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There are lots of tangible actions businesses can take to push that needle... and posting a black square on your instagram is not one of them. 😬 Right now, a lot of resources are going towards: -> 🗣️Progressive messaging -> 🗣️Publicly engaging in the latest political discourse -> 🗣️Demonstrating diversity These are all lovely, but if you talk the talk you had better walk the walk! If you do the above, make sure you're also: -> 🚶♂️➡️Hiring equitably -> 🚶♂️➡️Checking your office culture -> 🚶♂️➡️Diversifying your board So, are you walking?🚶♂️➡️ Or just yapping. 🥱 —————————— 🌟 Hi! We’re BIB. We connect Host Boards with Board Apprentices, with the aim of upskilling a diverse base of candidates to be the board leaders of tomorrow. 🌟 We’re currently looking for Host Boards! There is no cost and the onboarding process is seamless. Come and be part of building the pipeline of diverse talent. Email BIB@engagetransform.co.uk for details! 🌟 We’re currently accepting Board Apprentices! If you are interested in becoming a Board Apprentice yourself, please email us at BIB@engagetransform.co.uk for details! —————————— #DiversityAndInclusion #BlackandBrilliant #Womenempowerment #StructuralRacism #DEI #Equity #Inspiration #DiverseTeams #CulturallyDiverseBusinesses #CandidateAttraction #Equity

This week Wealth Solutions Report honors our latest group of Pathfinder Awards winners in celebration of Black History Month, bring you insights on marcoms and more: We name the Top Black Industry Leaders of 2024 as the latest in our Pathfinder Awards series. We bring the voices of Pathfinder winners to you: ◦ Delvin Joyce, discusses financial literacy and serving minority markets ◦ Lazetta Rainey Braxton, describes how the wealth management industry must develop ◦ Edward Walters recounts successful DEI initiatives ◦ Chloé A. Moore, discusses internships changing the industry In our weekly Deals & Recruiting Roundup our newest Recruiter Of The Month is Tony Montanari, of Prospera Financial Services, and we cover Smarsh, Dynasty Financial Partners, STRATOS Wealth Partners and AlTi Tiedemann Global. This month’s Marcoms Roundtable covers the rapid change and future evolution of marcoms, with Jimmy Moock, Megan Carpenter and Nicole Hakimi. Tolerisk’s Mark Friedenthal makes the case for routine financial checkups with holistic risk reviews. Smarsh completes its acquisition of TeleMessage, a Smarsh Company, with comments by Goutam Nadella, Kim Crawford Goodman and Guy Levit STRATOS Wealth Partners recruits Pettinelli Financial Partners from Osaic’s Royal Alliance, with comments by Charles Shapiro, Dennis Pettinelli and Jon Pettinelli. READ THE LETTER: https://lnkd.in/e_RkaXv5  #WSRPathfinders #BlackHistoryMonth #WealthManagement #FinancialAdvisors  

“We want to create a more diverse workforce, it is just out of our hands.” I was in my 20s meeting a Director for a final stage interview. My question was how we make the workforce in Higher Education more representative. “Despite our own personal backgrounds (privately educated), we want to inspire & empower, and we think we are able to do that effectively”. “What about lived experience?” *Thinks to self, I should have worded that more effectively, feels like a jab. *Shifts in seat… “I think when you gain a platform and become more knowledgeable in the sector it’ll be interesting to see how you use it” *Stands and goes to shake hand This is Joana P., History 2nd year and employability ambassador. In all honesty, she has more potential than me, she has a higher glass ceiling. I am okay with that, she is brilliant to work with. Funny, kind and insightful. · I had the opportunity to select some students to work with the Civil Service – we picked Jo · We employed student ambassadors – we picked Jo. · Scheduled to meet diplomats – we picked Jo. · Impromptu lecture employability talk – Jo covered · Had an employer & academic session to discuss curriculum developments – Jo was there, constructively framing the student’s view. · She impressed at a networking session and got work shadowing experience. What I can do is use my platform to highlight people like her. After graduation students will have a steep learning curve. The standouts absorb information like sponges and ask questions. She asked me last week how I keep my motivation so high… The same day she stayed behind an extra hour to help with some students applying for a role she was interested in. That’s the type of person she is. So, if you are looking at diversity, if you work on elevating Black talent. Connect with her. If you don’t, check her out in 10 years. See what you missed out on. Good luck on your year aboard in the US. Can’t wait to get you back! Special mention to Alex Deadman, who I have learnt a lot from in terms of creating spaces for diversity.

