As is often the case after one of our role modelling celebrations, I woke this morning feeling exhausted but full of pride. The publication of the EMpower role model lists in the FT, last night, we toasted the success of our top 100 ethnic minority leaders, and our top 30 ethnic minority future leaders with a fabulous event at Slaughter and May. It’s only the second time we’ve celebrated our ethnic minority leaders, and the first time we’ve done so as EMpower. So it was incredible to see so many people, all together, and filled with such positivity.
I’m sure a lot of you will be wondering why we do what we do. Our society is more diverse than ever before. And there are seemingly endless role model lists and awards ceremonies, particularly in London, celebrating influential people from various minority communities. But there’s still a diversity deficit in business, particularly at the highest level; so until that gap is closed, our lists will continue to have a purpose.
Role models have a huge part to play in life. Whether we intend to do so or not, we are all influencing those around us in some way. There will always be someone, somewhere looking up to us, or admiring us. Whether it’s peer to peer, or a senior leader inspiring the next generation; seeing how other people choose to work, or how they’ve achieved success is inspiring and influential. And for any minority group – be that LGBT+, women, or in the case of EMpower, ethnic minorities – this can be a real symbol of hope. Seeing people who remind you of yourself in some way, or remind you of the person you want to be. Seeing that your background, gender, ethnicity or sexuality don’t need to hold you back in any way. That’s a very powerful thing.
At an event recently, I was shocked to hear a speaker say that young black boys can expect one of three career paths: sport, music or prison. This is 2017, and for that to still ring true is a sad state of affairs indeed. It highlights why now, more than ever, we need to be celebrating positive role models who are challenging stereotypes and showing that there are so many more options in life for our black, Asian and minority ethnic young people. I’m delighted to have black men topping both the executive and future leaders lists this year – and I can assure you they didn’t achieve their success via sport, music or prison!
It’s hard to distil my evening into one defining moment, so instead, I’d like to share a handful of my highlights:
- Vivian Hunt explaining how all of us in this room have role models in our lives which belie the statistics about the prospects for black boys – we have husbands, fathers, brothers who are true role models, showing that we are all so much than the stereotypes that proceed us.
- Arnold saying that that there is no greater business power than the power of diversity.
- Captain Aseem Hashimi showing up to collect Arnold Donald’s award, in full Captain’s regalia, and delivering an incredible speech that showed us how we must never let rejection hold us back.
- Stephen Marshall telling us how if you work hard enough you can achieve anything – and regardless of your ethnic background or upbringing, you don’t have to become ‘just another statistic’.
To all of our role models, whether you joined us last night or not – CONGRATULATIONS! You are all doing incredible work for the ethnic minority community, and should feel so proud. Please use your platform to drive even more change in business and society.
To everyone else – have a read of the list, learn about our role models and feel inspired by all the incredible work they’re doing. And use it as an opportunity to think about all of your actions and the influence that you’re having. Be your authentic selves, follow your dreams and don’t let anything hold you back.
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