Welcome to **The Pursuit Playbook**, a ground-breaking podcast that delves deeply into the lives and careers of Black Women and Women of Colour thriving in both corporate and entrepreneurial spaces. Join us as we uncover the unveil their untold narratives, shared challenges, and remarkable triumphs, all narrated in their authentic voices.
At the end of each episode, our guests give us their three strategic plays that have propelled their careers forward. These encompass rules, insights, and lessons that have contributed to the success of these extraordinary women.
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Aleesha’s Inspiring Journey: A First-Generation Success Story
Season 2 · Episode 12
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 • Duration 37:07
Welcome back to the Pursuit Playbook podcast! In this episode of the Pursuit Playbook, Aprileen talks to Aleesha Bruce, an inspiring student from the London School of Economics (LSE) with Jamaican roots from Leeds.
Aleesha shares her university journey, including the impact of her 6th form scholarship, internships, and her dreams of entering UK politics. Gain insights on navigating university life, career transitions, and balancing heritage. Packed with practical advice, this episode is essential for those considering university or exploring internship opportunities.
5 Key Lessons from this episode:
1. Real-World Learning: Aleesha highlights
how internships offer practical skills beyond what you learn in the classroom. Learn how real-world experiences can fast-track your career.
2. Networking Done Right: Building authentic connections is essential. Aleesha emphasises how meaningful, lasting relationships are key to professional success.
3. Juggling It All: Managing time is a critical skill. Aleesha shares her time management tips, using tools like
calendars and notes to balance school, work, and life.
4. Unique Skills Matter: Aleesha’s talent
for content creation proved to be a valuable asset in her corporate job. Find out how your personal hobbies can boost your career.
5. Value of Diversity: Working in diverse
environments fosters growth. Aleesha talks about how experiencing different cultures has enriched her career.
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aleeshabruce
Stay connected with Aleesha’s journey and gain insights on
university scholarships, internships, and professional growth through her compelling content.
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button to find us next week and listen to other episodes, actionable advice and insider perspectives only on the Pursuit Playbook!
Marcia Fray on the Power of Saying Yes! to the road less travelled (Maven)
Season 2 · Episode 11
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 • Duration 51:00
Welcome to another episode of the Pursuit Playbook. Aprileen welcomes Marcia Fray, who currently leads the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Warner Music Group - Europe, Middle East, Africa and Emerging Markets. Marcia's journey is anything but linear, as she recounts her career transitions from finance to music, and ultimately to DEI—a path shaped by both professional
opportunities and personal life changes.
With candid discussions about balancing motherhood with career ambitions, Marcia offers invaluable insights on why DEI became a driving force in her life post-motherhood. Together, Aprileen and Marcia explore the roles of kindness, mentorship, sponsorship, and strategic thinking in building a fulfilling career while navigating through life's unpredictable challenges.
5 Key lessons from the episode:
1. Embrace Career Transitions with an Open Mind: Marcia
shares how her career took unexpected turns from finance at Bloomberg and BlackRock to music and DEI at Warner Music UK. Her willingness to say "yes" to new opportunities and openness to pivot proved pivotal in her success.
2. Kindness is a Powerful Professional Tool: Throughout
her journey, Marcia emphasises the importance of kindness. Operating from a place of kindness not only fosters a positive workplace but also enhances personal fulfilment and professional relationships.
3. Navigating Motherhood and Career Responsibilities:
Marcia gets candid about her struggles with pregnancy and the challenges of balancing new motherhood with career ambitions. She underscores the necessity of support systems and the importance of self-compassion during this period.
4. Leveraging the Power of Mentorship and Sponsorship:
Distinguishing between mentors (who provide guidance and advice) and sponsors (who advocate on your behalf), Marcia offers strategies for effectively utilising both to promote career growth and opportunities.
5. DEI as a Strategic Imperative: Marcia speaks to the
strategic importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. Addressing diversity gaps and promoting equal opportunities are essential not only for moral integrity but also for creating a more effective and inclusive business environment.
From Boardroom to Founder: Jeanell English's Career Pivot (Maven)
Season 2 · Episode 10
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 • Duration 52:03
Welcome to "Pursuit Playbook," where we dive into
the journeys of remarkable individuals who are shaping the future with their
unique strategies and insights. In this episode, our host Aprileen interviews
her long-time friend, Jeanell English, who recently transitioned from a C-Suite
corporate executive role to entrepreneur, as co-founder of Elizabeth & Minnie
Publishing.