I was recently reflecting on how it feels when our dreams and goals don't come to pass. But do you know what sometimes feels worse than not achieving a goal? Others not believing that your goal is achievable in the first place. When I was at school, I had dreams of becoming a social worker. I remember excitedly speaking to my form tutor about it - eager to hear what steps I may be able to take to bring it to fruition. I was instead told that I'd be better off looking at a local factory, where I would MAYBE be able to get a role in one of the offices there. I can still remember how I felt during the conversation. For me, it wasn't that getting a role in an office in the local factory would have been a problem. It was that I had a vision, and a goal, and someone I entrusted with that goal didn't believe in me enough to give it the time of day. Maybe it was my race (I'm pretty sure it was), maybe it was a combination of factors. But the impact was the same - it made me second-guess myself. Many of us have young people in our lives, mentees, cousins, children, colleagues and I can't stress how important it is that we listen to them! To their goals, their dreams, their plans. Once they trust us enough to share, it's our responsibility to ensure they feel seen, heard and empowered as that may be the pivotal moment that propels them forward. So, check in with a young person in your life today, see what goals they're currently working towards and how they're feeling about it. For anyone seeking someone new to mentor and journey with, drop a comment below or DM me. I'd love to put you in touch with one of our amazing youth judges from the Black Talent Awards 🖤

According to research, diverse teams make better decisions 87% of the time.... Now in the midst of the last leg of the summer term for students, I am reflecting on the work we do at ACEN (African Caribbean Education Network) to help Black students envision life beyond GCSEs and A'levels and how we support companies to diversify their workforce. Having co-hosted an early careers event in Manchester this year alongside my colleague Aisha Sanusi, it was inspiring to experience the palpable desire to excel as over 100 students found the time on a grey, cold afternoon after a long day at school to attend an inclusive and engaging information event at one of the leading global professional services powerhouses - PwC. Partnering with PwC's Talent Engagement team spearheaded by Sarah Delaney, attendees learned about how, where, and when to apply for the array of early career schemes on offer. The real highlight was the highly interactive Q&A session paneled by newly employed Black undergraduates and school leavers who had successfully gained places on PwC's paid graduate or college leaver programs. Witnessing the enthusiasm and determination of those in attendance, it is evident that these initiatives profoundly impact both students and corporate partners. The opportunity for students to interact with professionals, gain insights into the corporate environment, and visualise their potential futures fosters a sense of possibility and motivation. For corporations, these events are a valuable avenue to engage with diverse talent early, helping to break down barriers and build a more inclusive workforce. A diversified workforce is not only beneficial for social equity but also drives innovation, enhances decision-making, and contributes to increased profitability. We invite more companies to collaborate with us at ACEN to continue this vital work. Our national network uniquely positions us to bridge the gap between able Black students who have valuable contributions to make to the economy and EDI-progressive firms seeking to expand their talent pipelines. Get in touch.

There's one week to go until the final deadline of this year's PRWeek UK 30 Under 30 Awards! So if you haven't submitted an entry yet - for you or one of your teammates, now's your chance. My tip for entrants: think about how you (or your teammate if you're nominating a colleague) have gone above and beyond in your career, delivering on SMART goals and have made a real positive impact in our industry. So be 'Specific', 'Measurable', show how the impact you've made was 'Achieved', tell us why it's 'Relevant' and how it was 'Time-Bound' (when it happened). And above all, let your personal passion come through - show us what makes you, you! Looking forward to reading the entries soon... For more details visit: https://lnkd.in/dX2tcAva

In partnership with BYP, Euromonitor will be hosting a networking event for black professionals in London with a fireside chat focused on pivoting careers with the event opening up with a welcome from Euromonitor CEO – Tim Kitchin. In the fireside, we will have Jonathan Ilori who was a British Triple Jump champion who pivoted from Sports to Corporate. He shares his learnings and challenges on shifting and restarting his career, pushing through the fear of failure, and finding reestablishing himself in the pivot. We will also have a panel discussion with fellow EMI employees talking about their career journeys covering themes including: • Starting your employment career from university to corporate post pandemic. • Building your career in a hybrid work environment. • The importance of continually upskilling as you build your career. • Discovering yourself and your role as a black leader in the corporate space and as a support for younger black talent • The importance of vulnerability and courage as leader and being authentically you. The panel will include: • Moderator: Adeife Onwuzulike – Global Diversity, • Equity and Inclusion Director • Sadiq Balogun – Business Development Manager • Cece Okafor - Client Success Executive • Bevolin Garneth – Head of Publishing Grab your tickets today 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e_rxpkcW Euromonitor International #events #inpersonevents #Blackprofessionals #londonevents

