We hoped that you joined and enjoyed our open discussion on 25th June which focused on Finding, Attracting, Hiring and Retaining Diverse Talent, with Evie-Rose Deighan, Talent Lead at Talentful.

 

We have been inspired and educated immensely and have followed up with Evie-Rose to continue our learning and share some further insights, thoughts and continue our journey.

 

How did you begin your own training to assist companies in becoming more diverse? Was there a particular lightbulb moment? 

Most of my career has been building technology teams in competitive markets, previously in London and now San Francisco. It was always quite startling to me how some of the most disruptive products in the world were being built by mostly homogeneous teams.

How can you expect to build a product for a global demographic, when most of the people building it look and think the same? Personally, I've always been an advocate for equal rights and inclusion.

Being in Talent Acquisition I feel I am at the sharp end of being able to effect change - be an advocate for and ally to the underrepresented, and build the companies and teams of tomorrow to reflect the diversity of the communities in which they are anchored.

 

How would you recommend companies react to the BLM movement to ensure their staff know they are supporting?

I believe companies should first recognise and acknowledge that this is not new, nor a topical trend that will pass. George Floyd was one black life lost in a long list of others, and the product of a system that not only fails to take action and implement change, but rarely encourages education or provides resources on how to implement that change.

Companies and individuals should first take the time to listen and learn by educating themselves on not only the experiences of Black people, but also their history and history of our society. Then take action! Writing a statement that you stand with the Black community is not a concrete action, and can feel like like a bandaid solution—unless there is commitment, strategy, and accountability that follows.

Clearly define this, and cascade that message to the rest of the business. Give people the tools to learn, the freedom to enact change, and encouragement to speak up.

 

How have you seen the landscape within diversity of companies change in the last few years?

I do feel progress is being made. I think diversity is no longer seen as an 'HR issue', or a box-ticking exercise, company leaders are recognising that diverse teams build better products/provide better service, and ultimately make companies more successful and profitable.

A big problem now is the shortage of diverse talent, which is the result of an education system that fails underprivileged and underrepresented students, a lack of roles models, and numerous barriers to entry.

 

What would you say is the easiest step for someone - whether board member or junior - to take for a better future?

Become aware of your own biases! There are so many resources out there to help you do this, including free online unconscious bias tests. Seek to educate yourself on the experiences of underrepresented groups, share what you've learned, and continue to have these potentially tough conversations about diversity and inclusion!

This subject must continue to be at the forefront of our conversations, ultimately becoming a norm and engrained in how we make decisions.

 

 


 

Author: FI KIEVENAAR

Fi Kievenaar has worked for over five years in film and entertainment PR in the UK for clients including 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers and Lionsgate, creating campaigns for Academy Award winning films such as La La Land and the Judy Garland biopic Judy. She has also recently freelanced as a PR & social consultant for a production company at Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia.

LinkedIn profile

 

Her passion for creative writing began while writing features for films as part of her PR role, which developed into writing promotional scripts for film talent such as Ryan Reynolds and Mila Kunis.

Obsessed with film, Fi can be found reading up on the latest releases, rewatching her favourites or soaking up documentaries on nature or space – especially when David Attenborough is involved.

 
 
 

 

 

What does rebuilding mean to you?

 

In a time where phrases such as “in the current climate”, “with everything going on” and “in a time where” (yes, I know what I’ve done here), it can be tough to look ahead when the present is so opaque.

We hosted a fantastic event with Unleash Today - Finding your equilibrium and path forward during uncertainty - focusing on rebuilding, last week, focusing on the future and yourself.Its fascinating to hear different people’s thoughts on how to proceed and flourish back to what seems like a carefree life pre-pandemic, and then work on taking those steps ourselves. 

 

We asked a group of women what the word ‘rebuilding’ really meant to them, how it makes them feel and their attitude towards the future with this in mind.

 

How do you feel about rebuilding and what steps are you taking towards your future?

 

Whilst we try to go from A to B, it isn’t always that simple. Rebuilding to me means adapting – to changes, to circumstance, to needs and demands, whatever they may be. Whilst it may seem frustrating, scary and daunting, rebuilding can sometimes be exciting, make you reassess for the better and it also offers you chance to approach things in a new way. Whatever the circumstance and however I rebuild I try to focus on the end goal. No matter how I go about it and no matter what path I take, I will make it to B.

Abby, Marketing Manager, London. 

 

The pandemic has been a scary and unimaginable time. It’s been a time of uncertainty but there has been some positives that I hope to build into my new normal. This time has helped me to evaluate myself and slow down a little from my fast paced working life and appreciate the things closest to me. For example, I have a new love for my local area and my community and the small acts of kindness within it! 

