Coaches of Colour

Super excited to take the cohort of people Immediate on this journey, it's going to a good one.

Kamala Harris and the 'Diversity Hire' Debate. So, Kamala Harris has found herself back in the spotlight recently, and not just because she's the Vice President. With Joe Biden stepping down, she's been a hot topic in the discussions about diversity and representation. Some have labelled her a "diversity hire," and it's a term that's causing quite a stir. Let's cut to the chase: Kamala Harris is breaking new ground. She’s the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first person of South Asian descent to be Vice President of the United States. That’s a pretty big deal, and many people see it as a massive step towards a more inclusive government. According to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, 59% of Americans think having more diversity in government is a good thing. That’s a solid majority recognising the value of having different voices at the top. But here’s where things get a bit murky. The term "diversity hire" often carries a whiff of doubt, suggesting that someone got their position primarily because of their background rather than their skills. This can be pretty dismissive and unfair. Kamala Harris has a strong track record: from her role as District Attorney of San Francisco to her time as Attorney General of California and then as a U.S. Senator. She’s earned her place through hard work and significant achievements. In the DEI world, it's important to challenge the negative spin that comes with terms like "diversity hire." When organisations prioritise diversity, they’re not just ticking boxes; they’re recognising the value of bringing in different perspectives. A 2020 McKinsey report found that companies with diverse executive teams were 36% more likely to outperform those without. So, diversity isn’t just about fairness—it’s also about getting better results. That said, having diverse faces in high places doesn’t automatically mean progress. It’s crucial to look at whether the policies and actions of leaders genuinely support those who are most marginalised. Kamala Harris has spoken out on various issues, including reproductive rights and the Roe v. Wade decision. Her stance on these matters shows her commitment to policies that impact a broad range of people, particularly those who often get left behind. Language matters too. How we talk about diversity can either reinforce stereotypes or challenge them. Instead of undermining someone’s qualifications, we should focus on their achievements and the broader impact of their work. This way, we foster a culture where diversity is seen as a strength, not a concession. Kamala Harris’s story highlights both the strides we’ve made and the gaps that still need to be filled. Her role in the White House is a symbol of progress for many who see their own stories reflected in hers. As we move forward, it’s crucial to ensure that our discussions about diversity are grounded in reality and fairness, not just buzzwords. #KamalaHarris #WorkplaceDiversity #Representation #Leadership

The Euros have come to an end, and while England didn't win Euro 2024, the tournament has given us a national dopamine hit. It's great to see how national sports events like this bring us together and create a sense of community and collective happiness. The spirit of support that filled pubs, homes, and stadiums across the country is a testament to the power of sport to unite us. Research shows that national sports events have a significant impact on our collective well-being. A study from the London School of Economics found that the joy and excitement of watching our team compete create a shared experience that transcends everyday challenges. It’s about being part of something bigger, a nationwide celebration. This collective spirit is a reminder of the importance of inclusivity. The England team is a reflection of our diverse society, with players from various backgrounds coming together to achieve a common goal, this diversity is a strength. While we celebrate the sense of community that sport brings, it's important to acknowledge the challenges. As Race Equality Matters have said the previous Euros showed us that we still have a long way to go before we are truly united. “Now, in this period of positivity, it’s crucial to celebrate the successes of Black players, who too often have their achievements overshadowed by scrutiny of their shortcomings. Football serves as a powerful platform to showcase the talents of players of all backgrounds, promoting meritocracy where skill prevails over ethnicity”. So, while we may not have lifted the trophy this time, the sense of community, and the display of support and unity hopefully will linger on. #Euro2024 #Community #Happiness #UnityInDiversity #EnglandFootball

Our last post got a lot of love! There's immense value in showing the diversity of people in your brand when attracting new talent. 🎉 Building a strong employer brand is essential in today's competitive job market. It's not just about attracting top talent but also about nurturing them to boost retention and satisfaction. A strong employer brand significantly influences job seekers. According to LinkedIn, 75% of job seekers consider an employer's brand before applying. Moreover, a Glassdoor survey found that companies with strong employer brands reduce turnover by 28% and cut recruitment costs by 50%. This demonstrates the powerful impact of a well-crafted employer brand on the bottom line. A reminder that diverse leadership and teams bring numerous advantages to an organisation. McKinsey's 2020 report found that companies with diverse executive teams are 36% more likely to achieve above-average profitability. Additionally, research by the Boston Consulting Group showed that diverse teams drive 19% higher revenue due to increased innovation. Through our work, we uncover unique insights and provide mentorship that deeply connects with a diverse workforce. A 2022 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that students of colour perform better academically and feel more engaged when taught by teachers of the same race. This principle extends to the workplace, where employees benefit from relatable and diverse leadership. A 2023 survey by Deloitte revealed that 83% of millennials are more engaged when they believe their company creates a happier culture. Similarly, a 2023 survey by Tallo found that 77% of Gen Z respondents said a company's diversity would be a deciding factor when choosing an employer. #EmployerBrand #Diversity #Inclusion #Leadership #CoachesOfColour #WorkplaceCulture #TalentAcquisition #Innovation

