Two entrepreneurs nominated for the Black British Business Awards share their expertise and knowledge of what drives them to succeed. The Awards take place on October 7th – and you can read more about Alessandra and Claudine, and the rest of the nominees, here: https://www.thebbbawards.com/2021-finalists.
Alessandra Bell-Madubunyi, Director, We Are Coco
A new survey from PwC, indicates that up to 65% of Americans are expected to change jobs in 2022. Why? Simply put, in the post-covid era of employment people are beginning to value principles, over-pay structure.
People want to work for companies that align with their personal values, in a job or role that inspires them to work. They want to put their power behind the visions and values they believe in.
As the leader of any good business in the 2020’s you have to be more than a boss. You have to be able to relate to your employees on a human level. Most successful businesses are tribal in structure. Communities of people brought together by one vision, with all members feeling equal responsibility for the other and committed to the advancement of the whole. And what greater example of a tribe is there, than family.
When I became a mother, I was shocked to find how many women were displaced by corporate working environments that did not allow them the flexibility to work and raise a family. I recognized that in order for women and minorities in the fashion industry to have a seat at the table. I would have to build one.
WE are COCO is driven by the concept of family. WE are a tribe of women and mothers in fashion, working from home, creating a pathway for future generations of women in fashion to do the same. Today, WE are the hands opening powerful doors for black emerging designer, fashion students and retail executives to some of the most powerful retailers in the world.
And how have I done this one might ask. During my time as a leader, a mentor and a colleague to my team. I have learnt one important lesson. Equity. Your team must feel that you value them as an individual. That they have a future with your company and that you are willing to invest in their personal growth.
Claudine Reid MBE, Director, PJs Community Services Ltd
Great Business Leaders – are compassionate, courageous, servant leaders creating a psychologically safe environment for teams to flourish and be empowered and ultimately contribute to the organisations value proposition.
In order to break down barriers business leaders are required to have a level of understanding of the complexities involved. Pioneering leaders are usually at the cutting edge of transformation and society and organisational cultural development. They recognise that the success is in the preparation and this requires an investment of time, energy and effort.
Creating a flexible and adaptable frameworks that support overall objectives and values. This in turn will lead to continuous analyse and evaluation, in turn creating an environment that is conducive for personal professional growth.
Raising awareness of diversity in business allows for a broader spectrum of creativity and innovation. Encouraging organisations to step out of the framework of the single narrative that not a true reflection of society.
As a business leader I have always tried to be intentional about my personal and professional development, deliberating putting myself into diverse space.