It’s Black History Month in the UK and across many organisations, diverse talent is being momentarily thrust into the limelight. Panels are curated. Campaigns are refreshed. Brochures are updated. For a short while, people remember who’s in the room. But representation isn’t progress if it ends there. The real question for senior leaders is: What does the future look like for that talent inside your organisation? Progression. Pay rises. Promotions. Professional development? Who is quietly plateauing because visibility is seasonal rather than sustained? At an event yesterday, someone said : “When these moments come, like Black History Month or International Women’s Day, we make sure the panels look diverse.” That’s not enough. Because the question isn’t who’s visible this month, but who’s valued all year. Diverse talent doesn’t just bring representation: they bring skills, insight, and commercial advantage. This should be looked at as an important cultural add. Yet too often, they’re showcased but not sponsored. Heard but not heeded. If you sit at the top table, ask yourself: 1) Are we unintentionally tokenising people, seeing diversity, but overlooking contribution? And never being open with sharing their wins. 2) Do we actively highlight their impact so they’re recognised for excellence, not optics? And what does that mean for them if we don’t? 3) Are their perspectives shaping strategy, or just the marketing collateral? Culture fit reinforces what already exists. Culture add builds what’s next. This isn’t about performative inclusion. It’s about leadership foresight, ensuring the people who add value have real pathways to lead, innovate, and stay. So this Black History Month, celebrate, but also evaluate and use it as a launchpad. Rather than just showcasing who’s in the room, think about how they’ll be developed, promoted, and heard when the spotlight moves on. That’s how inclusive leadership sustains itself, not through moments, but through curating momentum. *photo from a workshop I did at IMG last year.
Black History Month: More than just a showcase
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🖤 Black History Month 2025 may be ending, but inclusion doesn’t stop here 🖤 Celebrating Black pioneers in tech has been inspiring, but true progress comes from what organisations do every day. Ongoing training, clear and inclusive policies, and empowered managers are key to creating meaningful opportunities for underrepresented groups. By equipping managers to lead inclusively, reviewing policies to ensure fairness, and embedding learning into everyday practice, organisations can build workplaces where diverse talent thrives, long after the month is over. Let’s make inclusion an enduring part of how we work. #InclusionAtWork #DiversityAndInclusion #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM2025 #RepresentationMatters
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🖤 Black History Month 2025 may be ending, but inclusion doesn’t stop here 🖤 Celebrating Black pioneers in tech has been inspiring, but true progress comes from what organisations do every day. Ongoing training, clear and inclusive policies, and empowered managers are key to creating meaningful opportunities for underrepresented groups. By equipping managers to lead inclusively, reviewing policies to ensure fairness, and embedding learning into everyday practice, organisations can build workplaces where diverse talent thrives, long after the month is over. Let’s make inclusion an enduring part of how we work. #InclusionAtWork #DiversityAndInclusion #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM2025 #RepresentationMatters
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Recruitment and Black History Month: Turning Reflection into Action As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the incredible impact of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers — past and present. At Drake Darcy, we believe building an inclusive workplace starts long before day one — it begins with how we recruit, listen, and open doors. We’re proud that 29% of our placements to date have been for candidates from ethnic backgrounds. Yet the most recent Parker Review reminds us there’s still work to do: • Only 12 ethnic minority CEOs lead FTSE 100 companies, up from 7 in 2022 (EY) • Ethnic minorities make up just 13% of senior management in FTSE 100 firms Diversity isn’t just a goal — it’s the foundation for innovation, creativity, and belonging. Recruitment shapes workplaces and determines who gets a seat at the table. Here’s how we can turn reflection into action: 💡 Review job descriptions to remove bias and unnecessary barriers 🤝 Build diverse hiring panels to bring multiple perspectives 🎓 Partner with Black professional networks 🗣️ Support mentorship and career growth for Black employees This Black History Month, let’s recommit to making our hiring practices reflect the values we celebrate. Diversity isn’t seasonal — it’s a daily responsibility and a long-term investment. #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityAndInclusion #Recruitment #Equity #RepresentationMatters #HR #Leadership #WeAreDrakeDarcy Chris Drake Matt Venning Gurbir Kaur
