Diversity is not just a buzzword
Working for the NHS is something I am immensely proud of, however, I never considered myself a leader until 2014 when I started to amplify my voice and talk about diversity. I didn’t even consider myself a Black leader, I just saw that I had a job to do and developed teams which enabled the NHS to deliver good care.
Diversity is not just a buzzword; it is the essence of humanity’s collective strength, beauty, and potential. It is the recognition and celebration of our unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. It is through embracing diversity that we can unlock innovation, foster understanding, and build a brighter future for all.
I want to share with you a deeply personal aspect of my leadership journey as a Black woman and how this has influenced and shaped my experiences. Being a leader in itself is a rewarding and challenging endeavour, but navigating that journey as a Black woman brings unique perspectives, struggles, and triumphs that have profoundly impacted my growth and leadership style.
As a child born in the mid 60s I was exposed to explicit racism; it wasn’t a crime, it was the norm. This experience consciously, unconsciously and physically shaped the way I interacted with others.
As an employee of the NHS in the late 80s, I became well practiced in the art of not offending White colleagues to the point that I ceased to become outraged and became complicit with unacceptable behaviours. I sucked it up and took it on the chin when told to lower my profile, which led to endorsement of my self-imposed, imposter syndrome.
My 35-year journey in the NHS unfortunately is not unique. Sometimes the struggles feel like a weight constantly around my neck, having to prove myself in spaces where people like me are often underrepresented.
However, I want to emphasise that these challenges have not defined me, but instead they have ignited a fire within me to break barriers and pave the way for colleagues, so that they in turn will provide passionate culturally appropriate care to patients.
Diversity is not just about tolerance or mere coexistence; it is about inclusion. It is not enough to have people from different backgrounds in the room; we must ensure that everyone has a seat at the table and a voice that is heard. Inclusion means creating environments where all individuals feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique talents and ideas.
Embracing my identity as a Black woman has empowered me to draw from my unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths. It has given me the courage to challenge the status quo, disrupt conventional thinking, and advocate for inclusivity and equity within the NHS and beyond.
One of the greatest assets of diversity is the rich tapestry of perspectives it brings. As a Black woman, I bring a distinct lens through which I see the world, informed by my cultural heritage, the struggles and triumphs of my community. This perspective has allowed me to identify blind spots, uncover opportunities, and provide insights that might have otherwise been overlooked.
However, my journey has also highlighted the need to confront systemic biases and work towards dismantling the barriers that hinder progress and equality. It has required me to challenge and overcome the stereotypes and prejudices that can undermine confidence and limit opportunities for advancement. It has called for resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.
Over the years, Seeing Black and Brown people that look like me in senior positions has been my source of inspiration — they pave the way. Their trailblazing accomplishments have shattered glass ceilings and opened doors for future generations. They have been beacons of strength and resilience, reminding me that I am part of a lineage who have made contributions to society, and therefore I have a responsibility to uplift and empower others who may face similar challenges.