Jeanell shares her story, highlighting the crucial skills
she acquired in business school that equipped her for running her own
enterprise, emphasising the importance of data analytics, modelling, and
accounting. She reflects on her experiences in corporate America, particularly
the challenges faced by black women and women of colour, and her dedication to
embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into organisational
frameworks.
Jeanell also discusses her passion for book publishing, the
significance of intellectual property ownership, and how she leverages her
network to create opportunities for herself and others. This episode is rich
with wisdom on authentic leadership, the strategic importance of kindness and
empathy, and the power of maintaining strong relationships. Whether you're
contemplating a career shift, looking to enhance your DEI initiatives, or
seeking inspiration to align your career with your core values, this episode
offers invaluable guidance.
5 Key Lessons from this episode:
1. The Power of Business Education:
Jeanell underscores how her business school education
provided her with essential skills such as data analytics, modelling, and
accounting. These competencies have been critical in managing her business and
expanding her professional network.
2. Setting Clear DEI Goals:
Jeanell emphasises that effective diversity work requires
clear, specific goals to stay focused and create meaningful impact. Her
experiences demonstrate how clarity in objectives can transform organisational
dynamics.
3. Authenticity and Personal Branding:
The Power of Authentic Leadership and Influence with Lorraine Copes (Maven)
Season 2 · Episode 7
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 • Duration 52:03
In this insightful episode of Pursuit Playbook, host Aprileen sits down with Lorraine Copes, the inspiring founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality. Lorraine shares her compelling journey from turning down a role in 2012 to finding game-changing opportunities, debunking misconceptions about the hospitality industry, and navigating her career as a proactive CEO and social entrepreneur. Discover how she has leveraged her Jamaican heritage, industry expertise, and commitment to diversity to shape her impactful career.
Aprileen and Lorraine also delve into the importance of career role models, addressing inappropriate workplace behaviour, and the significance of strategic play in achieving professional success. Don’t miss this enriching conversation that underscores the lessons learned through grit, resilience, and inclusive leadership.
In this episode:
Lorraine reflects on a significant 2012 decision to turn down a role that did not align with her values, leading to transformative opportunities.
Aprileen shares an account of a position she declined based on instincts, subsequently experiencing regret.
Lorraine dispels common myths about hospitality careers, such as the diversity of roles and misconceptions about salaries.
The discussion encompasses managing substantial budgets, Lorraine’s pragmatic approach, and her consideration for various stakeholder perspectives.
Lorraine delves into her evolved approach to confronting inappropriate workplace behavior, influenced by her Jamaican heritage, and underscores the importance of career role models and building a professional brand.
5 Key Lessons from this episode:
1. Trust Your Gut: Lorraine believes in listening to your gut feelings and trusting yourself, especially as you grow in your career.
2. Find Role Models: Having role models who look like you or share your background can be super helpful and inspirational.
3. Expand Your View on Hospitality: The hospitality industry offers more than you think. Understanding its full scope can bust some big myths!
The Art of Playbook Strategies: Asha’s Approach to Leadership and Networking (Maven)
Season 2 · Episode 8
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 • Duration 46:02
Welcome to Episode 8 of Pursuit Playbook, where we are
thrilled to feature Asha Haji, a remarkable entrepreneur and tech leader whose insights are as diverse as they are impactful. Join host Aprileen as she delves into an engaging conversation with Asha about the nuanced differences between executing and writing a playbook in leadership roles.
Asha shares her unique perspective on failure, how to embrace it as part of the journey to success,
and the transformative lessons she's learned from her experiences as a founder and sales leader.
She also opens up about her journey from Harvard Business School to co-founding Framework, an innovative edtech company, all while navigating the complexities of leadership and personal growth. This episode is filled with nuggets of wisdom for anyone looking to build a successful and balanced career.
5 key lessons from this episode:
1. Executing vs. Writing a Playbook: Asha highlights the
crucial need for well-restedness and perspective when making strategic decisions, contrasting the hands-on execution with the theoretical aspects of
playbook creation.
2. Embracing Failure: Drawing from her sales and entrepreneurial endeavours, Asha underscores the inevitability of failure and the importance of dissecting and learning from it to foster both personal and professional growth.
3. Evolving Priorities: The global pandemic
served as a catalyst for Asha to prioritise health, wellness, and close-knit relationships. She discusses the newfound importance of balancing professional ambitions with personal well-being.
4. Networking and Serendipity: Asha attributes
many career milestones to serendipitous encounters and advises against an overly rigid approach to career planning. She stresses the value of being open to unforeseen opportunities and nurturing deeper connections.
5. Strategic Leadership: Asha discusseds the distinction between working in the business and working on the business, advocating for leaders to invest time in
strategic thought and reflection rather than being bogged down by day-to-day tasks.
