Reclaiming Narratives: Championing Black Talent in the Workplace
Past event
Organised by The CIPD Branch in Manchester
Past event
Organised by The CIPD Branch in Manchester
Practical steps for organisations to reclaim narratives and uplift Black colleagues.
This session is to empower organisations to address workplace disparities faced by Black colleagues.
Attendees will gain insights from CEO Johanne Penney from Amp up your Voice, who will be sharing her personal journey and discuss practical strategies and support for Black colleagues in the workplace.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the importance of creating spaces where Black employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to share their experiences.
By leveraging the power of storytelling, organisations can cultivate empathy and understanding, enhancing workplace relationships.
Participants will leave with actionable tips that can be implemented immediately to build a more inclusive and equitable organisational culture, encouraging meaningful conversations and initiatives that uplift all colleagues.
Johanne Penney
Johanne Penney is the Founder & CEO of Amp Up Your Voice, an inclusion consultancy focused on helping organisations diversify authentically and become advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). With a specialisation in working with C-Suite leaders, Johanne develops long-term DEI strategies and delivers high-impact, educational workshops that drive inclusion and belonging. Her extensive experience spans over 150 organisations across sectors such as music, beauty, legal, construction, education, the NHS, energy, and more.
A recognised thought leader and public speaker, Johanne has delivered more than 50 talks, including six keynote speeches, on topics including cultural humility, psychological safety, self-advocacy, and leadership development. She is the author of “The Roadmap to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” a practical guide designed to help businesses take meaningful action, available via her website, Amp Up Your Voice. Her work has been featured in Violet Simon's Disruptors Magazine, and she has appeared on podcasts such as 1000VoicesUK and Black Create Connect.
Beyond her consultancy, Johanne is an executive mentor and coach, supporting individuals in overcoming systemic barriers to career progression. She also serves as a trustee on the board of Action for Trustee Racial Diversity, reinforcing her commitment to increasing representation at all levels.
Johanne is known for her ability to deliver lasting, impactful change, and her clients, many of whom are repeat customers, benefit from her deep expertise and dedication to creating inclusive work environments.
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