In this episode of The Black Sherpa Podcast, I sit down with the remarkable Hannah Awonuga, Group Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Knight Frank. With nearly 2 decades of experience in banking and a passion for championing diversity, Hannah shares her insights and personal journey that have shaped her into the influential DEI thought leader she is today.

Key Discussion Points:

• Guiding Light and Cultural Battles: Hannah reflects on her upbringing, navigating the clash of cultures at home, and the profound lessons learned from those experiences. She shares how these challenges served as a guiding light, shaping her perspective on diversity and inclusion.
• From Homelessness to Empowerment: Hannah opens up about her experience of homelessness and the transformative power of resilience. She emphasises the importance of understanding and embracing vulnerability, acknowledging that fear of returning to the bottom can be a driving force for positive change.
• Winging It in Parenting: With humour and candour, Hannah and the host delve into the chaotic yet rewarding journey of parenting. They share anecdotes and insights, highlighting the growth and learning that comes with raising children.
• Career Reflections: We discuss the significance of knowing what Hannah didn't want in her career, emphasising the value of self-awareness and clarity in professional pursuits. She shares her experiences with mentorship and sponsorship, stressing their role in breaking barriers and building diversity in leadership.
• Impactful Leadership and Representation: We explore dynamic approaches to making an impact in the workplace and advocates for diverse representation in senior roles. She provides advice on fostering inclusive environments and unlocking the full potential of talent through mentorship and support.
• Embracing Identity: As a black woman, Hannah sees her identity as a superpower and leverages her unique voice and perspective to drive change. She shares insights into managing dyslexia in the workplace and emphasises the importance of embracing diversity in all its dimensions, including social mobility.

Hannah Awonuga's journey from banking to becoming a leading voice in diversity, equity, and inclusion is nothing short of inspiring. With a career spanning nearly two decades and accolades including the 2021 WeAreTheCity Rising Star Award, Hannah's impact is felt across industries. As a non-executive director for Progress Together, she continues to champion socioeconomic diversity in the financial services sector.

With a vast LinkedIn network and a reputation as a passionate speaker and facilitator, Hannah brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every conversation. Her commitment to creating inclusive spaces and driving meaningful change serves as a beacon of inspiration for future leaders.

Tune in to this episode of The Black Sherpa Podcast to gain valuable insights from Hannah's journey and learn how to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in both your personal and professional life.

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The truth about what it takes to get ahead in life and business is out there…. It just not evenly distributed… YET!

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