From Geneticist to Tech Founder: Ashley Chang's Career Journey (Frequent Flyer)
Season 2 · Episode 7
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 • Duration 47:25
In this insightful episode of Pursuit Playbook, host Aprileen is joined by Ashley Chang, the founder of Sundays, an executive assistant service specifically designed to support working parents. Ashley discusses her distinctive career trajectory from genetics to the tech startup world and the profound learnings she has amassed along the way.
Delving deep into topics like the importance of an abundance mindset, the necessity of mentorship for women of colour, and strategic career visibility, this episode offers valuable perspectives for professionals at all stages. Ashley also shares how her company, Sundays, aims to alleviate the burdens faced by parents, inspired by her own experiences and observations.
5 Key Lessons from this episode:
1. Adopt an Abundance Mindset: Ashley illustrates how viewing failures as opportunities for growth can lead to continuous personal and professional development.
2. Be Visible: Ashley stresses the importance of taking proactive steps to ensure your work gets recognized, and the benefits of maintaining a strong presence, especially on platforms like LinkedIn.
3. Mentorship Matters: The episode covers how choosing roles based on the mentor’s leadership and ambition can significantly influence one’s career path.
4. Leveraging Technology: Sundays harnesses technology to automate repetitive parenting tasks, illustrating how tech can effectively ease daily burdens and improve quality of life.
5. Supporting Working Mothers: Driven by her personal observations and experiences, Ashley’s mission with Sundays is to support skilled mothers in the workforce, enabling them to sustain and grow their careers.
From Boeing to Balanced Black Girl: Les Alfred's Career Evolution (Frequent Flyer)
Season 2 · Episode 6
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 • Duration 51:02
In this heartfelt and insightful episode, host Aprileen sits down with the inspiring Les Alfred, the founder and host of the *Balanced Black Girl* podcast. Les opens up about her personal journey from a full-time corporate job to becoming a successful entrepreneur and content creator.
The conversation tackles the pressures of maintaining a positive public persona, the realities of entrepreneurship, and the importance of prioritising mental health and well-being. Les shares her struggles, breakthroughs, and the strategic plays that helped her carve her unique path in the wellness and podcasting industries.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to create their own opportunities and pursue a passion-driven career.
5 Key Lessons from this episode:
1. Authenticity over perfection: Les and Aprileen highlight the importance of being true to oneself, even when it means showing vulnerability.
2. Boundaries are essential: Setting boundaries around your personal and professional life can help maintain mental health and well-being.
3. Create your own opportunities: If the desired roles or opportunities aren’t coming your way, take initiative to create them yourself.
4. Importance of therapy: Therapy plays a crucial role in unravelling personal anxieties and pressures, especially for black women.
5. Smart risks and consistency: Understand the value of taking calculated risks and maintaining consistency to grow and succeed professionally.
Elizabeth Uviebinené on YOLO, Mentorship, and the Power of Storytelling (Frequent Flyer)
Season 2 · Episode 5
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 • Duration 46:18
Welcome to Episode 5 of Pursuit Playbook, where we sit down with the dynamic Elizabeth Uviebinené, also known as Liz, the multi-hyphenate author, brand strategist, and Founder and CEO of the innovative journaling app, Storia. Join our host Aprileen as she delves into Liz's inspiring journey from corporate life to freelance success and tech entrepreneurship. Discover the pivotal moments, challenges, and strategies that have shaped Liz's unique career path, and get an exclusive preview of her upcoming app, Storia.
Liz discusses the importance of recognising the background sacrifices behind success, the role of strategic risks, and the power of mentoring and differentiation. She also highlights her challenges as a young, black woman in the corporate world and how she managed to navigate her career transitions.
Five Key Lessons from this episode:
1. Recognising Background Sacrifices: Liz and Aprileen emphasise the importance of acknowledging the journey and efforts that lead to visible success.
2. Taking Strategic Risks: Liz advocates for embracing a YOLO mindset to overcome fear and regret, encouraging listeners to take calculated risks.
3. Importance of Journaling: Liz reveals how scripting or journaling can help define goals and envision success, promoting the practice for clarity and direction.
4. Value of Mentorship: Liz discusses the importance of identifying the gaps that mentors and coaches fill, and how they can provide strategic guidance.
5. Differentiation in the Market: Emphasising the need to be different rather than first, Liz cites the example of Reddit and highlights Storia’s unique approach to digital journaling.
From Corporate to Creative: Ella Anyanwu's Entrepreneurial Playbook (Frequent Flyer)
Season 2 · Episode 4
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 • Duration 47:38
In this inspiring episode of "Pursuit Playbook," our host Aprileen welcomes Ella Anyanwu, an exceptional PR professional and founder of Thirsty, the Agency.