Rose, Head of Creative Planning, London

 

The past 6 months have brought stress and anxiety to our lives on many levels. At the same time, it brought the perfect opportunity to many of us to review our lives and make real lasting changes. To me, rebuilding means taking a moment to re-set and start from scratch. The past few years have been so hectic that I haven’t taken the time to re-position myself and check: are my values still the same? Do I still have the same long-term goals? Which normal routines do I miss at the moment, and which not? Does what I am doing get me closer to where I want to be in the future? The pandemic therefore allowed me to stop, let go for a while and re-adjust my values and goals

Liselotte, Social Media Specialist, Helsinki

 

2020 started half a year ago, no one would have expected so many changes to the world and our life. Half a year ago, I was planning to apply for my internship in Bangkok. Half a year ago, I didn’t dare to ask for a job in Denmark. I was scared of changes, I was dreadful about it. In June 2020, I received my internship at my dream company in Denmark. I got to know so many experts in different fields and learned about their inspiring stories. I have grown professionally and personally. How did I rebuild myself at a time of such uncertainty? It took time and courage to rebuild. The lesson I learned in the whole process is that I need to be patient, flexible, and embrace changes. I also need to believe in myself. It is not as easy as saying. As I mentioned, it took a lot of courage to follow my heart. But once you do, you will find the light at the end of the tunnel

Uyen Phan, Events Lead, Denmark

 

Rebuilding to me is thinking about what I want to change within my life and the steps I can take to make it happen. This can be something big or something small. If it’s caused by something out of my control, then putting steps into place to rebuild, puts life back into my own control.

Sophia, Senior Publicity Manager, London

 

For me, rebuilding means, stopping, taking some time out and giving myself time to evaluate. Firstly, ‘where am I in my life, career, relationships?’ and ‘how did I get here?’ For me, of course I know it’s important to recognise if I am happy now, but also am I happy with how I got here - the time, the energy, the benefits etc. This helps me to understand where I want to go next and if I have that time and energy etc. to keep pursuing the path I am on, or if it’s time to re-direct. As a 33 year old I have had 4 career paths so far, and am about to embark on another. I have been knocked down, I have knocked myself down and each time I have carried on building who I am (while, let’s be honest, also having a cry and moan every so often too!). To me rebuilding is actually a chance to ‘carry on building’, it’s an opportunity to shake things up, to make sure you are doing what you want to do and you are happy and content with the direction you are going in and if not, well then it’s up to you to do something about it!

Emily, Freelance Planner, London 

 
 

For me, rebuilding starts with self-reflection. If I take time out and reflect on what it is I want to change or how I want to grow, then I find it manageable and easier to make these changes happen. It is also important to remember that it isn’t a linear process, but one that takes resilience and time. This is something I often need to remind myself of however, it makes a big difference to my mindset when I do.

Kayleigh, Second in Department, Suffolk 

 

Recently I’ve taken time to read more, talk to my friends and their perspective about current events to try and digest what is going on. In relation to systemic racism, I’ve taken time to evaluate my thoughts and behaviours and try to understand the deeper issues through reading and talking to friends of other races. I think it’s important to switch off from the world and media, even if it’s trash tv and just to sleep as much as possible. Overall the most important thing for me is to not over-engage in things I don’t have much control of. I think we are living in an over-saturated world where we can be too stimulated and would benefit from doing less.

Felicity, Graphic Designer, London

 

 

 

 


 

Author: FI KIEVENAAR

Fi Kievenaar has worked for over five years in film and entertainment PR in the UK for clients including 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers and Lionsgate, creating campaigns for Academy Award winning films such as La La Land and the Judy Garland biopic Judy. She has also recently freelanced as a PR & social consultant for a production company at Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia.

LinkedIn profile

 

Her passion for creative writing began while writing features for films as part of her PR role, which developed into writing promotional scripts for film talent such as Ryan Reynolds and Mila Kunis.

Obsessed with film, Fi can be found reading up on the latest releases, rewatching her favourites or soaking up documentaries on nature or space – especially when David Attenborough is involved.

 
 
 

 

Getting ready for the next lockdown ease

 

It has recently been announced that we are due another easing of lockdown. From July 4th, restaurants, pubs and hairdressers will be opening their doors – with strict social distancing rules still in place. Cinemas, museums and other attractions will also be opening, with various companies to announce how they will be managing social distancing, as I’m sure many people wouldn’t feel too comfortable sat in close proximity in a cinema for 2+ hours quite yet.

Will we ever feel totally comfortable in these situations again?

 

The lockdown has done funny things to us all. We have all seen people popping up on Instagram, showing off their ‘lockdown haircut’; as though the world has dumped us and we need to do something drastic to our hair to prove that we’re coping well without them. Whether it’s been the full-head shave, attempted to hide grey with an at home box hair dye or even attempting a new style such as a fringe that will probably be pinned back and grown out ASAP.

 

But now we’ve been gifted with the confirmation that lockdown is once again being relaxed. No more at home haircuts, your boyfriend coming at you with the kitchen scissors to rid you of split ends, no more collecting your Deliveroo order from the door and pretending all of that isn’t just for you and no more looking back fondly at Friday lunch time drinks, stood on the pavement of a dirty London street in the sun.

 

Of course, there are two ways of looking at the newly relaxed rules. Should we be looking at this in a “enjoy it while you can” with the second wave potentially hanging over our heads and the risk of another lockdown? Or do we continue as normal; only going into public if completely necessary.

