I’m excited to announce the launch of a new podcast series special ‘Gems in Comms’ spotlighting Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority talent in the UK PR and Communications industry.
The series offers insights into the career trajectory for people of colour working within PR and communications, an industry notoriously known for being overwhelmingly 91% white.
The series special features on my 9to5workrebels podcast, and provides real experiences from established Black, Asian, and Ethnic minority professionals working in the PR and communications industry sharing valuable and impactful insights about their career journeys, racism at work, thoughts on diversity, and what makes a good working environment.
The series launched on Tuesday 13th September with two interviews from Fiona Chow – founder of Goadi consulting, founder & CEO of Ugly babies, and the co-host of ‘Not Another Crypto Show’ podcast, and Sarah Samee – award-winning communicator and former VP of Women in PR UK.
This week’s episode features seasoned Barbadian communicator Katrina Marshall with 20 years of experience in journalism and public relations. New episodes are out every Tuesday.
People of colour often get lumped into one category and treated as one voice. The series explores different working experiences, and further demonstrates that people of colour are not monolithic.
Hanson Search has always supported having these open and honest conversations, and recognises the importance of listening and learning to help bring about change in the industry and crucially help to ensure equity. The podcast series will be interesting listening for everyone working in the PR and comms industry, including people of colour who work in the industry and those who are looking to enter.
‘Gems in Comms’ a 9to5workrebels podcast series special aims to:
- Explore the highs, lows and lived experiences of people of colour within the PR & comms industry
- Understand how their experiences have shaped their journey
- Uncover what they look for from their employers – useful insights that employers can learn from.
Alice Weightman, CEO and founder of Hanson Search:
“Creating diverse working environments is about equality and equity for all. Having conversations, learning and actioning is the only way we can make change. I urge those who value diversity or want to make improvements in diversity when hiring and retaining talent to listen to the series that we have worked on with Ebony.”
Amy Hayer, Partner at Hanson Search
“This podcast shines a light on stories that have not been shared widely enough, Ebony has asked the questions that need addressing and gained valuable insight that we can all learn from – employers and employee alike. Hopefully this series can be a catalyst for change and greater cultural awareness and equity across the industry.”
The new series special is the brainchild of Ebony Gayle the host of the 9to5workrebels podcast and Hanson Search advisor – who herself has worked in PR and communications for over 18 years. Her experience and insights have enabled open, honest, and engaging conversations where layers are peeled back comfortably.
Ebony Gayle, Podcast Host and Hanson Search Advisor:
“Having worked in the PR and communications industry for over 18 years I was keen to use my platform to create a series special that is all about dialogue with my peers from Black, Asian, and Ethnic minority backgrounds. The lack of diversity in our industry is no secret, but what about the people of colour in the industry doing great things. What is their story, has the industry been welcoming, have they experienced racism at work, what gems are they willing to share?”
The podcast aims to spotlight and celebrate Black, Asian, and Ethnic Minority talent in the industry, while also encouraging more cultural awareness for retention and tips on what a culturally cohesive work environment feels and looks like from their perspective.
Tune in to 9to5workrebels on 13th September to listen to the Gems in Comms series special in association with Hanson Search – new episodes will be released weekly and available on all the usual platforms.
9to5workrebels.com 