Having been a Black business owner for 16 years, I’ve seen it all.
I’ve been asked in a supplier meeting when Lee Chambers was going to arrive
I’ve been asked to produce ID for a industry conference I was speaking at
I’ve been laughed out of an investment meeting in the early days
I’ve been “uninvited” from an sector network after turning up for my first event with them
There’s plenty more stories I could share, especially from the first 5 years
I’ve had 1 exit, 1 complete implosion, numerous failed experiments and the two entities I own today
But you know what
I’m not bitter at all. Those doubts, rejections and slights hurt, but they made me who I am. Resourceful, adaptable, effective.
Their uncertainty accelerated my growth.
And 16 years after starting, I’m now surrounded by amazing Black led businesses, thriving in every sector.
The challenges still exist, but they are not letting them rule the narrative.
I had an amazing time at the House of Commons, in the Churchill Room this week, celebrating 5 of these businesses who won advertising with Channel 4, in collaboration with Lloyds Bank Commercial.
It was great to catch up with Claudine, Michelle, Austin, Dr Tru, Justice, Mahari, Maria, Rebekah and Elyn.
And finally meet Thomas, Mel, Briony, Ndubuisi and Jamelia.
After so many years since starting on the business pathway myself
It makes me delighted and inspired to see so many Black businesses flourishing while smashing into new markets
They are doing far more than I did
And that means that my journey wasn’t made in vain
Deputy Governorship Chief Information Officer for the Prudential Regulatory Authority | Technology Chief of Staff - Recognized as Tech100woman2020- Bank of England
9moNot forgetting James Glennard focused on Technology storytelling.