Black History Month, Saluting our Sisters: Yemi Gbajobi - Chief Executive (Arts SU)

Who is your role model and/or leadership mentor?

I know it sounds cliche, but my mum is my role model. She emigrated to the UK in the 1980s, and I watched as she held down multiple jobs, started her own estate agency and property development business alongside my dad, and volunteered in church. She would never see herself as a leader, but she is someone who, when she speaks, people listen and follow her example. She taught me the importance of hard work but also about never losing sight of who you are, having a strong moral code, and always trying to look after others. These are definitely traits I try to bring into my own leadership.

How have you built confidence and/or resiliency over the course of your career as a Black woman?

For me, it has been important to surround myself with people who will support me even when I question myself. As a Black woman, I don't know if I will ever let go of the imposter syndrome as there is complex intersectionality that you have as a Black woman, which is challenging and tiring to navigate, but I am surrounded by people personally and professionally who uplift me when I need it but also provide the challenge to make sure that I am always putting my best self forward.

What strategies can work well to promote inclusion in the workplace?

Rather than focusing on programs or initiatives, my experience suggests that inclusion comes when people feel trust in the leadership and the organisation, they are a part of; so, strategies which build trust in the organisation work best, leaders must ask themselves, "How transparent am I?", "Do people trust our team to work in their best interests?", "Does our team trust that they can talk to/share with us?". By focusing on questions such as this, programs and initiatives will emerge naturally and be more authentic and more impactful.

What advice would you give to the next generation of Black female leaders?

Do not wait until you are 'qualified' for an opportunity, take the risk. Apply for it, start it! Lean into your lived experience, but protect your peace, be prepared to listen, and make space for others. Find your people who will lift you up and hold you accountable; surround yourself with people who are even smarter than you.