How does a spirited girl from Nigeria rise to become a leading voice in global sustainability and marketing? Meet Nnenna Hemeson, the Global Director of Sustainability, Brand, and Marketing at NatPower, who shares a compelling narrative of resilience, creativity, and unwavering passion. Listen as Nnenna recounts her early days, navigating the expectations of a traditional African household while fostering a thirst for creativity and innovation. Her journey underscores the balance of standing up for one's beliefs and the profound impact of a dedicated mind on global industries.

Discover the powerful tension between creative passions and parental expectations as Nnenna details her path from excelling in pharmaceutical analysis to leading marketing campaigns for top-tier clients. Her story offers a masterclass in negotiation, the value of education, and the essence of understanding customer needs. From selling hats as a young entrepreneur to driving major marketing initiatives, Nnenna's experiences provide a blueprint for leveraging one's talents while navigating career obstacles.

Join us for an insightful exploration of sustainable marketing and the role it plays in climate action. Nnenna reveals the innovative projects she's spearheading in renewable energy and shares actionable advice on promoting sustainable behaviour. Through her platform, HHS, she empowers the younger generation to advocate for environmental responsibility. This episode is packed with personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainability, marketing, or simply seeking inspiration from a trailblazing leader.

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Black Rise is not just a podcast but an extension of our Business platform. We are on a mission to bridge the gap between businesses and the immense potential of Black talent. We provide a dynamic platform where businesses and individuals can connect, collaborate, and prosper with Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and black-owned companies. We strive to showcase the value, creativity, and innovation that Black talent brings to the table, fostering partnerships that drive economic growth, diversity, and mutual success.

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What if your heritage could be the key to unlocking your potential? Our latest episode of the Black Rise Podcast features the incredible Michelle Gayle, a beacon of resilience and achievement. Michelle opens up about her upbringing in Northwest London with her Caribbean parents, sharing how her father's empowering stories of their Maroon ancestry instilled a profound belief in resilience and success. Discover how these narratives of resistance against colonisers have become a cornerstone in Michelle's life, shaping her journey as a musician, actress, and changemaker.

Imagine being chosen to fight simply because you exude strength. Michelle recounts her tumultuous school years where conflict seemed inevitable, until a transformative moment with her headmistress, Mrs. Best. This episode highlights the pivotal role of positive influences and the nurturing environment of a stage school that fostered Michelle’s talents. From a school singer to landing a role in “Grange Hill,” Michelle’s story is a testament to the power of dedicated educators and a strong support system in overcoming challenges and unlocking potential.

Finally, we delve into Michelle's disciplined path to success and her journey of financial independence at 14. By seizing opportunities with creativity and empowerment, Michelle navigates the entertainment industry’s systemic barriers with resilience and adaptability. We also explore the broader importance of understanding African history beyond narratives of enslavement and the necessity of allies in elevating marginalised voices. Join us for an episode that promises elevation, motivation, and empowerment, as we celebrate collective growth and the impact of rising together.

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Experience Business Differently

Black Rise is not just a podcast but an extension of our Business platform. We are on a mission to bridge the gap between businesses and the immense potential of Black talent. We provide a dynamic platform where businesses and individuals can connect, collaborate, and prosper with Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and black-owned companies. We strive to showcase the value, creativity, and innovation that Black talent brings to the table, fostering partnerships that drive economic growth, diversity, and mutual success.

Register now for early access and join a community of trailblazers. Get exclusive features, connect with like-minded individuals, and elevate your journey with Black Rise. Don't miss out—click the link below to secure your spot!

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Can the experiences of growing up in a mixed heritage family shape your path to corporate success? Today, we uncover the transformative journey of Kate Philpot, Vice President of Global Sales Enablement at Getty Images. Kate dives deep into her Ghanaian and Irish roots, offering a personal lens on the complexities of navigating childhood in a predominantly white society during the 60s and 70s. Her story sheds light on how her family's emphasis on education and resilience forged not only her path but also the contrasting paths of her brother, who turned to entrepreneurship due to a strong mistrust of authority.

As we journey through Kate's career, we discuss her pivot from HR to sales, underscoring the value of transferable skills and the pivotal role of robust training programs. Kate shares candid anecdotes about working in male-dominated environments, emphasising the importance of confidence and resilience. We also tackle the broader challenges of achieving true diversity in corporate settings and the indispensable role of Employee Resource Groups in fostering community and support for minority employees. Kate’s insights provide a roadmap for young Black professionals aiming to break barriers in the corporate world.

Additionally, we reflect on the persistent socio-economic hurdles that Black professionals face, particularly the need to be exceptionally outstanding to reach the same levels as their white counterparts. The episode concludes with an empowering message: by normalising excellence among Black professionals, we pave the way for future generations. Join us as we inspire listeners to stay connected, strive for excellence, and create impactful change within their communities.

Support the show

Experience Business Differently

Black Rise is not just a podcast but an extension of our Business platform. We are on a mission to bridge the gap between businesses and the immense potential of Black talent. We provide a dynamic platform where businesses and individuals can connect, collaborate, and prosper with Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and black-owned companies. We strive to showcase the value, creativity, and innovation that Black talent brings to the table, fostering partnerships that drive economic growth, diversity, and mutual success.

Register now for early access and join a community of trailblazers. Get exclusive features, connect with like-minded individuals, and elevate your journey with Black Rise. Don't miss out—click the link below to secure your spot!

Click here to find out more