It was an absolute joy to join Miranda Brawn on her DARE podcast recently, in partnership with City AM. As I reflect on our conversation, I’m struck by how much our paths share similar themes despite our different journeys.
The Power of Purpose
Miranda’s DARE framework resonated deeply with me. Having Determination to dream bigger, taking Appropriate action, developing Resilience and the positive Energy to make dreams come true – these principles have unwittingly guided my own journey from rural Jamaica to where I stand today.
That conversation with my father when I was eight years old, sitting on the veranda looking out to the Cockpit Mountains, has shaped my entire life. “Live for something, live for a purpose,” he told me. Those simple words planted a seed that grew into a lifelong commitment to leadership development and service.
Breaking Through Barriers
Our conversation touched on the barriers I’ve faced throughout my career. When my manager once told me, “I find you threatening because you’re black, you’re a woman, and you’re intelligent, and I’m going to block you,” I had a choice to make. Rather than becoming consumed by anger or retreating into victimhood, I chose to evaluate my skills and take my power elsewhere.
This is a crucial message for anyone facing discrimination: know your value, know your skills, and know that for every door that closes because of prejudice, there are others waiting to open. The law of the universe is clear – what you focus on expands. Choose to focus on your potential rather than the barriers others place before you.
Creating Opportunities Through Clarity
One theme that emerged clearly in our conversation was the importance of clarity. When I started my business, I was crystal clear about what I needed to earn daily (£150 at the time). I clarified all my expenses and knew exactly what I required to sustain myself. As I often share with my coaching clients, the universe responds to a made-up mind.
This principle extends beyond finances into every aspect of leadership. When we’re clear about our values, our boundaries, and our worth, we create the conditions for success. I negotiated for what I wanted then, and I still do now – I will not work for less than what I’m worth or for less than what my money wants.
Building Inclusive Leadership
Miranda and I discussed the urgent need for more inclusive boardrooms. Real inclusion goes beyond tokenism – it requires looking at the pipeline, providing shadowing opportunities, holding open days before recruitment, and ensuring communities served are genuinely represented in leadership.
Through my career spanning nurse training, health visiting, university lecturing, and board leadership at Kingston Primary Care Trust, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of diverse perspectives. Inclusive leadership isn’t just the right thing to do; it leads to better decision-making and more responsive services.
The Journey Continues
It still amazes me that the “little barefoot girl” who arrived in England in 1969 with seven cotton dresses and no winter coat would one day receive a damehood. I’m profoundly grateful for this recognition, but even more grateful for the opportunity to continue opening doors for others.
As I told Miranda when she asked what I dare the audience to do: “Aim for the stars and settle for nothing less.” This means ensuring your skills and expertise are appreciated, and that you market yourself effectively. It means valuing your contributions and insisting others do the same.
My work through BEACON continues to focus on transforming people and organisations to develop their vision, creativity and intelligence. I remain, as always, “the midwife to your dreams.”
Thank you, Miranda, for a wonderful conversation that allowed me to share not just my story, but the principles that have guided my journey. I hope our discussion inspires others to embrace their purpose with passion and persist through challenges with grace.