Today we’re joined by Roianne Nedd, Global Inclusion and Diversity Leader, motivational speaker, and author of ‘The Trusted Black Girl’.

Taking us right back to the beginning, Roianne tells us about her childhood within a patriarchal society in Guyana, born to a family with incredible work ethic. Her father part of the second generation free of slavery, her grandmother a descendant of Indian indentured workers - Roianne explains that her multicultural background provided her with a mindset that you can achieve anything if you work hard… and that’s exactly what she did.

As the conversation progresses, Roianne delves into the elements of her leadership style and how she developed this, including the part active listening plays. Discussing the actions we need to take with regards to diversity and inclusion, Roianne touches on the importance of seeing talent in a different way, and ensuring organisations take time to step back and look at the people they need to bring in for the next generation.

Moving on to talk about her book, ‘The Trusted Black Girl’, Roianne tells us the concept, including the twists and turns she took while writing, and the philosophical shift that occurred when she realised the audience for the book should not be black women as she’d originally thought. As she recalls being told by colleagues that they would ‘forget she was black’, Roianne discusses the realisation that she had transcended race for people, the internal battle this created, and the meaning behind the name of her book.

Speaking about the work she does with women in Guyana, the importance of expecting more, the collective courage that drives change and so much more, this show is as powerful as it is inspiring. Listen now.