🌟 Empowering Tomorrow's Marketers: ANA AEF Event Champions Diversity in Action!🌟 Wrapping up Black History Month, I had the opportunity to dive into an enriching Association of National Advertisers ANA Educational Foundation experience, where I participated in a roundtable discussion on retaining Black marketing talent in the RDU area, as well as, participated as a panelist, sharing my marketing journey. Here are a few of my takeaways from the event: 🔍 Supporting Black, First-Generation, Corporate America Professionals: For Black, first-generation, corporate America job seekers, classroom study is just the beginning; we must reach out to these students in the classroom and on the job to assist with their journey. Providing mentorship programs, internships, networking opportunities and advocates at their place of employment, can significantly enhance their career. 🌱 Expanding the Definition of Inclusivity: To retain their talent, the definition of an “inclusive environment” must expand. This includes fostering a culture of belonging where diverse perspectives are valued, providing equal opportunities for advancement, and addressing systemic barriers that hinder the progress of underrepresented groups. 🌎 Sustaining Nationwide Diversity Initiatives: As DEI initiatives face backlash from some, it is imperative we keep events like this recurring not only in the Triangle, but across the nation. By continuing to host discussions, workshops, and networking events focused on diversity and inclusion, we can drive meaningful change and create more equitable opportunities for these aspiring marketers. Huge thanks to Elliot Lum, LaTasha Emmanuel, Aisha Brown, Kaylyn Policastri and Koren Townsend, PMP® for being amazing hosts; Torri A. Staton, Ph.D. from the Raleigh Chamber for moderating our Day 1 and close out roundtables; Van B. Sapp, PhD for facilitating the panel discussion; my fellow panelists Koren, Danielle Satterwhite, and Shaun R. And, special shoutout to Red Hat and Leigh Cantrell Day, for opening your offices and hosting us for two insightful days. Let's keep driving diversity and inclusivity in marketing! To ALL the students that showed up and showed out looking sharp, resumes in hand, asking great questions, staying in contact, etc. - you are the future of marketing! Please know you don't have to journey alone; ask for what you need, and our support will come! PLEASE READ: Just because Black History Month is ending doesn't mean your contribution to investing in the next generation of marketers has to end. The ANA AEF has an amazing opportunity to give the gift of ANA Membership to a participating HBCU. Contact Marni Gordon, ACC to learn more. #ANA #AEF #HBCU #YouMightBeAMarketer #MarketingJourney #DEI #InclusiveEnvironment #ISeeYou #BlackHistoryMonth 🚀🎓

A staggering 90% of employers believe black individuals have fewer opportunities. Events like these showcase a different narrative. There's a powerful movement in place in embracing diversity and equity. I attended an enlightening event organized by the ACEN (African Caribbean Education Network) at PwC UK yesterday. The focus was on bridging the gap between access and opportunities, challenging the idea that race should limit career heights. Another remarkable moment was hearing Mageshan's journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a senior manager in audit. His story was proof that limits only exist in the mind. Engaging conversations with Aisha Sanusi and Amber W. added depth to the experience. It strengthened the message that race should never be a barrier to achieving greatness. Thank you ACENetwork, PwC UK, and all involved for the impactful work you do! I've learnt the importance of attending and exposing yourself to such events. They open doors and propel you toward your goals.🤝🏾✨ Do you plan to attend impactful and strategic events this year?😌 If you'll also love to attend events like these, I've got the links in the comment section!🫶🏽 #diversityandinclusion #blossokingbeyondborders

Black Inclusion Week is not just about representation, it's about creating equitable opportunities and breaking down systematic barriers. It's a time for reflection, action, and genuine commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our lives. Let's use this week to amplify Black voices, and work towards a more inclusive future for all👏. #BlackInclusionWeek #EmpoweredForChange