Out of the Shadows: The Moment I Claimed My Voice, My Value and My Brand

Image courtesy of Precious Awards

I stepped out of the shadows and the first thing I noticed was how long I had been standing in them.

For a very long time I believed that being good at what I do would be enough. I have spent the best part of my career pushing people forward, tentatively putting myself forward because if I didn't do that I wouldn't have been able to run a business but knowing that if I "did too much" people would start to pick me apart as they so often do when they see someone who looks like me. I showed up, did what I was paid to do and delivered and I was for the most part (I hope) described as impressive because I delivered but I had been curating myself for other people's comfort. I'd focus more on my mistakes than my successes and hide behind my clients successes not always recognising that shining a spotlight on my own success was just as valuable too.

I have not always been comfortable with visibility and those who follow me across social media might be surprised by this but its true. I know what happens when a dark-skinned Black British Nigerian woman from a council estate in Hackney dares to be visible in a world that would rather she remains in the shadows. I know what happens when someone who looks like me dares to carve out a path so unusual and unique that the world keeps asking her "how?" and "why?".

That is why winning an award at the PRECIOUS Awards 15 years ago served as an anchor of visibility for me and all these years later as I celebrate what Foluke Akinlose MBE FRSA has accomplished. I may have lost track once in a while along the way (many times to be honest) but an award and a space created by Foluke served as a reminder whenever I felt as though remaining in the shadows was more comfortable than shining a light on who I am. We took this headshot at the #StillIRise Celebration, 20 years of Precious and even though all I had to get ready was my lipstick I didn't stay in the shadows, I said yes to the headshot in the same way that I say yes to life!

I share this because I work with people navigating this - the gap between what they know they are capable of and how they are currently being seen, knowing that they feel more comfortable in the shadows. But this is your reminder that staying hidden is also a choice and it is one you can unmake whenever you are ready just like me!

Image courtesy of Precious Awards