 

We must still take into consideration those around you, do you really need that haircut? How much will going out for a pint actually cost you in terms of your health? Perhaps we could take extra precautions when going outside, such as wearing a facemask and of course, carrying anti bacterial gel on our person at all times.

Unfortunately – I am not the one with the correct answer to all of this. The only person in control of your new found freedom is you, so please join us in continuing to stay vigilant to those around you who may not be as self-aware.

 

 


 

Author: FI KIEVENAAR

Fi Kievenaar has worked for over five years in film and entertainment PR in the UK for clients including 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers and Lionsgate, creating campaigns for Academy Award winning films such as La La Land and the Judy Garland biopic Judy. She has also recently freelanced as a PR & social consultant for a production company at Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia.

LinkedIn profile

 

Her passion for creative writing began while writing features for films as part of her PR role, which developed into writing promotional scripts for film talent such as Ryan Reynolds and Mila Kunis.

Obsessed with film, Fi can be found reading up on the latest releases, rewatching her favourites or soaking up documentaries on nature or space – especially when David Attenborough is involved.

 
 
 

A LETTER FROM OUR CO PRESIDENT: KELLY CUESTA 

 

Hello my lovely PWN London & PWN Global family,

I hope you are doing well and keeping safe. I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign my position on the Board as Co President and Head of Comms for PWN London, effective end of this month. My other commitments have become too great for me to be able to fulfill the requirements of my 2 roles on the Board, and I feel it is best for me to make room for someone with the time and energy to devote to the job.

I must say I was delighted to be part of the able team that has led PWN London for the last 2 years. I became a member of the Board of PWN London as Head of Comms beginning of 2019, and was appointed Co President mid 2019 and took over from Rina and Greg, preceding presidents and mentors.

My commitment along this time has been high and always with wide vision to support women, especially young leaders, to be the best version of themselves and close the gender gap in leadership. As an expat, who has been living in different countries for a large part of my life, I think there is a lot to do in Europe in terms of DE&I and I am so grateful to have been part of PWN London and contribute to the mission by making an impact.

I am so proud of having moved the CN forward from the beginning of 2019 when I joined as Head of Comms to become Co president of PWN London with Derin, nearly 1 year ago. It was amazing to meet you all in Dublin last year, hope to see you soon again

 

Please feel free to keep in touch.

I wish you all the best.

 
Kelly Cuesta
Co President and Head of Communications PWN London
P: +447405238205
 
02.08.2020

Six documentaries we should all watch right now

 

Like everyone else, we’ve sat scrolling on Netflix for hours at a time just to settle on something we’ve watched dozens of times. Now is the time to be choosing something that will stimulate our brains and will make us really think about the world once those closing credits are rolling down the screen.

 

Netflix have been a front runner in producing fantastic and progressive content for the past few years and have very recently added a Black Lives Matter section to their ever-growing streaming service, ensuring an easy way for us to find important documentaries, series and films to educate and spread the word.

 

We have chosen just a small handful of what’s on offer currently from Netflix as a starting point on our journey of continuous education, knowledge and progression.

Next time we’re in the ‘endless scroll situation’, we know that we have a whole library of insightful content at our fingertips. And we can always go back and re-watch old episodes of your favourite sitcom afterwards.

 

Becoming

Join former first lady Michelle Obama in an intimate documentary looking at her life, hopes and connections with others as she tours with her internationally best selling book “Becoming”.

Described by Netflix as: Intimate, Feel-Good, Inspiring.

 

 

Period. End of Sentence.

In rural India, where the stigma of menstruation persists, women make low-cost sanitary pads on a new machine and stride towards financial independence.

Described by Netflix as: Inspiring.

 

 

13th

In this thought-provoking documentary, scholars, activists and politicians analyse the criminalisation of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom.

Described by Netflix as: Provocative, Investigative.

 

Knock Down the House

Go behind the scenes as four determined women – including Alexandria Ocasino-Cortex – challenge big-money politicians in the 2018 race for Congress.

Described by Netflix as: Provocative.

 

 

What Happened, Miss Simone?

Using never-before-heard recordings, rare archive footage and her best-known songs, this is a story of legendary singer and activist Nina Simone.

Described by Netflix as: Intimate, Investigative.

 

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson

As she fights the tide of violence against trans women, activist Victoria Cruz probes the suspicious 1992 death of her friend Marsha P. Johnson.

Described by Netflix as: investigative, emotional.

 
 

 

Author: FI KIEVENAAR

Fi Kievenaar has worked for over five years in film and entertainment PR in the UK for clients including 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers and Lionsgate, creating campaigns for Academy Award winning films such as La La Land and the Judy Garland biopic Judy. She has also recently freelanced as a PR & social consultant for a production company at Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia.

LinkedIn profile

 

Her passion for creative writing began while writing features for films as part of her PR role, which developed into writing promotional scripts for film talent such as Ryan Reynolds and Mila Kunis.

Obsessed with film, Fi can be found reading up on the latest releases, rewatching her favourites or soaking up documentaries on nature or space – especially when David Attenborough is involved.

 
 

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