We talk a lot about resistance in this work, because it exists. There are leaders that won't engage, there are individuals in teams that that roll their eyes, and there are organisations that are "just not ready."

But in almost a decade of sitting in these rooms, that is rarely what I actually find. What I find, a lot more often, is fear wearing the costume of resistance.

In today’s world, visibility is a currency. Whether you’re building a career, running a business, or simply trying to make your voice heard, being seen has never been more important. For many, this push for visibility is empowering, but for others, especially Black women like myself, it brings a complex internal conflict.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to locs. There was something about their beauty, strength, and sense of identity that captivated me. But for years, I hesitated. I allowed fear to control my choices. Fear of being seen as unprofessional, unfit for leadership, or as someone who didn’t align with the “brand” of the organisations I represented.

The sincerity in Ryan Clark's breakdown of why it's not cool for Black women to be the continued source of stereotypical jokes resonates deeply. His call to stop reducing Black women to unfair and harmful caricatures transcends borders, finding relevance here in the UK as much as in the U.S.

In the wake of recent far-right riots in the UK, the call for courageous leadership is more urgent than ever. Now is the time for leaders to step forward—not just with words but with real, tangible actions that champion inclusion and fight racial injustice.

Navigating the professional world as a Black woman often means contending with unique challenges and expectations shaped by cultural upbringing. The intricate dance of balancing ambition and cultural conditioning profoundly impacts how black women present themselves in the workplace.

Is it just me, or has this years theme fallen a bit flat? Is a year enough time for everyone to get their bums into gear?