✨ Reflecting on an incredible event yesterday! ✨ We had 32 amazing participants join us for the 4th Media For All [MEFA] partnered event, which was another huge success. It's always something special to witness a group of people showing up for themselves and each other. Our participants engaged in enriching sessions on building networks and understanding personal values. The high turnout once again speaks volumes about the value that Coaches of Colour bring to people of colour. We had some great conversations, shared insights, and had plenty of lol's over pizza! 🍕 A special shoutout to Ahmed Omer, Marketing Director at Spin, who said, "I came today because I was keen to strengthen my network and build deeper connections. The coaching session was amazing, and I got some great takeaways. One thing I’ll definitely be doing is building out my personal boardroom and intentionally following up and connecting with people." Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event so impactful. Especially the7stars for hosting us! Here's to growing, connecting, and supporting each other 🌟 #CoachesOfColour #Networking #PersonalGrowth #CommunitySupport #MEFA

New career group coaching programmes juuuust about to start!!! And we do love a bit of merch!!

🌟 Last Friday, Project 23 and Coaches of Colour joined another powerful 20/20 Levels roundtable about building strong partnerships. As Duro Oye, 20/20 Levels CEO and founder, said when he kicked off the day, we're being told that DEI is dying. But, being in that room full of corporate partners and leaders from companies like Virgin Media, Amex GBT, Dr Martens, and many more who participated all day, shows that DEI is very much alive. They're a testament to what DEI can achieve. 20/20 Levels programmes provide training and inspire young Black and underrepresented individuals with a mindset shift and tools to unlock their potential and find jobs through their corporate partners. The day was really about how this DEI work can change lives—literally. We’ve become so desensitised to DEI jargon that we’re forgetting what the work means to real people. An incredible 35% of young Black and underrepresented talent who find jobs through these programmes become the breadwinners of their households! We were blown away by this statistic. Some of the programme alumni shared their stories, highlighting that most just needed someone to believe in them. The first panel of the day was hosted by our own Elaine dela Cruz and allowed us to hear first-hand the current lay of the land by programme alumni, Georgina Afuape and Samuel K. One of the key takeaways was the need for more training on various aspects, from industry jargon to gravitas with work clients, to help equip them to do their jobs properly. Often, these young individuals are the first in their families to have corporate roles and are one of the only Black or underrepresented persons in their corporate environment. So, who do they turn to for that extra support in navigating their early careers? This is where equitable actions come into play and why we started Coaches of Colour in the first place. The final panel, hosted by our own Gary Rayneau, gave corporate partners who have placed several young talents into employment the opportunity to discuss how to turn words into actions and what the partnership has done for their organisations. As long-standing corporate partners, they’ve witnessed first-hand the value that young talent brings to teams. Many of these individuals have successfully climbed the ranks within their organisations. Fola O., Senior Consultant & European Co-Chair of the Black Employee Network at Jacobs, highlighted these achievements. John Lyons, Vice President & General Manager of the Global Client Group - International at AMEX GBT, stressed the importance of finding executives who believe in the impact of the initiative and the crucial role of reporting. Using his influence within the company, he helps drive this change. Nisha Marwaha, Director of People Relations and DE&I at Virgin Media O2, emphasised that sharing success stories directly with leaders helps them understand the profound impact they are making on people's lives. 🌟 Here’s to DEI, living on!

Maybe this is for you? Or someone you know? How good are we at making time for ourselves?

🌟 One week to go! Setting Intentions for Success with Coaches of Colour and Media For All [MEFA]🌟 As we embark on our journey towards success, it's essential to set clear intentions and goals to guide our path. And what better way to do so than with the support of Coaches of Colour? We're committed to empowering individuals from underrepresented communities to thrive and achieve their goals through professional coaching. Whether navigating a career transition, seeking personal growth, or striving for professional excellence, working with a coach can be a transformative experience. By setting intentions for success and aligning your actions with your goals, you can unlock new possibilities and realise your potential. We're all looking forward to seeing you there! Elaine dela Cruz Gary Rayneau Anouchka M. Burton FRSA Derek A. Marshah Dixon-Terry Takako Elliott #CoachesOfColour #ProfessionalCoaching #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Success #SettingIntentions #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment 🚀