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This month, we join our colleagues across the UK in celebrating Black History Month, an important time to recognize and celebrate the monumental contributions of Black people to history, culture, and society. This year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” is a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community globally. At AMS, we're proud of the steps we’ve taken, while recognizing the ongoing work required to foster true inclusion: - Employee Networks are Growing: Our Black Employee Network (BEN) continues to expand rapidly, growing by 51% in the UK&I this year and 29% globally. - Empowering Future Leaders: Our EmBue development programme in the UK&I is successfully empowering ethnically diverse leaders. As programme alumna Denise Phillips shared: "Since completing EmBue, I’ve taken on more opportunities to share my voice, lead inclusion-focused work, mentor others, and grow professionally.” We are committing to a more inclusive environment by signing the Halo Code. This commits AMS to protecting colleagues who wear their natural hair and protective styles with pride. To celebrate this commitment, we’re hosting a panel on Black hair and cultural pride, featuring AMS colleagues and special guest Paige Lewin—a presenter, podcaster, and advocate for the afro and curly-haired community. Learn more about the Halo Code and tackling hair discrimination in the workplace: https://lnkd.in/g48xM2-F Let’s all recommit to the important work of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all colleagues. #WeAreAMS #UKBlackHistoryMonth #DEIB #Hiring #Leadership #Recruitment #TalentAcquisition
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This month, we join our colleagues across the UK in celebrating Black History Month, an important time to recognize and celebrate the monumental contributions of Black people to history, culture, and society. This year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” is a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community globally. At AMS, we're proud of the steps we’ve taken, while recognizing the ongoing work required to foster true inclusion: - Employee Networks are Growing: Our Black Employee Network (BEN) continues to expand rapidly, growing by 51% in the UK&I this year and 29% globally. - Empowering Future Leaders: Our EmBue development programme in the UK&I is successfully empowering ethnically diverse leaders. As programme alumna Denise Phillips shared: "Since completing EmBue, I’ve taken on more opportunities to share my voice, lead inclusion-focused work, mentor others, and grow professionally.” We are committing to a more inclusive environment by signing the Halo Code. This commits AMS to protecting colleagues who wear their natural hair and protective styles with pride. To celebrate this commitment, we’re hosting a panel on Black hair and cultural pride, featuring AMS colleagues and special guest Paige Lewin—a presenter, podcaster, and advocate for the afro and curly-haired community. Learn more about the Halo Code and tackling hair discrimination in the workplace: https://lnkd.in/ghiSYUtT Let’s all recommit to the important work of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all colleagues. #WeAreAMS #UKBlackHistoryMonth #DEIB #Hiring #Leadership #Recruitment #TalentAcquisition
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This month, we join our colleagues across the UK in celebrating Black History Month, an important time to recognize and celebrate the monumental contributions of Black people to history, culture, and society. This year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” is a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community globally. At AMS, we're proud of the steps we’ve taken, while recognizing the ongoing work required to foster true inclusion: - Employee Networks are Growing: Our Black Employee Network (BEN) continues to expand rapidly, growing by 51% in the UK&I this year and 29% globally. - Empowering Future Leaders: Our EmBue development programme in the UK&I is successfully empowering ethnically diverse leaders. As programme alumna Denise Phillips shared: "Since completing EmBue, I’ve taken on more opportunities to share my voice, lead inclusion-focused work, mentor others, and grow professionally.” We are committing to a more inclusive environment by signing the Halo Code. This commits AMS to protecting colleagues who wear their natural hair and protective styles with pride. To celebrate this commitment, we’re hosting a panel on Black hair and cultural pride, featuring AMS colleagues and special guest Paige Lewin—a presenter, podcaster, and advocate for the afro and curly-haired community. Learn more about the Halo Code and tackling hair discrimination in the workplace: https://lnkd.in/gCi7CwFt Let’s all recommit to the important work of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all colleagues. #WeAreAMS #UKBlackHistoryMonth #DEIB #Hiring #Leadership #Recruitment #TalentAcquisition
