast and farming of being a creative artist and why even though from a financial perspective working for yourself is harder and sometimes not as lucrative but it is worth it from a mental wealth perspective.
- Getting underpaid despite being more qualified than other colleagues

About James Pogson:
James Pogson is a Black British Narrative Storyteller: Writer. Speaker. Humorist. Creatively Clear Compelling Communicator with 25+ years working in the public, private, arts, and entertainment sectors

Follow James on Social Media:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-pogson-617aa812/

In Episode 10 of EverydayDay Leadership, James and I discuss 

• Have things got better in 2020 - 2:00
• Representation on TV - 6:00
• Mid life crisis & mental health from a black lens especially for the older generation  - 12:00
• Death by misadventure - 16:00
• How frustration with the “gatekeepers” in media lead to redirection in his career - 18:00
• Why working for yourself is easier for a black man - 21:00
• Dealing with rejection, knowing yourself, weakness and purpose - 26:00
• Being sensible and black 29:00
• Being confident and how others found that intimidating - 30:00
• Being underpaid despite being more qualified that colleagues - 32:00
• Advice to the younger generation - 35:00

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I appreciate you and your support

Stories are powerful and they play a key role in creating perspectives, informing identities and educating people. As we celebrate Black History Month I wanted to share untold stories of Black people and I could not think of anyone else that my guest today James who is a natural storyteller.

About James Pogson:
James Pogson is a Black British Narrative Storyteller: Writer. Speaker. Humorist. Creatively Clear Compelling Communicator with 25+ years working in the public, private, arts and entertainment sectors

Follow James on Social Media:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-pogson-617aa812/

In Episode 09 of EverydayDay Leadership, James and I discuss 

• What life was like growing up in the ’70s 
• Having “The Talk” with your parents 
• Paying to be in insulted on TV
• Not feeling British
• Being put in a box at school by teachers because you were Black
• Having a degree was a hindrance 
• The distinction between logic and emotion 
• Leaving his job for emotional reasons
• Not being treated as a human 
• Aggressions are not micro 
• The problem with BAME 
• Have things got better

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I appreciate you and your support

Since the 31st May 2020, Shereen has recorded a video every day charting her experiences of being a Black woman in the world of work - no filter, unflinchingly raw and honest and on today’s episode we peel the curtain back behind who Shereen is to learn more about her finding her voice, being a black woman operating in predominately white spaces and feeling unwelcome, battling stage four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma whilst being a single mum of a young daughter at the time and why "working twice hard" notion potentially lead to her diagnosis, parenting, tough conversations and so much more.

About Shereen Daniels:
Shereen Daniels is the Managing Director of strategy consultancy HR rewired who specialise in delivering niche half-day workshops designed to support organisations who are committed to creating equitable, anti-racist and inclusive cultures. 

HR rewired are on a mission to gather the world together to take anti-racism seriously. To amplify the voices of Black people within the workplace. And encourage as many people as possible to stop being bystanders and become active allies.  

Shereen has over 17 years of senior HR experience within international risk management, media, retail and hospitality, Shereen has worked for an array of well-known, highstreet brands, such as Orion Publishing Group, Carphone Warehouse, Gala Coral, Hobbs, Greene King and Caffe Nero.

Work Shereen and her team - https://www.hr-rewired.com/

Follow Shereen on social media:

• LinkedIn -  https://uk.linkedin.com/in/shereen-daniels
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/hrrewired?lang=en
• IG - https://www.instagram.com/shereen_daniels/
• Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWQf-YTx1mjrNBtbdd0EMWg/

In Episode 08 of EverydayDay Leadership, Shereen and I discuss (times are approximate):

Who is Sheereen Daniels - 2:30
Working with ex-special forces and CIA personnel -  5:00
Navigating HR as a black woman - 8:30
Being overqualified at 16 and dealing with the concrete ceiling - 09:40
Being passed over for job roles - 9.48
Space for one black person and leaving your identity behind  - 13:30
Battling stage four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma - 19:00
Wearing a skin that is not really yours - 23.46.719 - 24.50
Experiencing hostility & the impact of social conditioning - 27:00
Black people are not good enough to lead - 30:00
Why diversity & inclusion is broken - 33:00
Ignorance is no longer an excuse - 35:22
Changing your name because of a job - 41:00
Having “the talk” as a parent and navigating multiracial relationships  - 43.00
Why entrepreneurship is important for kids - 49:00
Protecting your mental wealth  - 55:00

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I am always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts once you’ve listened to this interview just drop me an email at [email protected]

I appreciate you and your support

In this episode I talk to Ken Okoroafor went from Topshop assistant to achieving financial freedom (becoming and living completely debt-free) in just over ten years and in today's episode we find out how he achieved this. We also discuss parenting and not conforming to cultural Nigerian standards, making the bold decision to quit a 6 figure job during the pandemic, racism, faith, leadership  and so much more

About Ken Okoroafor:
Ken is a husband to Mary (Co-founder of HumblePenny), father to two great sons – Joshua & Elias. He is also a Chartered Accountant (ACA, ICAEW), former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Edge Investments, an MBA holder from the University of Cambridge and has been featured on BBC, Channel 5, Metro, The Times, Guardian, etc. He also creates personal financial coaching workshops with clients such as PensionBee, IG Markets, eToro, Experian, Youtube etc.

Learn more about Financial Freedom
The Humble Penny - https://thehumblepenny.com/
Financial Joy Academy - https://financialjoyacademy.com/

Follow Ken on Social Media
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thehumblepenny/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehumblepenny/?hl=en
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/thehumblepenny

In Episode 07 of EverydayDay Leadership, Ken and I discuss 

• Having a North Star Goal
• Lack of representation for black people in personal finance
• Building a community whilst working full time
• Quitting work during the pandemic
• How to simplify your life & why budgeting is important
• Lessons from parenting and how they can apply in business
• Developing a mindset to provide alternative solutions to tackle racism
• Creativity is necessary to increase your income
• How Faith is at the foundation of everything he does

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SPREAD THE WORD. LEAVE A RATING, REVIEW, AND FEEDBACK

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I appreciate you and your support

In this episode, Gaby & I discuss the origins of Huckletree, picking the right co-founder, intentionally creating inclusive teams and why companies have no excuse, how being a parent has shaped the culture at Huckletree, balancing guilt as a mother, making time for you and your mental health. 

About Gabriela Hersham:
Gaby is a mother, wife and Founder and CEO of Huckletree one of London’s original co-working spaces and credited as the woman who brought co-working to London. Huckletree now has eight communities in 4 cities, 3 countries and a team of 70 people.

Gaby is a champion of women in business as well as actively campaigning for diversity in the VC/Tech world. An influential female founder within London’s technology ecosystem currently serving on the advisory board of several startup businesses and in her spare time