L B
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T S I H Jamila Brown Founder JB IMPACT AGENCY FOR SOCIAL IMPACT & SUSTAINABILITY
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H T N 3 2 20
Career achievements and future aspirations Probably like a lot of folks in hospitality, I've had a real roller coaster career. For sure a few of the biggest achievements though include pivoting from an events role to an ESG one where I built out the Global Social Impact and Sustainability programme for Soho House. Our work received some incredible recognition leading me to be invited to speak at COP27, do a TEDx Talk, attend Cambridge's Institute for Sustainable Leadership, and was subsequently listed as one of the Top 3 Most Inspirational Sustainability Leaders in UK Hospitality by HOSPA UK in 2022. I've just launched my own agency helping other businesses integrate social impact and sustainability into their products and processes, so for the future my aspirations are to really help shape the industry to be ahead of the curve when it comes to looking after people and planet. Who inspired you or who are your role models? I'm inspired by all women in leadership roles. A few women who I really think are changing the game though are Eva Omaghomi - Director of Community Engagement to King Charles III, Kate Brandt - Chief Sustainability Officer at Google, Haseena Farid - Founder of Women of Colour Global Network, and Nicole Crentsil - CEO of Black Girl Fest. Hospitality or not, I think there's something inspiring to be learned from people pioneering across all different platforms. And even more exciting to see what you can apply back in your own roles!
What can the industry to do promote more diversity, especially in leadership? I think this is a really important question, especially now. In 2020 we saw waves of diverse talent moving into leadership roles, and sadly many of those folks have left their positions. Diversity is only a piece of the puzzle. Without a strong culture of inclusion and equity which really requires doing a lot of work to understand how your organisation and its policies/processes show up either for or against others, the industry will continue to struggle with representative leadership. And, I think, in an industry that is so diverse across the entry and middle levels, it's important that the leadership reflect those teams and can better work to serve them and their guests. What advice would you go back and give to your 20-year-old self? IRelationships are key to your success. Build them, invest in them, and use them to foster community. Use those relationships to nurture yourself and your goals, and ensure you nurture others along with you. Always remember that every opportunity you get puts you in a place of privilege to help the person who is coming next.