With a wealth of experience from illustrious names like L'Oreal, Nars, and the iconic Fenty Beauty, Ella shares her incredible journey through the worlds of fashion and beauty PR.
Discover how she navigated the challenges of the predominantly white industry as a black woman under 30, and her bold steps towards building a groundbreaking, all-black team & agency. This episode offers listeners a treasure trove of lessons on emotional intelligence, adaptability and persistence in the world of PR and entrepreneurship.
5 Key Lessons from this episode:
1. Importance of Workplace Relationships: Building strong relationships in the corporate world laid the foundation for Ella's entrepreneurial pursuits.
2. Emotion Management: Acknowledge and process emotions but keep them from affecting work – "one monkey doesn't stop the show."
3. Learning from Failure: View failures as steps toward success. Adaptability and finding new opportunities are crucial.
4. Value of Specialised Services: Moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach in PR and focusing on tailored services that align with clients' needs.
5. Navigating Industry Dynamics: Building resilience, multitasking, and understanding the importance of senior input in agency work.
Renee Hunt on charting a successful career at her own pace (Maven)
Season 2 · Episode 3
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 • Duration 49:03
Welcome to Episode 3 of "Pursuit Playbook"! In this episode, our host Aprileen sits down with Renee Hunt, the dynamic Chief Technology Officer at Compare the Market. Renee opens up about her journey in the tech and financial services industries, sharing her skepticism towards financial services, her passion for continuous learning, and the invaluable lessons she’s picked up along the way.
The discussion spans Renee's late-career transition to an executive role, her reflections on growth through failure, and the impact of mentors and sponsors. Renee also delves into DEI challenges, her leadership approach, and the importance of internal community focus to support marginalised groups.
Whether you’re aiming for an executive role or just starting your career, this episode is packed with actionable insights on managing relationships, embracing failure, and advancing your career through networking and mentorship. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will inspire you to take risks, grow from failures, and advocate for meaningful change in the workplace.
5 Key Lessons from this episode:
1. Continuous Learning and Professional Development:
- Renee underscores the importance of continuous learning over leisure, asserting that growth and success stem from constantly seeking new knowledge and skills.
2. Embrace Failure for Growth:
- Failure is a significant teacher. Embracing risks and learning from setbacks is crucial for personal and professional development.
3. The Critical Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship:
- Distinguishing between mentors and sponsors, Renee highlights the necessity of having both in your career journey. Sponsors, in particular, are vital as they advocate for you in strategic contexts.
4. DEI Commitment Within Organizations:
- While progress has been made, substantial work is needed to support underprivileged groups genuinely. DEI efforts should focus on creating supportive internal communities.
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Transitioning to entrepreneurship has allowed Jeanell to
represent her own values authentically rather than those of an institution. She
believes that authentic leadership, driven by personal motivators, is crucial
for making a real difference.
4. Mentorship and Strategic Relationships:
Success is often bolstered by the support of mentors,
sponsors, and close peers. Jeanell outlines the importance of knowing who holds
power within an organisation and building strong, strategic relationships with
them.
5. Redefining Success and Embracing Failure:
Jeanell encourages questioning traditional measures of
success and urges viewing failures as opportunities for redirection. Her
perspective reinforces that failures are learning moments that contribute to
long-term growth.
Get to know our Playmakers:
Stay up-to-date with Jeanell's professional journey and
initiatives through her social media channels:
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button to find us next
week and listen to other episodes, actionable advice and insider perspectives
only on the Pursuit Playbook!
4. Tackle Workplace Issues: It’s important to deal with inappropriate behavior head-on, aligning with your values to create a respectful work environment.
5. Build a Legacy: Lorraine’s journey shows that intentionality, bravery, and strategy are key to creating lasting change and impact.
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button to find us next week and listen to other episodes, actionable advice and insider perspectives only on the Pursuit Playbook!
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button to find us next week and listen to other episodes, actionable advice and insider perspectives only on the Pursuit Playbook!
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button to find us next week and listen to other episodes, actionable advice and insider perspectives only on the Pursuit Playbook!
Dive into this captivating discussion that’s not just about the success story of a trailblazing PR professional, but also about perseverance, innovation, and staying true to one’s vision amidst the unpredictable tides of the business world.
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button to find us next week and listen to other episodes, actionable advice and insider perspectives only on the Pursuit Playbook!
Don’t forget to click the subscribe button to find us next week and listen to other episodes, actionable advice and insider perspectives only on the Pursuit Playbook!