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As Black History Month UK draws to a close, many organisations have hosted inspiring events, shared stories, and celebrated the brilliance of Black colleagues. But here’s the question that really matters: ➡️ What happens after the celebration ends? At Mahogany Inclusion Partners, we believe #inclusion isn’t an event - it’s a culture. Real inclusion means moving beyond performative gestures and creating everyday spaces where Black voices are heard, valued, and empowered to influence. So how can organisations move from celebration to sustained action? Here are five ways to start: 1️⃣ Audit your culture - whose voices are missing from decision-making? 2️⃣ Invest in Black talent through sponsorship and leadership opportunities. 3️⃣ Make accountability visible - measure inclusion like any other business goal. 4️⃣ Empower everyday allyship - equip teams to challenge bias and amplify equity. 5️⃣ Embed storytelling - let lived experience inform learning and leadership. True inclusion takes courageous leadership - the willingness to listen, learn, and act, long after the spotlight fades. 💡 Black History Month is a springboard, not a finish line. Let’s move from recognition to representation, from awareness to action. Read more in our latest blog below. #BlackHistoryMonth #Inclusion #Equity #Leadership #Diversity #MahoganyInclusionPartners #Belonging https://lnkd.in/erPZNwKb
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This month, we join our colleagues across the UK in celebrating Black History Month, an important time to recognize and celebrate the monumental contributions of Black people to history, culture, and society. This year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” is a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community globally. At AMS, we're proud of the steps we’ve taken, while recognizing the ongoing work required to foster true inclusion: - Employee Networks are Growing: Our Black Employee Network (BEN) continues to expand rapidly, growing by 51% in the UK&I this year and 29% globally. - Empowering Future Leaders: Our EmBue development programme in the UK&I is successfully empowering ethnically diverse leaders. As programme alumna Denise Phillips shared: "Since completing EmBue, I’ve taken on more opportunities to share my voice, lead inclusion-focused work, mentor others, and grow professionally.” We are committing to a more inclusive environment by signing the Halo Code. This commits AMS to protecting colleagues who wear their natural hair and protective styles with pride. To celebrate this commitment, we’re hosting a panel on Black hair and cultural pride, featuring AMS colleagues and special guest Paige Lewin—a presenter, podcaster, and advocate for the afro and curly-haired community. Learn more about the Halo Code and tackling hair discrimination in the workplace: https://lnkd.in/ewDFyHvK Let’s all recommit to the important work of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all colleagues. #WeAreAMS #UKBlackHistoryMonth #DEIB #Hiring #Leadership #Recruitment #TalentAcquisition
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This month, we join our colleagues across the UK in celebrating Black History Month, an important time to recognize and celebrate the monumental contributions of Black people to history, culture, and society. This year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” is a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community globally. At AMS, we're proud of the steps we’ve taken, while recognizing the ongoing work required to foster true inclusion: - Employee Networks are Growing: Our Black Employee Network (BEN) continues to expand rapidly, growing by 51% in the UK&I this year and 29% globally. - Empowering Future Leaders: Our EmBue development programme in the UK&I is successfully empowering ethnically diverse leaders. As programme alumna Denise Phillips shared: "Since completing EmBue, I’ve taken on more opportunities to share my voice, lead inclusion-focused work, mentor others, and grow professionally.” We are committing to a more inclusive environment by signing the Halo Code. This commits AMS to protecting colleagues who wear their natural hair and protective styles with pride. To celebrate this commitment, we’re hosting a panel on Black hair and cultural pride, featuring AMS colleagues and special guest Paige Lewin—a presenter, podcaster, and advocate for the afro and curly-haired community. Learn more about the Halo Code and tackling hair discrimination in the workplace: https://lnkd.in/gu2JuUab Let’s all recommit to the important work of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all colleagues. #WeAreAMS #UKBlackHistoryMonth #DEIB #Hiring #Leadership #Recruitment #TalentAcquisition
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So powerfully expressed, Genelle Aldred 👏🏽 Visibility without value isn’t progress. True inclusion means creating consistent pathways for diverse voices to lead, innovate, and stay — not just be seen in October. I’ve been reflecting on this too, especially as organisations like Premier Christian Communications spotlighted impactful Black voices in the UK during Black History Month. I’m deeply grateful for those features — and even more hopeful that these platforms continue to inspire year-round representation and investment in diverse talent.