In 2022, I embarked on a transformative journey alongside Dr Olumide Adisa, Dr Roxanne Khan, Paul Morris, Sarah Wigley, Kyla Kirkpatrick and Sandra Pollock as the course leader for a ground breaking leadership programme.
This initiative wasn’t just another addition to the myriad of leadership courses available; it was a response to a critical need I had observed throughout my career: the necessity for safe spaces where Black and Racialised leaders could truly flourish whilst working in VAWG.
The Genesis of the Programme
Throughout my professional journey, I’ve witnessed first hand the unique challenges faced by Black and Racialised leaders.
These challenges, often overlooked in traditional leadership development, range from subtle microaggressions to systemic barriers that hinder career progression. This observation fuelled my determination to create a programme that would address these specific needs.
The decision to create this programme stemmed from a deep-seated understanding that leadership development is not one-size-fits-all. I envisioned a programme that would not only equip participants with essential leadership tools but also provide a nurturing environment where they could be authentically themselves. A space where their experiences were validated, their voices amplified, and their potential fully recognised.
The Power of Safe Spaces
Throughout the course, one theme consistently emerged: the transformative power of safe spaces. We witnessed first-hand how Black and Racialised leaders thrived when provided with an environment that was truly inclusive and understanding of their unique experiences.
In these safe spaces:
1. Participants felt free to express themselves without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.
2. Shared experiences fostered a sense of community and mutual support.
3. Cultural nuances were celebrated rather than suppressed.
4. Authentic leadership styles were encouraged and developed.
The impact was profound. Leaders who had once felt isolated in their experiences found solidarity. Those who had doubted their abilities discovered newfound confidence. The safe space we created became a crucible for personal and professional growth.
The Safe Spaces Wheel: A Framework for Inclusive Leadership
Inspired by the insights gained from the programme, I collaborated with Dr. Olumide Adisa to develop the “Safe Spaces Wheel for Black and Racialised Leaders.”
This innovative practice framework, underpinned by real experiences and academic rigor, provides a comprehensive approach to creating and maintaining inclusive environments.
The wheel and accompanying paper underscore the critical importance of safe spaces for the success of Black and Racialised leaders.
It’s not just about representation; it’s about creating environments where these leaders can bring their whole selves to work, where their unique perspectives are valued, and where they can reach their full potential.
Looking Forward: A Call to Action
As we conclude our paper with actionable recommendations, I’m filled with hope for the future of culturally responsive leadership. The journey that began in 2022 has evolved into a movement – a call for organisations to commit to creating and maintaining truly inclusive safe spaces.
To those reading this: whether you’re a leader yourself, an HR professional, or someone passionate about fostering inclusive environments, I invite you to engage with our work. Explore the Safe Spaces Wheel, reflect on its principles, and consider how you can contribute to creating spaces where all leaders, regardless of their background, can flourish.
The path to truly inclusive leadership is ongoing, but with each step, each safe space created, we move closer to a world where the unique talents of Black and Racialised leaders are fully recognized and celebrated.
Together, we can reshape the landscape of leadership for a more equitable and inclusive future.
Meena Kumari (Founder & Director of H.O.P.E Training & Consultancy LTD & H.O.P.E Training & Leader C.I.C)
